Fresh start: Welcoming New Students and Staff

Walnut Grove High School is pleased to announce a few of our newest students and educators who are joining the community for the 2025-2026 school year. 
by Elmer Castillo Vazquez, Chloe Fankah, Amelia May, Brody Rankin, and Rylee Watson

Coach Dillon Moon, is the new assistant basketball coach, spends his time assisting classrooms, accommodating our basketball team, and instructing our Special Education groups. Coach Moon came from Apalachee High School after teaching there for 4 years. He brings bravery and courage to Walnut Grove High School after the tragic event last September. Coach Moon was first interested in the assistant basketball coach position because “...a few people that work here are good friends of mine/family, like Coach Whitley. He is like a brother to me; I’ve known him my whole life.”

What inspired Coach Moon to teach? 
He said, “Actually, coaching and basketball is what got me into teaching. And when I got tired of my old HVAC job, I got into coaching.” He seems to be the perfect fit for our coaches, and ready for the basketball season. At Walnut Grove High School, a particular excellence is held within our education system, including staff and students. Walnut Grove is proud to welcome Coach Moon to our community!

---

Elaine McClain is a new junior has transferred from Alcovy High School in Newton County. Elaine McClain moved to WGHS because there were “...too many fights, and some impolite teachers at Alcovy.” She had a hard time coming to WGHS, leaving her friends behind and having technical issues while transferring her information. However, she was quickly won over by WGHS, “I like this school a lot better- it’s calmer, the teachers are nicer, and it’s easier to understand how they teach here.” Elaine is very artistically talented, and she's enjoying her Chorus class, especially because of Mr. Reidling.

​She’s looking forward to being in the Drama program next semester. Overall, she is settling in and is fitting in nicely alongside the rest of the students.  

---

Dylan Martinez 
A new junior student has made his way into WGHS, Dylan Martinez, with an abrupt change due to moving houses. He elaborates on his experience at Walnut Grove, starting off with teachers, he states, “…they are very welcoming and helpful,” especially for Dylan’s physics class. He originally enrolled at Norcross High School, which had a lot of relations to fighting. He is anticipating his Walnut Grove experience and plans on trying out for the boys' soccer team. 

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, Walnut Grove High School eagerly welcomes its newest students and educators. The school is beyond thrilled to have them join our community and looks forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring.

---

Coach Williams
Ms. Ashley Williams was welcomed to our school this year, and she’s already making an impact. Ms. Williams originally came here after receiving a message from Coach Bennet, asking if she could help with basketball. This has led her to Business Education and to moving into her fourth year of teaching.

“I kind of got put into teaching,” she explained, “but over the course of the last 3 years, I’ve enjoyed it. Especially the students that I have, getting to know them and having that open-door policy for them to come in and be themselves.”

Her first two weeks here have been “pretty smooth… The environment, the family feel, from the admin, all the way to the beautification staff-the custodians, everybody is so welcoming. I wouldn’t change anything.” Before coming here full-time, Ms. Williams started substituting before fully stepping into teaching. Now she’s focused on being in the classroom and connecting with her students.

---

Drew Williams, joining the junior class, has embarked on his high school journey to WGHS, Why? Drew shared the ins and outs of his last school, Prince Avenue, and how the opportunities and programs at WG are superior, like dual enrollment and work-based learning. His main focuses this year are, “…going to work instead of being in school, and still getting the credit plus work experience.”

Outside of the classroom, Drew started his own detailing company and is building his client base quickly. He uses his Work-based learning blocks to accumulate more knowledge, job experience, and loyal customers for his business. He hopes to continue and expand his company, possibly to train and supply a team for his organization. As Drew settles in, he shares his gratitude for the staff and student body here at WG, “I love Walnut Grove; it's super chill and the kids are cool here.”

---