Co-hosts Matt Reynolds and Logan Beer launch a new season of One Bulldog Drive with a comprehensive roundup of the busy start to the school year at George Walton Academy.

In this episode, Reynolds and Beer preview a packed lineup of campus events, including Thursday’s Ice Cream Social and Pep Rally, Friday’s home football opener against Valwood in Don Williams Stadium, featuring the debut of new red stadium lighting, and Friday’s Youth Night festivities. They also discuss how the Champions Club pass benefits Bulldog families and share details on the second annual Champions Club Golf Tournament, set for Sept. 21 at The Georgia Club.

The hosts also recap foundational campus traditions from the first weeks of school, including the Middle School Mega Relay, class bonding during the senior and freshman retreats at Woodlands Camp, and new menu offerings from returning chef Will Angel in the dining hall.

Episode Highlights:

• Athletics & Game Day: A look ahead to Friday night football, enhanced stadium lighting, and Youth Night recognitions.
• Booster & Community Updates: Champions Club membership details and registration for the Sept. 21 golf tournament.
• Student Life & Traditions: Stories from the first-day Middle School Mega Relay and high school retreats in Cleveland, Georgia.
• Campus Life: What’s new in the GWA dining hall with Chef Will Angel.

In the latest Head of School podcast, John Marshall and guests Matt Reynolds, Jeanie Collin and Amanda Jackson discuss a season of growth and community at George Walton Academy.

The group highlights the success of the GWA Gala and Chef Will Angel’s return this June. The episode also previews the Boosterthon for playground improvements and details the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week festivities. From celebrating the newly crowned prom royalty to noting a surge in admissions interest, the discussion underscores the vibrant momentum felt across campus.

George Walton Academy Head of School John Marshall is joined by Head Football Coach Logan Beer and Quarterback AJ Dillard for a special sports edition of the podcast. Following an 11-0 regular season and a significant playoff victory against Bulloch Academy, the Bulldogs are preparing to travel to Macon this Friday for the state semifinals against Stratford.

The group discusses the team's undefeated run, which Coach Beer attributes to a disciplined focus on "the process" and controlling fundamentals like minimizing turnovers and penalties. Quarterback AJ Dillard highlights the exceptional team camaraderie, built through rigorous preseason activities like the 'Red Dawn' training with the SWAT team.

In a candid moment, Coach Beer and AJ Dillard share how the team's culture is built around a "more than football" philosophy. They detail how the senior leaders, or "Alpha Dogs," have invested in a character-based approach that includes service projects and Bible studies, demonstrating the impact of faith and leadership on the team's success.

In a recent conversation with fellow senior and GWA marketing intern, Will Vaughn, Jalen Alston-Taylor peeled back the curtain on his life as a multi-talented Bulldog. He discussed how he balances the demands of varsity basketball with the discipline required to write his second book and produce a podcast. More than his activities, Alston-Taylor highlighted the advantage of embracing what makes him different, sharing a powerful perspective on how his faith has guided his success and provided the blueprint for his diverse endeavors.

Head of School John D. Marshall is joined by Matt Reynolds and Jon Terrell to explore the Winter Term experience. Listen in as they detail the value of the Internship Program, Capstone Learning Experiences (CLEs), and learn about the incredible global travel opportunities taking Bulldogs to places like New Zealand and the Galapagos Islands. Hear how GWA prepares students for life by moving them outside their comfort zone.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 1 Bulldog Drive, the official podcast of George Walton Academy!

We’ve assembled GWA’s top leadership for a conversation about the start of the new school year. Head of School John D. Marshall is joined by Assistant Head of School Kellie Watts and our new Dean of Students, Jonathan Burke.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Meet Dean Burke
• Hear all about Classroom Observations
• Learn about the Peer Tutoring difference

Tune in for an insider's look at the strategic steps GWA is taking to deliver on the promise of being More Than A School.