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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800

• Veterans Day Program: Friday, Nov. 11
• Go Beyond Groundbreaking: Wednesday, Nov. 16 @ 10 a.m.
• K5 Performance: Thursday, Nov. 17
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 21 - 25
• GWA Preview Day: Thursday, Dec. 1
• Christmas Dance Show: Thursday, Dec. 1
• Christmas Tree Program: Friday, Dec. 2
• Gingerbread Christmas: Sunday, Dec. 4

Our annual Veterans Day Celebration is a school-wide and greater community event. All students should wear regular dress code apparel to school tomorrow and not spirit wear. THANK YOU to all of the brave men and women who have proudly served and sacrificed for our nation!

The search committee has been working closely with the leadership team from the Georgia Independent School Association throughout the process of searching for a new Head of School. Thank you to those that participated in the focus groups made up of GWA parents, students, alumni, teachers, and staff who provided valuable input.

The committee received applications from many highly-qualified candidates. Interviews are now underway and the Committee is on track to announce the new Head of School in late November/early December.

We believe that success stories start at George Walton Academy. Supporting the Annual Loyalty Fund isn't just about enhancing our programs, it's about investing in the most valuable part of our school — our people.

But don't just take our word for it. The amazing community of more than 50 years of GWA alumni is evidence of the significance of the education and experiences provided at George Walton Academy.

Would you consider investing in the next generation of Bulldogs and their success stories?

• Give online at www.givegwa.com

• Mail in or drop off a gift to the school

• Contact the GWA Development Office for stock or other non-traditional gifts

By Rachel Crabtree

Shakespeare's Tavern came to GWA to lead the AP Language students through a workshop on rhetoric and argument while exploring Shakespeare's language, comedy, and outrageous insults. Students learned how to effectively use their rhetorical (and comedic) tools to achieve their argumentative goals - much like Shakespeare did in his comedies. They also deepened their understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. Students enjoyed having the opportunity to see the silly side of Shakespeare, work with professional actors, and expand their knowledge through experiential learning. They will be taking what they have learned from this workshop to strengthen their rhetorical analysis and argumentative essays for their in-class writing and the AP exam in May.

By Chris Jones

On Tuesday, the sixth-grade class met with the third grade to present what they have learned about minerals. Using mineral samples and presentations they created, the sixth graders taught their audience about the environments where minerals form and identifying characteristics of each mineral. Sixth grader Emma Konik commented, "I really enjoyed using what we have learned in class to teach the younger students."

The Swim dawgs dive into the season with great showings at their first meet at the Rockin’ Raiders Invitational in Habersham County. Sixteen varsity swimmers competed with 18 out of 31 varsity events qualifying for the GIAA State meet on January 28 at Georgia Tech!

The middle school swim team also had 16 swimmers participating, including eight swimmers who are brand new to the sport. Jet Davis was the top scorer for the boys. He swam his personal best in the 50 butterfly and Jaida Baldwin knocked almost 5 seconds off her 50 free! Drake Ferguson swam his personal best in the 50 free. The next meet for middle school and varsity is this Friday night at a swim invitational at Georgia Tech.

The varsity football players and managers each selected a mentor faculty/staff member to honor for senior night. They sent them a personal invitation to the football game and joined them for a picture on Friday before the game.

Congratulations to William Betterton on being selected by the GWA Athletic Performance instructors as the October Lifter of the Month. He is eligible for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All America Award at the end of the school year.

The Interact Club is hosting a donation drive for Operation Christmas Child. Each grade level is asked to bring a small donation in their grade-level category by November 11. Grade-level boxes are around school. All donations should be small enough to fit in a shoebox. Students can find a sample of donations in the front lobby. Grade-level requests:

• School supplies - the Hill, 7, 12
• Toiletries - 1, 6, 11
• Accessories - 2, 4, 9
• Toys - 3, 5, 8, 10

Please email Melissa Page at mpage@gwa.com with any questions.

The Walton County Empty Stocking fund provides food for 375 local families. Please help them provide support for our neighbors and send in your canned goods by November 18. Collection barrels have been placed around campus and if we collect 1000 cans, we will have a dress code free day.

GWA seniors and their first graders enjoyed spending time together during the annual Senior/First Grade Brunch. With the world adventure theme displayed throughout the lower school gym, students enjoyed delicious food, games, photos and, most of all, the chance to get to know each other better. Special thanks to our first-grade parents for hosting this wonderful event, led by Kristen Terry and Melissa King. From passports, to special treats and eats, you took our first graders and seniors on an unforgettable journey.

Today's In Focus is proudly sponsored by Atkinson Ferguson, LLC (atkinsonferguson.com). Interested in advertising through our Corporate Partnership program? Contact Mike Elmankabady melmankabady@gwa.com or call 678-635-3812.