In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
December 20, 2017
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (770) 267-7578
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Merry Christmas! As we look forward to 2018, please click on the video below to enjoy memorable moments from 2017!
There's Still Time to Make a Difference!
Take advantage of year-end tax benefits by making your gift to the Annual Loyalty Fund by December 31st. Your gift is important each and every year and we are committed to being good stewards of your investment. We encourage you to give not only to strengthen the GWA experience but also to celebrate our exceptional students and faculty.
The year-end deadline is quickly approaching. Simply click on the link below, or email Jeanie Beach at jbeach@gwa.com or call or text her at 770-714-6238.
20 Seconds to Help Us Reach Our GOAL
Contribute to the GOAL program and receive a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit.
Apply for a 2018 tax credit by contacting Jenni Cole at jcole@gwa.com or by taking 20 seconds to complete the form online at www.goalscholarship.org.
- Payment is not required until 60 days after DOR approval, which will be mid-March of 2018.
- Your contribution makes a significant impact on our school without costing you a dime – literally!
- Click here for more information about GOAL.
Questions? Please contact Jenni Cole at jcole@gwa.com or 678-635-3830. Thank you for your participation and for your support of GWA!
Paws for Presents
All was merry and bright as GWA Student Life and Student Council partnered with The Boys and Girls Club of Monroe and sponsored “Paws for Presents”. The Christmas spirit was in full force as GWA students shopped with students from the Boys and Girls Club to provide them with Christmas presents. “Paws for Presents” provides an opportunity to help others experience the joys of the Christmas season while forming relationships and serving as positive role models in our community.
Driver's Education Camp
New London School of Driving will be conducting a Driver’s Education Camp during the Christmas Break. Joshua’s Law requires 30 hours of classroom time and six hours behind the wheel. The following dates will complete the 30 hours of classroom time required by the State of Georgia.
- Saturday December 23nd
- Wednesday December 27th
- Thursday December 28th
- Friday December 29th
- Saturday December 30th
Once the classroom time is completed, the driving portion (3 lessons, two hours each) can be scheduled. Driving lessons are conducted seven days per week.
Seats are limited – please call 770.466.0410 or visit www.newlondondriving.com to sign up.
The Art of Formal Letter Writing
The 12Ks Before Christmas
"We completed the 12 kilometers the last week before finals as a celebration of the progress made in the students' endurance throughout the semester," explained Coach Holly. The finisher’s medal looks like a shoelace in the shape of a Christmas tree with 12K’s til Christmas imprinted on it. Each participant also received a red beanie. "We had a great time achieving this goal and the girls were really proud of their improvement in all areas of fitness and strength this semester."
Lifesaving Lessons
BASKETBALL
Dec. 28 & 29 - Tournament at Bethlehem Christian
Jan. 2 – JV & Varsity @ Athens Academy: JV boys 4:30, VG 6:00, VB 7:30
Jan. 2 – MS @ HOME: Girls 5:30, Boys 6:30
WRESTLING
Dec. 21 & 22 - Eric Hill Invitational @ Loganville High School
Dec. 30 - Chamblee Scramble @ Chamblee High School
Dec. 30 – MS Round Robin @ Walnut Grove
Taking It to the Mat
Helping Kids Get Back On Track
Joanna Malcom, GWA ’08, transferred from neurotrauma acute care to join the Pediatric Rehabilitation Physical Therapy team at Spartanburg Regional Hospital in Spartanburg, SC. Joanna earned a B.A. in Communication Studies in 2012 from Mercer University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as a Tift College Scholar She completed her studies to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina in 2015.
Deferred, Now What?
In previous In Focus articles, the Counseling Department has celebrated GWA’s Class of 2018’s numerous early acceptances. Many colleges are reporting big upsurges in applicants applying early, meaning that word has gotten out that it's "easier" to be accepted early. The result, of course, is a significant drop in the percent being accepted and an accompanying rise in competitiveness.
While Emory and Georgia Tech have always been very selective, the greatest increase in early applications has occurred at UGA. According to UGA’s Office of Admissions, in October 2017, 15,000 students applied early and 8,000 were accepted. While some GWA students were in that pool, some received a polite "not now," a deferral until the regular decision round in the spring.
The first thing to keep in mind is that a deferral is not a denial and there is still hope. Read more.