Gatewood School

Gatewood’s Jeff Decker stands beside a large aerial photograph of the school’s 30-acre complex, much of which he had a hand in helping to develop over his nearly 13 years in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s Jeff Decker stands beside a large aerial photograph of the school’s 30-acre complex, much of which he had a hand in helping to develop over his nearly 13 years in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s Decker prepares for retirement

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Jeff Decker never planned to become head of school at Gatewood in Eatonton.In fact, because he was more comfortable on the sidelines of a football field, Decker said he never intended to lead from the front office of any school.
Homecoming Queen Presley Elizabeth Moss with her father Jay Moss. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Homecoming Queen Presley Elizabeth Moss with her father Jay Moss. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Photos: Gatewood 2025 Homecoming Court

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Gatewood recently held its annual Homecoming Week, culminating in a football game against Augusta Prep last Friday. At halftime of the game, those nominated for Homecoming Queen were escorted to midfield by their guests. Presley Elizabeth Moss was named to 2025 Homecoming Queen.
Gatewood music and drama teacher Beth Mappes (standing, second from left) led a sizable crew and cast in presenting the classic “Wizard of Oz” to sold-out crowds last week at the Eatonton-based school. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood music and drama teacher Beth Mappes (standing, second from left) led a sizable crew and cast in presenting the classic “Wizard of Oz” to sold-out crowds last week at the Eatonton-based school. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood presents ‘Wizard of Oz’ to appreciative audience

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
With a cast of nearly 50, the Gatewood Players presented “The Wizard of Oz” last week as the inaugural production on Gatewood’s new stage in the auditorium that doubles as the lunchroom on school days.
Gatewood wrestler and football team member Blake Daniel was escorted by his parents Lorraine and Roger, with K-5 buddy Averly Smith. Blake plans to attend Emmanuel College to earn a degree in business management. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood wrestler and football team member Blake Daniel was escorted by his parents Lorraine and Roger, with K-5 buddy Averly Smith. Blake plans to attend Emmanuel College to earn a degree in business management. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Photos: Gatewood honors senior fall athletes

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Gatewood’s senior athletes from fall sports, including the basketball, shotgun, and wrestling teams, were recognized alongside parents and K-5 buddies from the Gatewood grade school on Jan. 24 between the girls’ and boys’ basketball games that night.
Seven Gatewood shooters made the All-State list, including Lawrey Benner, Carson Courchaine, Blake Daniel, Bryson Elwer, Carson Fried, Carson Lingle, and Wyatt Wojtas. CONTRIBUTED

Seven Gatewood shooters made the All-State list, including Lawrey Benner, Carson Courchaine, Blake Daniel, Bryson Elwer, Carson Fried, Carson Lingle, and Wyatt Wojtas. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood wins 9th state shotgun title

Staff Reports
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Led by Carson Lingle and Bryson Elwer, who finished first and second overall, the Gatewood Varsity Shotgun Team secured its ninth GIAA AA state championship in the past 11 years this past weekend at the Forest City Gun Club in Savannah.
Gatewood’s Colton Cheek fires during the skeet portion of the event on Saturday at Old Hudson Plantation in Sparta. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood’s Colton Cheek fires during the skeet portion of the event on Saturday at Old Hudson Plantation in Sparta. CONTRIBUTED

Lingle leads Gatewood shooters to victory

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Gatewood’s Carson Lingle shot a rare, perfect 150 to lead the Gators’ varsity shotgun team to victory Saturday over five visiting school teams at Old Hudson Plantation.
Head of Gatewood Schools Jeff Decker (center with bow) made the cut to officially open Gatewood’s new high school, though the building has been in use since school resumed early last month. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Head of Gatewood Schools Jeff Decker (center with bow) made the cut to officially open Gatewood’s new high school, though the building has been in use since school resumed early last month. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Gatewood officially opens new high school building

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Though it’s been in use since school resumed Aug. 12, Gatewood Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday night to officially open its new high school building.
Eatonton’s Vincent Hancock competes at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. FILE PHOTO

Eatonton’s Vincent Hancock competes at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. FILE PHOTO

Gatewood alum chasing history at Paris Olympics

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Gatewood alum Vincent Hancock will compete in the men’s skeet shooting competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Hancock is a three-time gold medalist, claiming victories in Beijing (2008), London (2012), and Tokyo (2021).
IAN TOCHER/Staff

IAN TOCHER/Staff

Progress being made for Gatewood's new high school

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
On Oct. 4 last year, Gatewood School officials, local community leaders, and representatives of SmithBuilt Construction Group gathered to toss the ceremonial first shovelfuls of dirt that signified the start of building a new high school in Eatonton.
Blake Callaway attempts to jump over the bar during the high jump event at a meet earlier this season. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Blake Callaway attempts to jump over the bar during the high jump event at a meet earlier this season. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Gatewood T&F prepares for region meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Gatewood track-and-field recently wrapped up a successful regular season and is preparing for the region meet.The boys’ team won its last home meet on April 3, while the Gatewood girls’ squad placed third overall.
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