KnightTimes Summer 2018 by Pace Academy

SUMMER 2018

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F PA C E A C A D E M Y

“Now the training wheels are off. It is up to us to apply what we have learned and change the world.” —Ben Thompson, Salutatorian

2018

C LASS of

The Year of Energy T H E I SDE L L C E N T E R FOR G LO B A L L E A D E R S H I P ’S 2 0 1 8 – 2 0 19 T H E M E

BEYOND

N O T Y O T Y P I C S C I E N C L A

U A C S

R L E S

Melanie

Dana

LETTER FROM THE CO-EDITORS

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We were honored (and a bit intimidated!) to step in as co-editors for this issue of the KnightTimes. With that said, we want to extend a warm welcome back to the magazine’s editor and director of Communications, CAITLIN GOODRICH JONES ’00, who has recently returned from maternity leave. We’re excited to feature Caitlin and her husband, Wes, with their precious twins, Stella and Porter, in the Alumni section on page 60. And, speaking of amazing people, we’ve featured this year’s retiring faculty and staff—RICK CANFIELD, RICKS CARSON, DAVIS JAMES, LAURA INMAN and CHARLIE OWENS—starting on page 20. Please join us in thanking these gifted teachers, mentors and friends for their years of service to the Pace community. This issue wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of Pace staffers HAYLEY SHOJI ’12 and RYAN VIHLEN, our summer intern SOPHIE ZELONY ’17, and our other talented guest writers. We are also grateful to countless other members of the Pace family—so many have readily given their ideas, creativity and time to bring this issue to life. THANK YOU! We hope you and your family enjoy these last days of summer, whether you’re taking a spontaneous roadtrip, catching up on Netflix or reading a good book by the pool.

Melanie Pope

Dana Rawls

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS AND STEWARDSHIP MANAGER

PACE CARES When our families and staff are in need, Pace Cares.

TH E M A G A ZIN E OF PA C E A C A D EM Y

KnightTimes

GUEST WRITERS B O Y E R

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, BOBBI BOYER worked in sales and marketing in the commercial window business. She decided to follow her love of sports by becoming involved in coaching and pursuing a master’s degree in sports management through Liberty University. Boyer is a community coach at Pace Academy and recently completed her internship with Pace Athletics.

H A N N A H

K E L L Y

R I C H A R D S O N

’ 1 8

MOLLY RICHARDSON ’18 is a recent Pace graduate and will attend the University of Georgia this fall. While at Pace, Richardson ran cross country, served on the Student Advisory Board, mentored younger students through the PASS program and was an Isdell Global Leader.

S O P H I E

Z E L O N Y

’ 1 7

SOPHIE ZELONY ’17 is a rising sophomore at Vanderbilt University studying communications and law, history and society. This summer, Zelony enjoyed her internship with Pace’s Office of Advancement and worked closely with the Office of Communications. While at Pace, Zelony participated in varsity tennis and service learning. She was a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society and Orkin Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and hanging out with her friends.

CONTENTS 06 NEWS 10

AROUND PACE A look at what's happening on campus 18 PACE FUND DONOR PROFILE THE BATTISTA FAMILY 20 RETIRING FACULTY & STAFF RICK CANFIELD, RICKS CARSON, DAVIS JAMES, CHARLIE OWENS and LAURA INMAN

24 ALL ABOUT PACE ARTS 30 ATHLETICS 31 OUR NEWEST COLLEGE ATHLETES 32 SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Baseball, gymnastics, golf, track & field, lacrosse, tennis and soccer 38 ICGL The Isdell Center for Global Leadership

44 GLOBAL LEADERS Inspiring individuals within the Pace community 44 FACULTY PROFILE KELLY COLQUITT 46 THE YEAR OF ENERGY The Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s 2018–2019 theme 50 THE CLASS OF 2018 Graduation, senior awards and college choices 54 BEYOND AP BIO DR. KAYLAN HAIZLIP’S advanced science research class 56 ALUMNI UPDATES 63 ALUMNI PARENT PROFILE KIERY BRAITHWAITE ’90 and CHAFFEE BRAITHWAITE HEILMAN ’95 66 LEADERSHIP PACE 68 KNIGHT CAP

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

HEAD OF SCHOOL FRED ASSAF

DIVISION HEADS

’ 1 5

HANNAH KELLY ’15 is a rising senior at Duke University studying English and computer science. While at Pace, Kelly was a member of the Barbara and Sanford Orkin Society, the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running and playing with her cat.

M O L L Y

www.paceacademy.org

MICHAEL GANNON Head of Upper School GRAHAM ANTHONY Head of Middle School SYREETA MOSELEY Head of Lower School

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT CAITLIN GOODRICH JONES ’00 Director of Communications, Editor OMAR LÓPEZ THISMÓN Digital Content Producer RYAN VIHLEN* Creative Services Manager, Graphic Designer LELA WALLACE Digital Communications Manager

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS FRED ASSAF GEMSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHIC www.gemshots.com LAURA INMAN SMAX PHOTOGRAPHY www.smaxart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MELANIE POPE DANA RAWLS HAYLEY SHOJI ’12

OUR MISSION To create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the values and legacy of Pace Academy. To contribute ideas for the KnightTimes, please email Caitlin Jones at caitlin.jones@paceacademy.org.

*This is RYAN VIHLEN'S 20th KnightTimes.

B O B B I

966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327

Dear Pace Family,

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL THE COVER Cover photograph by Digital Content Producer OMAR LÓPEZ THISMÓN

I began my tenure as Head of School as the Class of 2018 entered Pre-First. It’s hard to believe those enthusiastic 5-year-olds are now headed to college, and I’m starting my 14th year at Pace Academy. How time flies! In this issue, we celebrate the culmination of our graduates’ years at Pace (page 50). Our newest alumni are an accomplished group, and they have contributed to life at our school in myriad ways, changing us for the better. I know they will do the same in the world that awaits them. We also look back at some of the highlights of spring semester (page 16), explore the hands-on research taking place in Upper School science teacher DR. KAYLAN HAIZLIP’S lab (page 54) and kick off the Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s Year of Energy (page 46). As we embark on a new school year, I want to thank you for the energy that you bring to Pace. Our partnership powers the life-changing work our faculty and staff do every day as we strive to prepare our children for the road ahead—rather than prepare the road for them. Thank you for helping us fulfill our mission: To create prepared, confident citizens of the world. Here’s to the year ahead! Sincerely,

THIS PAGE In April, we celebrated the Knights of the Round Table for their generous support of uknight: The Pace Fund. Members enjoyed an evening of food, beverages and socializing in the Pace Gardens. See more photos on page 10.

FRED ASSAF HEAD OF SCHOOL

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

NEWS What you ne ed to know

AMBLER

LEADING T H E WAY With the start of a new school year, several familiar faces will assume different responsibilities within the Pace Academy community, and we’ll welcome new faces to

BRYAN

leadership positions.

EWING

PAM AMBLER

BEN EWING ’06

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

CLASS OF 2022 DEAN, UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

PAM AMBLER comes to Pace from Atlanta’s Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, where she served as associate director of College Counseling, creating a comprehensive college-counseling curriculum and pioneering innovative programs for students, parents and faculty. “My primary goals as a college counselor are related to storytelling,” Ambler says. “I’m skilled at listening for the details that matter most to students; I help them see their relevance, and I partner with them as they craft their stories.”

BEN EWING ’06 returns to his alma mater after serving two years in the Peace Corps, living and working in a remote iTaukei village in the interior mountains of Figi. Prior to the Peace Corps, Ewing was a faculty member, hall parent and lacrosse coach at the Asheville School in Asheville, N.C. “As a teacher, I hope to use biology as a platform to foster within each student an appreciation for the complexity of life,” Ewing says. “As a Pace dean, I am eager to support each of the incoming ninth graders as they enter the Upper School, a new place full of exciting and different challenges.”

SEAN BRYAN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR

LAMPLEY

MASON

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

SEAN BRYAN has served as director of Upper School theatre and taught numerous courses within the visual and performing arts department since joining Pace in 2015. His experiences have prepared him for his new role as department chair. “The arts are a major beacon and contributor to the Pace community,” says Bryan. “I’m looking forward to helping guide our programs through our continued successes. We have such a talented arts faculty, and I’m honored to represent them to the best of my ability.”

CATHERINE LAMPLEY LOWER SCHOOL LIBRARIAN CATHERINE LAMPLEY comes to Pace with a master’s in library science from the University of Alabama and a certificate in library and media technology from Georgia State University. Previously a librarian with the DeKalb County Public Library, Lampley hopes that her love of reading is contagious. “I want to play a small part in helping students discover the wonders of a good book,” she says.

NEWS

LIZ MASON

BEN WESCOTT

DIRECTOR OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER, MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

LIZ MASON’S experience as a special education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Cobb County will inform her work as director of the Middle School’s Academic Resource Center. “I believe in an inclusive environment where there is emphasis on intellectual and emotional development as well as academic achievement,” says Mason. “The diversity of my experience as an educator has inspired me to believe that students can be respected and loved as family members.”

ALLISON RILEY DEAN OF STUDENTS ALLISON RILEY’S eight years as a class dean have prepared her well for her new role: overseeing honor and discipline in the Upper School. “Character is key to a strong community,” says Riley, who has taught Spanish at Pace since 2006. “I look forward to partnering with students, parents and faculty to raise the children in our Pace family to put honor and integrity first as they become leaders in our school, city and world.”

JANIE ROWE DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOL DESIGN THINKING Following five years as a classroom teacher— two of them at Pace—JANIE ROWE takes the reins of the Lower School’s Design Thinking program. “I love Pace and believe in our motto, To have the courage to strive for excellence, and our vision to develop empathetic global citizens,” Rowe says. “We have incredible, creative teachers and students. My goal is to help encourage teachers and students alike to further engage in Design Thinking by empowering students to identify real-world problems and create innovative solutions.”

“After 10 years in college admission, I’ve visited hundreds of high schools all over the country,” says BEN WESCOTT, previously associate director of admission at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. “Pace stands out because of its small size and big opportunities, commitment to diversity, location, and academic quality. It’s a very special community that focuses on students first.” At Rhodes, Wescott managed an enrollment territory including Atlanta and the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions; served as the primary liaison between the Office of Admission, Athletics and Alumni & Development; oversaw hiring and training; established a Senior Fellows program; and served as a mentor to first-year students.

R I LE Y

ROWE

SHARMAN WHITE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS SHARMAN WHITE joins Pace Athletics from Georgia State University, where he served as assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. He will lend his expertise to the entire athletics department and coach varsity boys basketball. “My goal is to create lifelong learners and valuable contributors to society on and off the athletic fields,” White says. Director of Athletics DR. TROY BAKER adds, “We are excited about the wealth of administrative knowledge and experience Coach White brings to Pace.”

WESCOTT

GUS WHYTE MATH DEPARTMENT CHAIR GUS WHYTE has worn many hats during his nine years at Pace—math teacher, coach, dean of students and associate athletics director, to name a few. In addition to teaching and coaching, Whyte will lead the Upper School math department going forward. “I am honored to take over such a strong department, and I am really looking forward to working closely with my fellow math colleagues,” Whyte says. “Math is as important as ever, and together, our department will work to inspire our students and prepare them for the ever-changing technological landscape.”

WHITE

WHYTE

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

JOHNSON RECEIVES ABC YOUNG LEADERS AWARD â

GSPA HONORS THE KNIGHTLY NEWS á The Georgia Scholastic Press Association recognized The Knightly News, the Upper School student newspaper, at its annual General Excellence Awards ceremony in Athens, Ga. Under the leadership of senior co-editors-in-chief AMY BUTLER and MICHAEL SIMON and faculty adviser LEE WILSON, The Knightly News print publication won the statewide award for General Excellence in its size category. The Knightly News website, entered into the competition separately, was awarded a rating of Excellent. In addition, senior GEORGE SHEPHERD won the highest statewide All-Georgia award in the Sports News category, and junior WILL ZOOK won a Superior award in the Critical Review category.

LATIN STUDENTS THRIVE æ Middle and Upper School students continue to prove that Latin is alive and well at Pace Academy. This spring, 11 Latin students participated in the Georgia Junior Classical League State Convention in Eatonton, Ga. Students earned 32 individual top-five awards, resulting in first-place trophies for points earned per delegate as well as for total points in their division. Students earning individual topfive awards in their respective levels Middle School Latin winners were senior JACKSON FULLER; juniors JEREMY LEVIN, ABIGAIL LUND and JACOB SLOMAN; sophomores AUSTIN FULLER, JACKSON HAMEL, MAE SHIPPEN and ALAN TAPPER, and freshman HARLEY RYAN. Spring also brought the National Latin Exam. Middle and Upper School students joined more than 143,000 students from all 50 states and 24 countries in taking the exam. Eighth-grade winners on the Latin I Exam were SAMUEL ALKIRE, EDDI ARONSON, CAROLINE BROWN, ELEANOR DUPREE, MEGAN EGHTEDARI, GIANA KARAMANOLIS and JASON TAPPER. Seventh-grade winners on the Introduction to Latin Exam were OWEN ROSS, SOPHIE SHAPIRO and ALEX GOODRICH.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

“CHRISTIAN JOHNSON is a scholar, scientist, athlete, friend and leader—and he’s only 12 years old,” Director of Admissions JENNIFER MCGURN wrote when recommending the sixth grader for the 2018 A Better Chance Young Leaders Award. “But perhaps my favorite quality of Christian’s is that he influences others to do good things.” An eager and inquisitive student, a member of the wrestling and robotics teams and the Middle School’s most frequent host for prospective students, Johnson was one of two sixth graders nationwide to receive the annual prize and gift of $250, presented to A Better Chance (ABC) Scholars who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership within their school communities. As an organization, ABC strives to “increase substantially the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society.” Its college preparatory schools program annually recruits, refers and supports about 500 A Better Chance Scholars at more than 300 of the nation’s leading boarding, day and public schools. Pace has been a proud ABC partner for more than 40 years. “I feel fortunate that Christian chose Pace,” McGurn says. “We are a better school and community because he is here.”

A LAUDABLE LETTER â

NEWS

Sixth-grader WALKER SMITH recently won third place in Letters About Literature, a statewide writing contest. Every year, participants read a book, poem or speech and write to the author—living or dead—to explain how the piece affected them personally. Smith selected The Revealers by David Wilhelm, a teen novel about bullying. “Walker is a young man who thinks deeply about the world around him,” says English teacher ERIC WILHELM (no relation to the author), who oversees Pace Academy’s participation in the contest. “It all came together for him in this one thoughtful piece of writing.”

Photo credit: River Oak Photography

LIZZY KAYE, ALL-AMERICAN á The National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association has announced All-American divers for the 2017–2018 competitive season, and freshman LIZZY KAYE is on the list! Kaye brought home the 2018 Class 1A–3A Georgia High School Association state diving title, setting a new 11-dive school record and earning All-State honors. She placed third in the state in all classifications.

EXCELLENCE IN ACTING å The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards—Shuler Hensley Awards, which celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre, recognized senior SCHUYLER DROSE with an Honorable Mention Award for his role as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the 2017 Upper School musical.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

AROUND PACE A look at what's happening at Pace

VO L U N T E E R S FOR T H E 2018 UKNIGHT: T H E PAC E FUND C A M PA I G N INCLUDED: CO-CHAIRS JIM MASKE TREY LOUGHRAN

NEW FAMILY CHAIR

U KNIGHTING TO SAY THANKS Spring is a season for expressing appreciation in the Pace Academy community. In April, the Pace administration and Board of Trustees celebrated the Knights of the Round Table giving society members for their generous support of uknight: The Pace Fund during the 2017–2018 school year. Members—those who give $1,500 or more to The Pace Fund—and Pace Fund Committee volunteers were recognized while enjoying an evening of food, beverages and socializing in the Pace Gardens.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

DEREK HARDESTY

PARENT VOLUNTEERS RUSS ALLEN ’93 LORI BAKER TROY BAKER DREW BATTISTA ANDY BECK ALLISON BERGER MICHELE BOUSHKA MARY BREADY BOB BRENNAN ’88 AMY BRUMFIELD JANE BUTLER SCOTT CREASMAN LARRY CUMMINGS ’86 JIMMY CUSHMAN PETE DAVIS STEVEN DEFRANCIS DAVID DELMONTE BLAKE DEXTER ’90 JIM DOUGLASS STEPHANIE DOUGLASS DAVID DUNCAN ANAND DUTTA KARA DUTTA BANU ASIK ELIZONDO REID FUNSTON MATT GAUDET JULIE GOLDSTROM SARAH GRAY GINNY HOBBS KIMBERLEY ICHTER JULIA KAUFMAN ANNE LAMASTRA JING LEE TAD LITTLE HAMPTON MALLIS CHRIS MCDAID AUSTIN MCDONALD ’97 STEPHANIE MCDONALD KIMBERLY NUCKOLS PALMER PROCTOR RICHARD RICE

AROUND PACE

JEFF

MARK

JEFF SLOAN joined the Pace Academy Board of Trustees in 2012, immediately assuming an integral role in Aim High, the capital campaign for the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School. Sloan, who served on the Board’s Properties Committee, helped plan the construction budget for the $32-million project. After the completion of the Upper School, he served as the Board’s secretary and then became the chair of the Finance Committee. On the Finance Committee, Sloan is most proud of his role in enhancing Pace’s financial aid program to make tuition affordable to as many families as possible, which remains a Pace strategic priority. As a part of this effort, he oversaw a study that analyzed the future of the Georgia Private School Tax Credit program, using the findings to create a multi-year plan for Pace that makes more aid available to more students with need. Sloan is pleased that Pace allocates these funds to provide for a student’s entire Pace education, rather than just offering an annual aid award. Sloan is the CEO of Global Payments, a worldwide provider of payment technology, based in Atlanta. Global Payments’ long history as a Pace partner has continued under Sloan’s leadership, and the company annually sponsors Pace events, including the Fall Fair and the Parents Club Auction & Gala.

In the seven years that MARK LUETTERS served on the Pace Academy Board of Trustees, his contributions to numerous committees, combined with his input to important financial decisions, helped Pace achieve its goals in Aim High, the capital campaign for the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School, and ensured that the school’s operations would remain financially sound. During Aim High, Luetters sat on the Advancement, Properties, Planning and Finance committees. He was involved with annual budgeting, investment management and other financial aspects of the construction project. Additionally, he served on the Strategic Planning Committee, which devised the 2016–2021 plan, a comprehensive set of goals and strategies to continue and improve the legacy Pace has created in developing and supporting the whole child and creating confident citizens of the world. Luetters’ dedication to the Board earned him several leadership roles, including Finance chair/treasurer from 2011–2016 and, more recently, Properties Committee chair. While leading the Finance Committee, he helped strengthen Pace’s fiscal management policies and procedures to ensure continued prosperity for the school. He was also responsible for several key financial decisions during the construction of the Upper School. Aside from his leadership positions on the Board, Luetters and his wife, STEPHANIE LUETTERS, have been actively involved in the Parents Club, Booster Club and Arts Alliance. Stephanie Luetters served as Parents Club treasurer for several years. They are two of Pace’s strongest supporters and fans, and the Pace community will miss greatly their enthusiasm and involvement, as they relocate to Kansas this year.

SLOAN

Jeff and his wife, VICKY SLOAN, are the proud parents of JOSH SLOAN ’14, BRIAN SLOAN ’17 and Bobbi Sloan, who attends The Weber School.

RE TIRING BOAR D ME MBERS

LUETTERS

The Luetters have four children: ANNA LUETTERS ’14, DANIEL LUETTERS ’15, JENNY LUETTERS and ELLIE LUETTERS.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

AROUND PACE

Awarding Excellence End-of-the-year honors recognize EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS and FACULTY.

UPPER SCHOOL UNDERCLASSMEN Alumni Scholar Award Charlie Hirsch

Cara Isdell Service Learning Award Class of 2020: India Behl [5] Class of 2021: Eli Mautner [5]

Columbia University Book Prize Merritt Ann Glass

Crissa Noelle Hawkins Scholarship Award

Lillis Davis & Benjamin Ganz [10]

MIDDLE SCHOOL Sanford and Barbara Orkin Scholars Sixth Grade: Mac Barnette & Elsie Middleton [1] Seventh Grade: Charlotte Vadnais & Jack Wagreich [1] Eighth Grade: Carly Appel & Kargil Behl [1]

Jim and Lesley Wheeler Scholar Athlete Award Seventh Grade: Niko Karetsos & Alice Voigt Eighth Grade: George Blaha & Marielle Frooman

BJ Hayes Good Citizenship Award Charlie Fleming & Kate Webb

Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award Claire Farinella & Grant Thompson [9]

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

History Department Award Michael Starr

Jefferson Book Award Blair Myers

Jim and Lesley Wheeler Scholar Athlete Award Class of 2021: Laura Romig & Tripp Trimble Class of 2020: Ben Caldwell & Virginia Hobbs Class of 2019: Paige Fleming & Andrew Jenkins

Lance and Shield Award

Dartmouth College Book Award

Class of 2021: Kalissa Greene & Cole Middleton Class of 2020: Cole Ankenbrandt & Lucy Ferry [4] Class of 2019: Aleks Golde, Charlie Kaye & Veronica Sandoval

Dean’s Award for Character

The Courage to Strive for Excellence Award

Abigail Lund

Margaret Bethel & Jared Rayman [8]

Alexandra Baker [2]

LOWER SCHOOL

Harvard University Book Prize

Class of 2021: Rivers Graham & Jamie Kornheiser Class of 2020: India Behl & Harris Greenbaum

English Department Award Cole Campbell

Eric Hay Henderson Jr. Friendship Award

Holland Carlton & Clay Swiecichowski

Faculty Award for Scholarship Class of 2021: Mary Childs Hall & Anthony Salazar Class of 2020: Paul-Louis Biondi & Francesca Vaneri

Frances Felicité Thomas Award Jayden Thomas

Frank Woodling Community Service Award Morgan Martin & Leah Mautner

Georgia Institute of Technology Mathematics Award Abigail Lund

Georgia Institute of Technology Science Award Abby Ray

Mike Murphy Courage to Strive for Excellence Award Class of 2021: Chase Austin & Kate Mallard Class of 2020: Klara Andra-Thomas & Grant LeRoux Class of 2019: Ann Rafeedie & Drew Schiffer [6]

Mimi Ann Deas Award

Aidan Gannon & Rhuna Gibbs

Renaissance Award for Visual and Performing Arts Class of 2021: Christian Bing, Annabeth Bradley, Jack Carson & Steven Morrisroe Class of 2020: Robert Cushman, Anna Jordan, Maya Kaplan & Gabe Wright Class of 2019: Catherine Brennan, Annabelle Critz, Jacob Sloman & Lawson Stricker

Sewanee Book Award for Excellence Ania Briscoe

Smith College Book Award Emily Schmitt

Social Entrepreneurship Challenge Award First Place: Klara Andra-Thomas, Erin Hood, Rekha Sashti & Francesca Vaneri Second Place: Aidan Gannon, Quill Healey & Ben Tolliday Third Place: India Behl & Nikki Rubin

University of Pennsylvania Book Award Gillian Weitzner

Wellesley College Book Award Jill Rawls

Yale University Book Award Jacob Sloman

FACULTY Kessler Award for Excellence in Teaching Katie Sandlin & Caitlin Terry

John Anderson Excellence in Teaching Award Katharine Norton

Board of Trustees 40 Years of Service Award Ricks Carson [3]

Board of Trustees 50 Years of Service Award Charlie Owens [3]

Class of 2013 Outstanding Teaching Award

Dr. Katie Moss [7]

Cum Laude Society Teaching Award

Nancy Robinson

Knight Capital Investment in Education Award Elizabeth Kann

Lolly Hand Schoolkeeper Award

7 9

Christina Snyder

Pacesetter Dedication Fred Assaf

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

SPINELLI

NOEL

HENDERSON

ON APRIL 7, the Pace Academy Parents Club hosted its annual Auction & Gala, with the casino theme “A Knight in Monte Carlo.” Pace parents CATHY FUNSTON and MARIA SCHIFFER co-chaired the festive evening, which took place at the Intercontinental Buckhead. Nearly 400 members of the Pace family joined the party. Thanks go to Parents Club President JULIE THOMPSON, to the more than 75 parent volunteers, and to all those who donated auction items, sponsored the event or attended and bid. The proceeds directly benefit the entire Pace community by supporting programs such as the Isdell Center for Global Leadership, Parents Club initiatives and professional development for faculty and staff.

AROUND PACE

NOTTINGHAM

A KNIGHT IN MONTE CARLO

D Y N A M I C

DE BAT ER S DEBATE TEAM CLOSES OUT THE SEMESTER WITH SUCCESS

TO KICK OFF the high-intensity spring 2018 semester of debate, seven of the top debate teams in the country attended Pace’s 23rd annual Justin Wilson Debates, which honor the legacy of the former Pace student and debater. The following day, two Pace debate teams competed at Emory University’s annual Barkley Forum for High Schools. The junior duo of BEN NOTTINGHAM and TYLER HENDERSON finished the weekend with a 3–3 record. Ranked 22nd in the nation going into the spring semester, Henderson and Nottingham were the team to beat at Lassiter’s Georgia Forensic Coaches Association Varsity State Tournament. Finishing prelims with a 4–2 record, they placed third in the state. The debate season culminated with the National Debate Coaches Association 2018 National Championship, which took place in Atlanta. Henderson and Nottingham represented Pace along with the team of sophomore ALEX NOEL and junior KIRK SPINELLI. Nottingham and Tyler captured 17th place from the field of 94 teams, finishing the prelims with a 5–1 record. With no graduating seniors, the debate team—with experienced teams of high-quality debaters—is looking forward to another year of success.

Put your tax dollars to work for Pace Academy. Now in its 10th year, the Georgia Education Expense Tax Credit Program allows Georgia's taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state tax liability to an independent school of their choice to be used for need-based financial aid. This program does not cost participants anything—it is simply a redirection of taxes already owed to the state. Pace is currently accepting tax-credit applications for the 2019 tax year. Please contact the Pace Academy Office of Advancement at 404-240-9103 or visit www.paceacademy.org/taxcredit to learn more about the program and submit your form before the December 15, 2018, deadline.

ED S A RE C N ON AP I

LI L I M R 019! 0 0 FO 2 $1

C TA X

PACE ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIPS FUNDED THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS AND ENHANCEMENTS FROM 2016 TO 2018: • Dance performances celebrating

National Hispanic Heritage Month • Multi-day workshops with renowned sculptor Beth Cavener, mural artist Molly Freeman and painter Janay Everett • Puppetry training for the Middle School’s Lion King Jr. cast • Glassblowing and ceramics workshops • Guest conductors • A performance of Michael Fosberg’s one-man autobiographical play, Incognito • Outdoor production enhancements for A Midsummer Night’s Dream • A studio tour and panel discussion with GRAMMY Award-winner Phil Tan • Guest artists, clinicians and instruments for the annual Knight of Jazz • College Night of the Arts with representatives from Florida State University, Emory University, Savannah College of Art and Design and the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts • A new kiln • Continuing education for Pace arts faculty • Digital screens for the Fine Arts Center ticket booth and lobby

AROUND PACE

he Pace Academy Arts Alliance (PAA), established in 2010 with the persistence and hard work of former Pace parents BONNIE HARRIS and AMY O’BRIEN and retired Head of Middle School JOHN ANDERSON, has moved the needle on Pace’s arts education in recent years— taking it from exceptional to spectacular. In the past two years, arts students and faculty have benefited from unique experiences such as a multi-day workshop with world-renowned sculptor Beth Cavener and a panel discussion and studio tour with GRAMMY Award-winner Phil Tan. Additionally, the entire Pace community has had the opportunity to watch a host of talented guest artists and clinicians perform alongside students at the annual Knight of Jazz, thanks to the efforts of the PAA. When the PAA was founded, Harris, O’Brien and Anderson envisioned an organization of parent volunteers that would support and promote Pace’s tremendous performing and visual arts programs. Determined to create the best possible parent partnership for Pace, they surveyed neighboring schools’ arts organizations; interviewed Pace parents, administration and arts faculty; and dedicated their time throughout the 2010–2011 school year to developing the structure and goals of the organization.

With the continued growth of Pace’s arts programs, the PAA has evolved into an organization that exceeds its original goals of providing volunteer support to faculty and meaningful enhancements to existing arts programs. It remains a parent-led group but also sponsors and funds a wide range of experiences each year, including workshops, master classes, field trips, guest artists and panel discussions in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. During the 2017–2018 school year, more than 85 percent of Pace students participated in performing and visual arts classes and extracurricular activities. Students have competed in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Literary Meets, Georgia Thespian Conferences, and All State-Chorus and Band and have won numerous Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in various departments. Harris and O’Brien, who remain involved with Pace, are proud that nearly 33 percent of Pace’s families were PAA members during the past year. The PAA board’s goal is to increase membership to more than 50 percent of parents in the near term, and even higher over the long term. To join the PAA or learn more, please visit www.paceacademy.org/arts. Below: Glassblowing artist Kelly Robertson demonstrates his craft to students in April.

PACE ARTS ALLIANCE:

THROUGH THE YEARS KnightTimes | Summer 2018

AROUND PACE

Principal of the Day

Physics Phlotilla Prom

Sixth-Grade Medieval Banquet 16

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

AROUND PACE

Lower School Field Days The Pace Academy community celebrated the end of the school year and the arrival of summer with time-honored traditions.

Festive Finale

Great American Picnic

Middle School Team Challenge

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Photograph by Dianne Spearman

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hen she was growing up, ALLISON BATTISTA rode her bike almost every day around Colonial Williamsburg and the lovely, historic campus of the College of William and Mary. “I had no idea how special that was,” she says. Years later, as a middle school English teacher in North Carolina’s public schools, she reflected on her childhood experiences and the lives of her students, and “realized how critical the middle school years are,” she says. Though she eventually returned to Virginia and applied her English degree to a STEM career in medical publishing, her passion about education and the middle school years remains. Allison's husband, DREW BATTISTA, grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, attending the same school as his father and grandfather. He values the continuity of that experience and says, “Being part of a community in which everyone knew each other made me feel accountable.” He explains, “What we learned and what we did, even as children, mattered.” Drew’s time as an instructor during graduate school at the University of Virginia reinforced for him the importance of accountability. Allison and Drew met in Charlottesville and lived there for the early years of married life. Their two daughters, Pace students EMMY BATTISTA, a rising seventh grader, and ISABEL BATTISTA, a rising sophomore, came along during those years. Before becoming parents, the couple had opinions on how they wanted to raise and educate their children. Drew explains, “Even before our girls were born, I wanted them to develop into people who had the courage to explore their talents and the opportunities given to them.” He adds that Pace’s

motto, To have the courage to strive for excellence, captures these goals. The Battistas discovered Pace shortly after relocating to Atlanta in 2007. “My first memory of Pace is from one of Isabel’s ballet recitals, held in the Fine Arts Center, when she was 4 or 5," Allison says. "We loved the campus. Then we started coming to the Fall Fair and, during elementary school summers, we sent them to Pace Camp.” She adds, “I think that helped them feel more comfortable coming in as ‘new kids’ in sixth grade.” Allison and Drew deliberated carefully when looking at schools for the girls. “We wanted to ensure that they had an attentive, supportive and collaborative community for middle school and beyond,” Allison says. “We found it at Pace.” She continues, “While other kids are under pressure to specialize in middle school, Pace students get to explore a variety of options. I think that is so important for adolescent well-being, and I love that it continues to be a Pace value.” She also “adores the Pace faculty,” she says.

“ I AM SO GRATEF U L T O TH E TEACH ERS FOR TH E TIM E TH EY DEVOTE TO TH E KIDS . I DON’T KNOW HOW TH EY M ANAGE T O BE SO TU NED IN T O TH EIR STU DENTS A ND PATIENT AND COM M U NICATIVE W ITH US PARENTS .” Drew, an economist by training who does strategy and innovation work, brought his analytical eye to their school search. He shares, “Relative to other independent schools, we saw in Pace a community that seemed more open to inquiry and debate.” He also believes that “Pace does an excellent job in helping its students prepare to

advocate for themselves and others in a fast-changing world.” Every year since their arrival at Pace, the Battistas have participated in The Pace Fund, the school’s most important annual philanthropic initiative. Allison values the enthusiasm Isabel and Emmy continue to have for school and “want[s] to support whatever drives that love of learning”—and says that the faculty is key. “If The Pace Fund [helps the school] attract the best educators and supports our existing faculty in their professional development, then I’m in.” She adds, “‘Participation’ can be any amount,” and what matters is “… that everyone simply participates.” As a volunteer for the 2017–2018 committee for uknight: The Pace Fund, Drew sees the value of the school using contributed dollars, rather than higher tuition, to meet its operating needs. When all families participate at a level “consistent with their abilities and aspirations … the added resources give Pace students remarkable opportunities,” he says. In the years ahead, Allison hopes for more time to be at Pace. “I love any excuse to be on campus and hear what the kids have to say—they are inspiring,” she says. “I also love to help with all things editorial, and one of these days, I hope to volunteer in our fabulous library and participate in the Pace parents’ book club.” Drew also has ideas about his involvement at Pace beyond The Pace Fund. “I am passionate about encouraging people to consider and manage their inherent biases,” he says, “Allison has introduced me to the Community of Change at Pace, whose mission seems to be aligned with that goal. Perhaps we should consider other opportunities for those of us in the Pace community to learn from each other—to appreciate that we can disagree yet still respect each other’s points of view.” The Battistas say they try to remember the goals they had as they began their family. Drew adds, “When we focus on that and consider the opportunities The Pace Fund affords, it is easy to support it.” l

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T H E P AC E AC A D E M Y C O M M U N I T Y B I D S F A R E W E L L T O R E T I R I N G F A C U LT Y.

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RICK CANFIELD

U P P E R S C H O O L E N G L I S H & H I S TO R Y T E AC H E R

Perhaps Pace Academy’s funniest teacher, RICK CANFIELD, known for his “gruff manner and heart of gold,” has retired after 32 years at the school. Before arriving at Pace in 1986, Canfield earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and education from Duquesne University, served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam, and taught and coached at New York Military Academy and St. Paul’s School for Boys. At Pace, he taught English and history, most recently covering literary heroes with the ninth grade and economics with juniors and seniors. Canfield’s dry sense of humor made him a favorite of generations of students. His quick wit, impressive collection of patterned pants, outrageous Halloween costumes and penchant for pranks brought laughter wherever he went. English Department Chair MARSHA DURLIN fondly recalls leading ninth-grade orientation with Canfield; he purposely mispronounced names while calling roll—breaking the ice and putting everyone at ease. Head of Upper School MIKE GANNON shares similar sentiments: “There are too many good Rick Canfield stories to limit myself,” he says. “I loved how during exam week, he would sneak an ‘out of order’ sign on the Scantron machine or copier to terrify new teachers who wouldn’t realize he was pulling their legs.” Canfield was especially attuned to his students; he always knew what they were doing and what they were into. His classroom was a popular hangout spot for ninth-graders, and he easily conversed with anyone in the school. “Rick was an asset to the English department because he really knew the kids and ‘mixed it up’ with them,” Durlin says. “He always knew the skinny on everybody and everything, and he could really tell a story. He was a good friend to me over the years, and was always there to take a class or pitch in with a department activity. You were always laughing with Rick.” In addition to his numerous teaching duties, Canfield coached tennis, volleyball and wrestling over the years, and he spent his summers teaching driver’s education to thousands of children across Atlanta. The 2003 and 2016 Pacesetter yearbooks were dedicated in his honor. In his retirement, Canfield plans to spend more time with his three children, including Pace alumna NANCY CANFIELD CARSON ’93, and his seven grandchildren.

RICKS CARSON

UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER

RICKS CARSON’S enthusiasm for the written word is unmatched. One of Pace’s longest-tenured faculty members, Carson taught English at the school for four decades. He built the creative writing program and happily served as the advisor to The Knight Gallery, the Upper School literary magazine, shepherding generations of young voices.

A talented poet himself, Carson has been published numerous times and has led poetry workshops and conferences in Atlanta and New York City. In 2004, one of his pieces was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and renowned American poets like Phil Levine have recognized his work. As a teacher, Carson was known for his integrity, commitment to principle, discipline and authenticity. He was pure about his goals and methods, prioritizing good ideas and good thinking to create good writing. Head of the Upper School Mike Gannon remembers most fondly Carson’s ability to connect with young people. “How well students are able to build relationships with faculty is the measure of a school,” he says. “Ricks connected well with lots of different students.” His teaching style enabled these connections; Carson worked hard to make sure the subject matter was relevant to “the blood and bone of students’ real lives.” He always made an effort to make literature and writing personal to his students. He wanted them to become more curious and to be “really awake” in his classes. Students rose to the challenges he set for them, which often made it seem as though he were performing small miracles—turning oncedisinterested students into engaged learners. “My favorite memory of Ricks is when I observed classes and sat in on his careful, deliberate ‘unpacking’ of a poem around the Harkness Table,” says English Department Chair Marsha Durlin. “He never imposed his views, but gently led his students deeper and deeper into the intricacies of the piece. He is super creative and supremely dedicated to what really matters in schools: studentcentered learning of the most genuine kind. He was such a valued colleague and member of the department. If I ever wanted a piece of my own writing just right, he was my go-to person. He really was the ‘the master.’” In his retirement, Carson will have time to explore his many interests, including soccer, reading, collecting good wine, gardening, listening to blues music, pipe smoking, biking, splitting wood and spending time with his wife, BETSY CARSON, sons GRAHAM CARSON ’03 and OWEN CARSON ’04, and his grandchildren.

LAUR A I N MAN

M I DDL E SC HOOL M E D IA ARTS S P EC IAL I S T

The way we think about the Middle School today would be completely different without the influence of Media Arts Specialist LAURA INMAN. In recent years, Inman has captured Middle School moments through her camera lens, creating a culture of support and inclusion by printing and posting her photos for all to see. “All of my favorite memories of Laura involve how quick she was to attend every event in the Middle School,” says Head of Middle School GRAHAM ANTHONY. “When she was at those events, she was absolutely shameless about getting to the place from which she could get the best photos. At concerts, she would go right up onstage during the performance. At games, she would walk close to or onto the field of play to get her action shots. The kids were unfazed, and the coaches and referees knew better than to ask her to move. She carried herself in such a way that everyone knew she needed to

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be there. We would never have the incredible pictures from over the years if she had done it differently.” In addition to her remarkable photography, Inman has contributed to Pace in myriad ways over the past 40 years. She joined the Pace faculty in 1980 to teach photography and art history in the Upper School; she also oversaw the Pacesetter yearbook, alumni affairs and public relations. Inman stepped away from these roles in 1983 but remained part of the school community while her children, DAVIS INMAN ’00, LUCY INMAN ’02 and ALLEN INMAN attended Pace. She returned in 2007 to teach eighth-grade French and went on to serve as a media arts teacher and an adviser to The MidKnight Times, the Middle School newspaper. Inman’s colleagues describe her as quick to pay a compliment, good-natured, open and clear in her communication. She worked hard to make her programs as accessible as possible and to appreciate her students for who they were. In retirement, Inman plans to focus on her hobbies—photography, French, writing, travel, golf and tennis—and to spend time with her husband, FRANK INMAN, and their children and grandchildren.

DAV I S J AM E S LOW E R SC HOOL L I BRARIAN

DAVIS JAMES joined the Pace community in 2006 after a long career in film and video production, but there is no doubt that he was meant to be a librarian. The son of a librarian, James met his wife, Callie Benson, also a librarian, while pursuing a Master of

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Library Media at Georgia State University. Moreover, his passion for reading, collaboration and working with children made it clear that he had the skills necessary to create an enriching learning environment for students. During his tenure at Pace, James diligently led the Lower School library, serving its more than 350 students by setting up author visits, organizing book fairs and reading aloud to classes daily. He assisted Lower School teachers with class research projects and presentations; further, he enabled students to integrate skills learned in the classroom with their time in the library. Additionally, he played an integral role in connecting the Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s annual themes—which have included water, food, climate and conservation—to student learning in the Lower School by ordering relevant books and magazines for students to study and learn from throughout the year. In addition to bringing his passion for reading to the Lower School, James shared his musical talent with his students. He plays the guitar and often performed during Lower School Musical Mornings with MARTY HAMBURGER, online resources manager for the Woodruff Library. James also was known for his dance moves, which he unabashedly displayed during assemblies, much to the delight of his students. Director of Libraries MATT BALL compliments James on his dedication to his students, his honesty, his integrity and his good-naturedness. Lower School Library Assistant LISA FROOMAN admires James’s commitment

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to his students: “Davis has always been one of the most empathetic teachers I have ever known,” she says. “He welcomed every student with a genuine desire for the library to always be a ‘safe haven’ where they could choose their own subject, work at their own pace and truly be themselves. Every student was a star in the library. I know I speak for the entire Lower School faculty and staff when I say that we wish him the best in his retirement and the newest journey of his life!”

JAME

C H A R L I E OW E N S

U P P E R S C H O O L M AT H C H A I R & T E A C H E R

A true Pace legend, CHARLIE OWENS has retired after a half-century of teaching, mentoring and coaching hundreds of Upper School students. Pace’s most tenured faculty member, Owens had more institutional knowledge than anyone else on campus and is credited with making the school what it is today. “Charlie Owens built this school,” says Head of Upper School Mike Gannon. “Arriving on campus during Pace Academy’s infancy, he brought a standard of excellence to our classrooms and playing fields that immediately drew positive attention. He was a pro in the classroom: a master of content, he liked working with students, and they liked and trusted him. Alumni across decades have shared this experience and always asked about Charlie when they returned.” Owens joined the math department in 1968 after graduating from Oglethorpe University. During his time at Pace, he taught virtually every class the math department offered, from Algebra I to Multivariate Calculus, an incredible feat of versatility that demonstrates his expertise in the subject matter. In addition to his teaching roles, he held several leadership positions. He served as Head of Upper School from 1983 to 1986, coached varsity baseball from 1969 to 2011, and, most recently, served as chair of the math department. As varsity baseball coach, Owens led his teams to more than 500 wins—including three state championships and eight region titles—and earned the National Federation of High School Coaches Southeast Region Coach of the Year Award. Charlie Owens Field at Pace’s Riverview Sports Complex is named in his honor. As chair of the math department, Owens set a standard of excellence for math students and teachers alike. He gave his faculty a great deal of independence and flexibility to teach to their strengths and interests, thereby creating a high-functioning and effective team. Fellow math teacher and incoming department chair GUS WHYTE explains, “One of the great things about Charlie was that he allowed us to teach the classes we wanted, and he was skilled and versatile enough to take anything left. Our department was stronger because of his selflessness, his mentorship and his leadership.” During his Pace career, Owens was named a STAR Teacher six times and received the prestigious Kessler Excellence in Teaching Award. Additionally, the Pacesetter yearbook was dedicated in his honor in 1976, 1988 and 2009. In his retirement, Owens will enjoy time with his wife, PAULETTE OWENS; their daughters, KIM OWENS VALENTINE ’94 and KELLY OWENS MILLER ’00; and their grandchildren.

O CARS

— by HANNAH KELLY ’15 KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ARTISTS GALORE!

All About PACE ARTS

A ONE-DERFUL PRODUCTION

Fourth graders entertained the audience as they presented the Lower School’s first-ever stage production of 101 Dalmatians.

From concerts and class plays to field trips and creative collaborations, Pace students’ artistic talents were on display in the final weeks of the spring semester.

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AN AWARD-WINNING TALE

After recreating their stage in Knights Hall following a flood in the Fine Arts Center, third-grade students presented an amazing performance of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.

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ON-THE-ROAD PERFORMANCES

Middle School band, strings and chorus took their show on the road in May, performing at Orchard Heights Gracious Retirement Living near Orlando, Fla. Chorus and strings students attended a Foley sound and recording workshop, where several were selected to perform sound effects and voice-overs from The Lorax. Additionally, band students enjoyed park visits in Walt Disney World, while chorus and strings students visited Universal Studios.

PACE ARTS

MURAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Seventh-grade studio art classes worked with Molly Rose Freeman, an Atlanta-based mural artist, to create a large-scale piece of abstract art. Freeman showed students how to use nature to find inspiration for shapes and colors as they planned and painted together.

PACE ARTISTS RECOGNIZED AT GEORGIA PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

For the 27th year, Pace partnered with Atlanta Celebrates Photography to present the Georgia Photography Awards and Exhibition. The exhibit included works by students from 29 independent and public schools around Atlanta. Photographer Barbara Griffin judged this year’s competition, and award winners were announced during a reception on April 8 in the Fine Arts Center. Senior ALEX TOLLIDAY won second place for her photograph, Carpe Diem (shown above). Honorable Mention recognition went to seniors ALY SATISKY for Untitled and HARRISON WOODRUFF for Copper River.

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PACE ARTS

CELEBRATING PACE ARTS In April, the Pace community recognized outstanding student-artists during the annual Spring Arts Festival. This year’s Upper School Arts Laureates were freshmen ANNABETH BRADLEY and AUDREY HOLTON; sophomores ROBERT CUSHMAN and INDIA BEHL; juniors JARED RAYMAN, CARTER FERGUSON, JACOB SLOMAN and ABBY RAY; and seniors JEB CARTER, SIENNA GOREN, ISAIAH KELLY and COLE MCCORKLE.

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Middle School Arts Laureates were chosen by their peers for exhibiting excellence, dedication and passion in one or more areas of the arts. Congratulations to the 2018 honorees: sixth-graders CARLY CANNON and EMMA LOWRY, seventh-graders LEAH FASER and MARIT UYHAM, and eighth-graders ELEANOR DUPREE and MIRA SOLOMON. The Lower School’s Knights of the Arts honors went to fifth-graders CALEB

AMAR, CHAS ARNOLD, ANNA KATE HOWELL and EVE WEIZENECKER; fourth-graders GRACE O’BRYAN and MATTHEW SKOP; third-graders IAN BELINFANTE and KYLIE NEWBERG; second-graders KEIDEN BROWN and JACK SPIRES; first-graders JULIA LANIER GROVES and HUDSON MCDONALD; and Pre-First students EMMIE CHUNG and OWEN SEBEL.

PACE ARTS

SPRING CONCERTS Middle and Upper School strings ensembles, choruses and bands celebrated the arrival of spring with end-of-the-year concerts.

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PACE ARTS

LARAMIE THE

PROJECT

FOR TWO EVENINGS in April, Upper School thespians presented The Laramie Project, a play that brings to life the true story of the residents in Laramie, Wyo., connected to the nationally recognized 1998 hate crime against gay college student Matthew Shepard. This docudrama is based on hundreds of hours of interviews with those directly connected to the crime. The piece inspires communities to ask the question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are we, as a community, doing to prevent hate?â&#x20AC;?

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PACE ARTS

THE NEXT STAGE TWO MEMBERS of the Class of 2018 plan to major in the performing arts in college. Congratulations to these artists! THE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S first-ever sketch comedy show, Short Attention Span Theatre: A Knight of Sketch Comedy, kept the audience roaring with laughter— think of Saturday Night Live performed by Middle School students. There were 17 short comedy sketches within a quick 30-minute show. With 41 cast members, 14 monks and over 200 frozen French fries, this show was funny, silly and smelly!

PAIGE DEMBA

Ball State University, Acting

IBUM OBU

University of Southern California, Choral Music

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SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

SPORTS

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a race TO THE FINISH B O Y E R

The 36th annual Pace Academy Booster Club Pace Race took place on April 21 and welcomed hundreds of spectators and runners for the 1-mile and 5K events. Co-chairs JASON IBARRA, CHRISHAUNDA LEE PEREZ and FARAZ ZUBAIRI worked with an army of volunteers to coordinate the community-building event, which raises funds for Pace Athletics across all divisions. Photography by True Speed Photo

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Fourteen members of the Class of 2018, representing eight sports, committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Congratulations to the following student-athletes:

BEN BERNSTEIN [1] OBERLIN COLLEGE, baseball

JUSTON COGBILL [2]

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, football

ZEKE DIAMOND [3]

EMORY UNIVERSITY, baseball

JACK DOUGLASS [4]

WASHINGTON & LEE UNIVERSITY, cross-country and track

REALUS GEORGE [5] UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, football

RYAN HOFSTETTER [6] SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH, lacrosse

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FRANK HOUSER [7]

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY, wrestling

ISAIAH KELLY

[8] YALE UNIVERSITY, basketball

MARC MITCHELL [9]

DENISON UNIVERSITY, golf

JUSTIN MORRIS [10] HOWARD UNIVERSITY, football

DAVID ROOS [11]

RHODES COLLEGE, baseball

JONATHAN RUSHTON [12] POMONA COLLEGE, soccer

JAMAREE SALYER [13] UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, football

JADEN STEAGALL [14] TUSCULUM COLLEGE, baseball

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SPRING SPORTS Highlights

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VA R S I T Y G I R L S T R AC K & FIELD Coached by JOLIE CUNNINGHAM, WHITNEY MORRIS, JESSE RAPPOLE, TERRANCE TRAMMELL and LAPORSCHA WELLS The varsity girls track and field team put together a strong 2018 season in which several school records fell. Senior IBUM OBU broke the shot put record again and again, eventually cementing her place in Pace history at the state meet with a throw of 39 feet, 11 inches. Junior JUSTICE JACKSON broke the school record in the 200 meters, while sophomore PAYTON PAYNE set a new record in the 3200. Freshman LIZZY KAYE also added her name to the record books as she became Pace’s first female pole vaulter. The Knights saw two student-athletes crowned region champions: Obu in the shot put and Jackson in the 200 meters. Four members of the team represented Pace at the state meet. Obu competed in both the discus and shot put and brought home the shot put state title. Payne finished fourth in the 3200; Jackson placed 10th in the 200-meter prelims; and sophomore PAULA SANDOVAL placed 10th in the 800 prelims. Overall, the Knights finished ninth out of 31 teams. The team bids a fond farewell to seniors EMME MANER, ELIZABETH MARR, Obu, CATHERINE SWEENEY and ALEX TOLLIDAY.

VA R S I T Y B OY S T R A C K & F I E L D Coached by JOLIE CUNNINGHAM, WHITNEY MORRIS, JESSE RAPPOLE, TERRANCE TRAMMELL and LAPORSCHA WELLS During the 2018 boys track and field season, every meet seemed to offer new opportunities to shatter old school records. In the 800 meters, sophomore SAM ADAMS set a new record, as did the sprint medley team of freshman EMON HILL, junior KEASHAWN PERRYMAN, senior DONN BODDIE and Adams. Adams, seniors JACK DOUGLASS and BEN THOMPSON and sophomore MBITI WILLIAMS also rewrote the record book in the distance medley relay, and at the region meet, Adams was crowned champion in the 800 meters. The team saw three members compete at state. Adams finished as state runner-up in the 800 meters, while Douglass was fifth in the 3200 and sixth in the 1600. Thompson placed 13th in the 800-meter prelims. Out of the 35 teams vying for the state title, the Knights finished 15th. Best of luck to seniors Boddie, Douglass, JACKSON FULLER, COLE MCCORKLE, JUSTIN MORRIS, ERIC SCHANK and Thompson.

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VA R S I T Y B A S E B A L L Coached by GUS WHYTE, KEN BAGWELL, SETH LAFERA, MAC MCCALLUM, SHANE MCGILL, LV WARE and JASE WRIGLEY ’94

SPRING SPORTS

The varsity baseball team ended its regular season with a 20–8 record and a thirdplace finish in the region. The Knights clinched a state-playoff berth and swept Adairsville in the first round of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAA tournament. The team advanced to the Sweet 16 and defeated Morgan County 19–4 in the first game of the series before losing the next two games. Seniors ZEKE DIAMOND and JADEN STEAGALL and junior ANDREW JENKINS were named First Team All-Region, while juniors DARIAN HOWARD and MITCHELL O’BERRY received Second Team All-Region recognition. Jenkins also was named to USA Today High School Sports’ American Family Insurance ALL-USA 2017–2018 Georgia Baseball Second Team. The team bids farewell to seniors BEN BERNSTEIN, Diamond, RYAN MAZUR, DAVID ROOS and Steagall.

VA R S I T Y GY M NAS T I C S Coached by STEVE CUNNINGHAM The varsity gymnastics squad wrapped up the season with a 6–5 record. The Knights’ victories included an upset win against 5A Union Grove, as well as wins over Lovett and Westminster. The team scored a season-high 98.75—just 2.25 points shy of qualifying for the state preliminary meet. Individually, sophomore HAYDEN SAMPLE qualified for the state preliminary meet on vault and floor exercise. Freshman teammates MAGGIE JENKINS and CASEY SHOULBERG qualified on floor as well. Shoulberg’s 8.65 on floor was just three tenths of a point shy of advancing to the state meet, while Sample came up just four tenths short with an 8.55. The team wishes the very best to senior captain HANNAH SCHRAGER.

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SPRING SPORTS

VA R S I T Y GIRLS GOLF Coached by TIM WALSH and KEVIN BALLARD The varsity girls golf team had one of its best seasons in recent memory. The team, made up of juniors ALEKS GOLDE, SOPHIE BECK and LEAH JONES, and sophomores JULIA KELLY and LAUREN O’SULLIVAN, finished its regular season with a 10–1 record. The Knights continued playing well in the postseason, putting in solid rounds at the area tournament, where they broke the 300 barrier with a score of 298. Golde shot a 76 for a second-place individual finish, while the team placed fifth and qualified for the state tournament for the third consecutive year. At state, Golde continued her impressive season with a score of 79–75, for a two-day total of 154 and a fifth-place finish. All five golfers will return next year to push the school record to four straight state-tournament appearances.

VA R S I T Y B O Y S G O L F Coached by SCOTT SHUPE Following a roller-coaster regular season, the varsity boys golf team snuck into the GHSA state tournament after solid rounds at the area event by senior MARC MITCHELL and sophomores BEN CRAWFORD and GEORGE LYON. At the Class AAA state championship, led again by captain Mitchell, the team finished in fifth place. Mitchell capped his strong postseason by finishing in a tie for sixth place overall. He shot rounds of 72 and 75 for a total of 3 over par—an outstanding performance on a difficult golf course. With five starting sophomores on the team, Pace looks to learn from experience and mature into a state contender in the coming years. The team says goodbye to seniors Mitchell and BOBBY MILLS.

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VA R S I T Y G I R L S L AC R O S S E Coached by COURTNEY MORRISON, AMANDA GUTHRIE and MOLLY MILLARD While the varsity girls lacrosse team was unable to finish the season with a winning record, the Knights recorded convincing area victories over Carrollton, Darlington and Mount Paran. With the majority of the roster returning next season, the team looks to gain momentum and build off this season’s experiences. Sophomore CLAIRE WEIRMAN and junior MADELINE ARENTH were named to the 1–5A All-Area 2 Girls Lacrosse team. Arenth, Wierman and sophomore MAE SHIPPEN were selected to play in the DiVarsity All-Star Games. The team bids a fond farewell to seniors SYDNIE JIANG and CAROLINE MACRAE.

VA R S I T Y B OY S L AC R O S S E Coached by GRADY STEVENS, NICK VERRILLI and SHAYNE JACKSON The varsity boys lacrosse team finished the 2018 spring season with 13 wins and five losses—the Knights’ best record in more than a decade. The team had marquee victories over Lovett and St. Pius X and earned the three seed in the GHSA 1–5A state tournament, where the Knights fell in the Sweet 16 to eventual state champion Blessed Trinity. Four members of the team received All-State honors: senior RYAN HOFSTETTER (First Team), junior SAM ASSAF (Second Team), junior CHARLIE WARREN and senior JOSEPH ADAMS (Honorable Mention). Hofstetter became the seventh Pace player to garner AllAmerican honors. The following seniors created a winning culture that will benefit future teams: Adams, Hofstetter, FRANK HOUSER, XION JOHNSON, SCOTT LEVEN, ZACK LEVEN, JOSEPH MATHIAS, GEORGE SHEPHERD and JONATHAN TENNIES. KnightTimes | Summer 2018

VA R S I T Y GIRLS TENNIS Coached by MATT MARSICO The varsity girls tennis team put together another impressive season, finishing with a record of 12–5–1. After placing third in the Region 5-AAA tournament, the Knights made an inspiring run to the GHSA Final Four. They first traveled to defeat Bremen 4–1, then played at Franklin County and recorded another 4–1 victory. In the Elite Eight, team members pulled off a 3–2 victory that set them up for a date against Westminster in the Final Four. The Knights played hard but came up short, losing 2–3 to end a strong season. The team bids a fond farewell to senior MEGAN WALSH.

VA R S I T Y B O Y S T E N N I S Coached by NEIL DEROSA The varsity boys tennis team wrapped up another strong season, which ended with an impressive run to the GHSA Class AAA Final Four. The Knights finished the season as Region 5-AAA runner-up with a 17–6 record. The team hosted the first round of the state tournament and defeated Ringgold 4–0. In the second round, the Knights put in another dominating performance and bested Greater Atlanta Christian to move on to the Elite Eight. The team defeated Appling County in the state quarterfinals by a score of 4–0 to set up a semifinal date with Lovett. In a marathon match that took two days to complete, the Knights eventually fell to the Lions 2–3 to end an impressive season. The team wishes the best to seniors DANIEL BLUMEN, DAVID LEVEN and MATTHEW SHAFER.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

VA R S I T Y GI R L S SOCCER

SPRING SPORTS

Coached by LIZ TUTT, RON APOLLON, CAITLIN TERRY and GRAHAM TUTT The varsity girls soccer team, 2017’s state runner-up, worked hard to put together a strong season and compete in this year’s GHSA state tournament. The Knights finished third in Region 5-AAA behind Lovett and Westminster, the eventual state-championship contenders. In the first round of the state tournament, the team traveled to defeat Sonoraville High School 4–0. The Knights’ season ended in the Sweet 16, when they fell to Jackson County High School 2–1. The team will miss senior SARAH ANN NINAN next season.

VA R S I T Y B OY S S O C C E R Coached by LUCAS MORENO, MIKE FIORELLO and RICARDO PINNOCH The loss of nine seniors from Pace’s 2017 state runner-up varsity boys soccer team created a significant void for the Knights this season but allowed members of the young roster to take ownership of the successful program. The team fought hard all season and pulled off some impressive wins, including a 2–0 victory over No. 4-ranked Class 4A Blessed Trinity and a 4–2 win over 5A Starr’s Mill. The Knights wish the best to senior WILL NULTY.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ICGL A global education for every Student

T H E

A C A D E M Y

A B R O A D

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

READ MORE about our students' adventures on the ICGL Student Travel Blog at: icgl.paceacademy.org/travel

n the spring, DONN BODDIE, ABBY RAY and I, as Isdell Global Leaders, traveled with our faculty advisers, TRISH ANDERSON and KEVIN BALLARD, to Big Bend National Park, in Texas, and Maderas del Carmen, in Mexico. The trip, one of our conservation field studies, was specifically for us to observe the tremendous biodiversity of the region. Big Bend, the first park we visited, gave us an entirely different view of America’s national parks from others we’d seen. The differences in terrain, flora and fauna, and in the park itself, allowed us to truly understand the diversity of the national parks in the U.S. and conservation efforts underway in them. Our trip began after a flight to San Antonio and a drive into Seminole Canyon, near Big Bend. As we pitched our tents, the sunset cast an array of colors across the sky. Our campsite overlooked a vast swath of desert land, stretching as far as the eye could see, with the faint glimmer of distant headlights. We ate dinner contentedly, with the wind whipping around us, as we tried to keep everything from flying away. The sun set by 8:30 p.m., so we settled into our tents early to prepare for the day, and the trip, ahead of us. The next morning, we made the trek into Big Bend National Park. We drove to our campsite in the heart of the park. Nestled in the Basin of the Chisos mountain range, we were surrounded by masses of rising red earth. After settling in, we took our first hike. We walked down along the dry wash to our destination. Surrounded by the massive canyon walls, we viewed a vast expanse of desert land through a small, door-sized break in the rock. We returned the way we came, and, as the day began to wind down, our tiredness set in. We rose early the next morning to avoid the harshest of the sun’s rays. Ahead of us was the most treacherous hike of the entire trip, to the top of Casa Grande. While the hike was only about 4 miles, most of it was on talus, or broken rock fragments, where the footing is particularly unstable. The hike felt closer to rock climbing, especially as we navigated areas with vast amounts of talus. For every step up, it felt like you slid just as far back down. Yet when we stopped to rest, it was impossible not to admire both the view and our progress. After reaching the top, snapping pictures and enjoying the view, we began our descent. While the trek

to the top demanded physical fitness, the journey to the bottom demanded physical endurance. Because the rock was so unstable, we basically slid down the mountain until we reached solid ground. The following days, we further explored the canyons of Big Bend through hiking and canoeing in Fern Canyon. We also hiked nearly 7 miles to the top of the South Rim of the High Chisos, where we enjoyed spectacular views. We took other smaller hikes and excursions, allowing us to fully experience the park. Leaving Big Bend, we drove to Boquillas, a small village in Mexico, east of the park. We crossed through Customs and across the Rio Grande, where we met Hugo, our guide for the following days. Hugo drove us to a base of the CEMEX cement company at the bottom of the Maderas del Carmen, where we stayed. Over the next few days, we explored the mountain range by car and on foot, learning about the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the role of CEMEX in conservation. Hugo led us to the most spectacular views and helped us find signs of animals, through tracks, scat or other markings. We left early in the morning, not returning to the base until night. While Big Bend allowed us to experience regional biodiversity, our visit to the Maderas del Carmen showed us conservation practices in action. We saw an established process for the conservation of bighorn sheep,

from the enclosure site to tracking. The team working there tracked the sheep and recorded every aspect of the sheep’s ecosystem. Tracking everything within the habitat, including the mountain lion population, deer population and weather patterns, demonstrated the intensely symbiotic relationship of natural ecosystems. This interconnectedness means that while conservation may seem to focus simply on one species, conservation is only truly possible if the entire ecosystem and habitat are conserved. While Big Bend and Maderas del Carmen both demonstrated to us the importance of conservation, our time studying the efforts to conserve the bighorn sheep population in Maderas del Carmen inspired me most. In the U.S., the national parks system and other conservation efforts are set and established through both the state and federal governments. Because this regimented structure is not really present in Mexico, private firms, such as CEMEX, do a significant amount of conservation work. The determination of the team at the Maderas del Carmen demonstrated the utmost importance of having a passion for the environment and conservation. If anything, this trip solidified my belief in approaching conservation with a holistic view, protecting the ecosystem itself, not simply one distinct species. — by MOLLY RICHARDSON ‘18

ICGL

The Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) gathers students together, filling gaps in their textbook studies with real-life experiences. The ICGL also brings Pace Academy faculty together by focusing on a common theme of study for the year—and annually, providing a faculty-only study tour for an in-depth look at the ICGL global theme for the school year ahead. In April, 11 Lower and Middle School faculty members embarked on a journey to study energy, the 2018–2019 global theme, in Iceland. From classroom time studying different forms of energy at Reykjavik University’s School of Energy to swimming in the Blue Lagoon—one of the 25 wonders of the world, according to National Geographic—these teachers learned about and experienced the benefits of a country that has a near total renewable energy system. HALEY BARNES, a second-grade associate teacher on the trip, explains, “We were able to hear from professors who are energy experts, meet with leaders in the energy field and see power plants fueled by renewable resources. We also saw how water, heated by the geothermal springs, is piped into greenhouses to keep them warm.” Other teachers on the trip included Lower School teachers SAMANTHA MEISELMAN, KIM MYLES, REBECCA RHODES, KATIE SANDLIN, CHERYL SCHRAMM, BARBARA SCOTT and AMY UNDERWOOD, and Middle School teachers DR. KIRSTEN BOEHNER, KELLY COLQUITT and EDNA-MAY HERMOSILLO. Beyond the classroom, they enjoyed hands-on learning about the ICGL theme and about Icelandic history and culture. They interacted with student-built wind tunnels; ate traditional Icelandic hot dogs during a food tour; visited Viking settlements in Sandbolt; toured Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in Iceland; and saw the Geysir geothermal area, the Gulfoss waterfall and the National Park during their Golden Circle tour. Boehner, impressed when learning about Iceland’s economic turnaround, was surprised to learn “that Icelandic scientists traveled to Boise, Idaho, in 1892, where they discovered a geothermal heating system.” She notes, “Discovering this source of energy, which was beneath their feet at home in Iceland, required traveling to another country. This story underscores how traveling abroad can help us discover new things at home.” Throughout their various learning opportunities, Hermosillo realized the importance of bringing her travels to the rest of Pace in the upcoming Year of Energy, “Energy is in the background of everything we do, yet it’s something most of us, as Americans, take for granted… on the trip, I realized I was actually thinking about energy.” The teachers are enthusiastic to share their cultural experiences and newfound knowledge with the Pace community. Rhodes adds, “The best thing about the trip was being around all of my colleagues who are interested and excited to bring back Iceland and energy to the school. We were able to brainstorm and plan together, and we are ready to start the year!” — by SOPHIE ZELONY ’17

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ICGL

I N V E S T I GAT I N G ENERGY I N I CELA N D

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KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ICGL

W R A P P I N G

U P

CONSE

BY SOPHIE ZELONY ’17

The SO CIAL ENTRE PRENE URSHI CHALL P ENGE a n d CONSE RVATIO N SHOWC ASE of ficially conclu de the Isdell Center for Glo bal Leader ship’s indepth s tudy of CONSE RVATIO N and ins pire fu ture action.

SHOW CONS CASING ERVA TION

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KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ICGL

T H E

Y E A R

O F

RVATION ELEC E NTRT R A C K W INS S EPRE O NEUR SHIP CIAL CHAL LEN

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KnightTimes | Summer 2018

F A C U L T Y

S P O T L I G H T

GLOBAL LEADERS

As a Middle School science teacher and a strong advocate for the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), KELLY COLQUITT incorporates global education in her classroom in more ways than one. Since rejoining the Pace Academy faculty in 2015 after the birth of her sons, Barrett and Beau, Colquitt has participated in ICGL study tours to Kenya, Mexico and Iceland. These trips have given her the opportunity to study themes like conservation and energy, which provided inspiration for student undertakings such as the 2017-2018 Animal Advocacy Challenge, where cross-grade teams tackled conservation-related problems faced by several different animal species. Colquitt discovered her passion for travel while in college, when she took a quarter off from school to teach English in Thailand. Today, she considers traveling with students to be a “dream job,” noting the perspective her own travel experiences have given her. She remembers watching her eighth-grade students work with children in Nairobi whose parents had been affected by the AIDS virus. She says, “These students jumped into their roles with no effort, and the Kenyan children took to them immediately. This is the type of experience in which one really gains perspective and begins to understand what is important in life. Profound.” In addition to the perspective these trips provide, Colquitt believes global education is important for her students to truly understand that they are capable of making change in the world. She explains, “In science, we teach small lessons that build on one another to show that everything is ultimately connected. Global education does the same. Introducing our annual themes to students allows them to explore critical issues as they affect the globe, and to put the pieces together themselves.” Colquitt notes that each of the ICGL’s annual global themes, thus far, has correlated easily to concepts taught in earth science, which has allowed her to

KELLY COLQUITT teach the “book version” of the theme as it relates to science, before expanding the concept through travel, culture and other applications. For example, for the 2018-2019 ICGL global theme of energy, Colquitt spent time exploring geothermal energy in the classroom with her students before leading a faculty trip to Iceland this past spring. In order to ensure her students are truly getting the most out of their ICGL experiences, Colquitt recently participated in the Where There Be Dragons conference in Boulder, Colo., designed to help teachers in setting the tone for trips and encouraging students to recognize the meaning of their travel experiences. At the conference, Colquitt modeled activities teachers can implement before, during and after travel to better convey to their students the importance of global education. Colquitt also brought what she learned back to Pace, providing insight on how to build and balance the already-impressive ICGL program. Known for her flexibility and ability to “go with the flow,” Colquitt is a role model for kindness among her students and coworkers. She demonstrates her true love for the planet through words and actions. She is particularly committed to raising awareness among students about conservation, and spent much of the past

year working to reduce single-use plastics among Middle Schoolers and their families. This effort included organizing the “Ex-STRAW-vaganza” with fellow teachers EDNA-MAY HERMOSILLO and LAURA INMAN, where the entire Middle School tested and rated different types of paper straws. Practicing what she preaches, Colquitt works hard to make sure her family only uses reusable water bottles, straws and grocery bags. In addition to these conservation efforts, Colquitt also served as a leader for Team Whale Shark in the Middle School’s Animal Advocacy Challenge. Students on her team created projects to raise awareness about the issues whale sharks face and ways to help, then raised funds for organizations focused on their conservation. Colquitt’s ultimate goal as a teacher is to find balance for her students: she hopes to balance students’ curiosity and enthusiasm with a meaningful amount of edification; to balance classroom learning with what happens on ICGL study tours; and, most importantly, to balance global learning with local awareness, as she believes local awareness is critical to empowering students to see that they are part of the bigger picture. Colquitt strives to be a teacher of global citizens who are capable of making a change.

— by HANNAH KELLY ’15

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

GLOBAL LEADERS

THANK YOU SPREADING CULTURAL AWARENESS

THROUGH DANCE

Kruti Dance Academy strives to create Indian cultural awareness among Indian American youth and, to that end, staged a summer recital at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for more than 2,000 attendees. Four Lower Schoolers—Pre-First students JUHI PATEL and SHRIYA MUKKAMALA and second-graders SANIA DESAI and ARYA LAUNGANI—served as emcees for their respective age groups’ performances. The girls were selected based on their confidence and public-speaking skills.

THANK YOU to the hundreds of sponsors, runners, volunteers and spectators who made the 36th running of the Pace Race the most successful ever! The Pace Race is the Booster Club's primary fundraiser each year, and all proceeds directly benefit Pace Athletics and programming in all divisions—the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Save the date for SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019, when the Pace family of students, parents, alumni, faculty and other friends of the school will gather for the 37th running of the Pace Race.

Make a Difference t hrough

THE CASTLE CIRCLE Have you included Pace Academy in your will or estate plan? If you have, or if you are thinking about it, you join other forward-looking members of our community who are committed to ensuring Pace’s strength and stability for generations to come. The Castle Circle celebrates the caring individuals and couples who have taken this impactful step. Membership in The Castle Circle is confirmed when you sign a Letter of Intent stating that you’ve made provisions for a gift; sharing the amount or expected amount of your future gift is optional.

E NDIN G PL ASTIC POL L U TION:

EARTH DAY 2018

Ninth-grader SLOANE WAGREICH did her part to support the Earth Day 2018 campaign to end plastic pollution. In April, Wagreich collected plastic bags and cardboard boxes at Whole Foods Market in Buckhead. Earth-friendly consumers received one cent for each plastic bag and 10 cents for each cardboard box donated.

The first 60 members of The Castle Circle that join during our 60th school year, in 2018–2019, will be recognized as Founding Members. If you intend to include Pace in your estate plan, we hope you will consider becoming a Founding Member by notifying us this coming year. If you’ve already included the school in your estate plan or you would like more information, please contact Dana Rawls at 404-262-3534 or dana.rawls@paceacademy.org.

You can find more information at: www.paceacademy.org/support-pace/planned-giving

The Year of

ENERGY THE ISDELL CENTER F O R G LO B A L L E A DE RS H I P’S 2018–2019 THEME

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

THE YEAR OF ENERGY

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left!” —THOMAS A. EDISON American Inventor, shown left in an 1877 photograph by L.C. Handy (Library of Congress photograph)

homas Edison was uncannily prescient when he speculated about the opportunity to develop renewable energy sources to replace nonrenewable ones, over 80 years ago. Energy was central to his inventions: the light bulb, phonograph, motion picture camera, alkaline battery and more. His company, the Edison Illuminating Company, opened the first power plant in 1862 in Manhattan, providing electricity to 82 customers. Today when we talk about energy, the topic is broader than perhaps even Edison could have conceived. As the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) explains, it comes in different forms: heat (thermal), light (radiant), motion (kinetic), electrical, chemical, nuclear and gravitational. These are formulated into a wide range of forms— renewable, including solar, geothermal (from heat inside the earth), wind, biomass (from plants) and hydropower (from water); and nonrenewable, including petroleum products, hydrocarbon gas liquids, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy. Electricity and hydrogen represent yet a third form, energy derived from secondary sources. Energy means all those things and more—discussion of energy as a resource fuels debate and discord around the world. It is a priority for every country and every person; it is central to human existence. This was as true in prehistoric ages as it is today, although its modern-day uses outpace the imagination.

Entering its fifth year, Pace Academy’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) has chosen ENERGY as its annual global theme of study. During the 2018–2019 school year, THE YEAR OF ENERGY, Pace students, faculty and staff will embark on a broad study of this bold topic—looking at types and uses, issues and problems, and future opportunities. Together we’ll probe the topic of energy as it relates to the ICGL’s five organizational centers: Science & Technology, Culture & Arts, Social Entrepreneurship & Business, Community Engagement & Environmental Sustainability, and Public Policy & International Relations. Our study will build on our theme explorations from previous years, making connections to each one: water, food, climate and conservation. Students and faculty will apply plenty of their own energy in the yearlong investigation: studying energy close to home and around the globe; engaging with scientists, authors and energy experts; and looking at the impact of energy in our own lives and in the lives of fellow human beings around our planet.

SOURCES: Newton, James D. Uncommon Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, & Charles Lindbergh. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987. U.S. Energy Information Administration

Summer

ENERGY READS Expand your horizons on energy along with the faculty and staff of Pace Academy. Our reading list this summer includes: • Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future by Jeff Goodell (Goodell is the 2018–2019 ICGL Visiting Scholar) • The Great Transition: Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Solar and Wind Energy by Lester Brown • The Grid: The Fraying Wires between Americans and Our Energy Future by Gretchen Bakke • Taming the Sun — Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power by Varun Sivaram • Understanding the Global Energy Crisis edited by Eugene D. Coyle and Richard A. Simmons • Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America’s Power by Megan O’Sullivan

THE YEAR OF ENERGY

Introducing ICGL Visiting Scholar

Our

JEFF GOODELL

ENERGY PRIORITIES

As the 2018–2019 school year gets underway, author and lecturer Jeff Goodell will be on site to launch The Year of Energy for the Pace Academy community. An award-winning writer and investigative journalist, Goodell researches extensively and has become an expert on a wide range of topics that include energy and climate science. Goodell is the author of multiple books, including Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future (Houghton Mifflin, 2006), included on The Year of Energy reading list for Pace faculty. He’s worked since 1996 as a contributing editor for Rolling Stone magazine and is a frequent contributor to The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic and other publications. He is a commentator on energy and environmental issues, appearing on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, The Oprah Winfrey Show and numerous other stations and shows.

Search “energy” online, and Google returns over 500 million results. For The Year of Energy, we’ll narrow our focus (rather significantly) to the study of six categories of energy that power—or have the potential to power—modern life around the globe. These include:

• FOSSIL FUELS • SOLAR • HYDROELECTRIC • WIND • GEOTHERMAL • BIOFUELS

Introducing the

ICGL STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

S ROK A RO S I NG

DEMBA O'G O R M A N

M E RC H A N T

RE ISNER

HOB B S

S TA R R

LEVIN B RE N NAN

H OO D

As the yearlong study unfolds, the Pace Academy community will see linkages between energy-related issues and our previous ICGL themes of water, food, climate and conservation. We’ll look at the energy uses that pose threats to the planet, as well as innovative ways of producing cleaner energy and renewable technologies that could fuel our future.

Over the course of the upcoming year, 11 Upper School students will work with Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) faculty to coordinate and promote events around the ICGL’s Year of Energy. Seniors CATHERINE BRENNAN, JEREMY LEVIN, KATHERINE REISNER and MICHAEL STARR and juniors VIRGINIA HOBBS, ERIN HOOD and EVERETT O’GORMAN will be returning to the ICGL Student Advisory Council in 2018–2019. Junior INSHA MERCHANT and sophomores GRACE DEMBA, DARREN ROSING and ABBY SROKA are new additions.

LEADERS

nnually, a cohort of Pace upperclassmen engages in an intensive independent study of the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) theme for the duration of the school year—committing to in-depth reading, supplemental assignments and out-of-school time for hands-on exploration of the theme, including two field research trips in the U.S. These students, known as the Isdell Global Leaders (IGLs), are selected in the spring of the preceding year through a competitive application process. The 2018– 2019 cohort for The Year of Energy includes rising seniors MADELINE ARENTH and VERONICA SANDOVAL and rising juniors VIRGINIA HOBBS and SANDY LUM. The director of the ICGL, TRISH ANDERSON, and Upper School science teacher DR. KAYLAN HAIZLIP will serve as the faculty advisers for the students, supervising their energy-related reading and assignments, and accompanying them on the study tours. During the year, the IGLs will share what they learn with their peers and faculty. Arenth says that one of her goals is to get others “to really stop and think about how their energy consumption has repercussions on the world.” She explains, “What is great about the program is that we will be relaying information about energy to the whole school community: grades Pre-First through 12

and all the faculty. I want Pace to start the ripple of change in the Atlanta community in hopes that it will create a permanent change for the better.” For the fall study tour, the IGLs will venture on a two-part journey, traveling first to West Virginia for a look at the coal mining industry, and then to Vermont, where the focus will be on renewable energy. Anderson says it’s important for the students to learn about traditional, fossil fuel-based energy sources such as coal—and that West Virginia is the second-largest coalproducing state. The West Virginia stop will focus on past, present and future opportunities for the coal industry, which has seen continued decline since the 1950s. Anderson explains, “They’ll study the coal mining industry, underground mines and mountain-top removal; learn about the different types of coal mined around the United States; and look at how West Virginian engineering entrepreneurs have begun to focus on new, renewable energy sources to revitalize the energy industry in the region and create new jobs.” The students’ second stop is Burlington, Vt., the state’s largest city and “the first fully renewable energy city in the U.S.,” Anderson says. Burlington has been focused on climate protection since 1996, when it joined the ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Cities for

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LUM

HOBBS

ARENTH

The Isdell Global

Climate Protection campaign. Sources of energy for Burlington’s 42,000 citizens include sustainably harvested pine and timber slash, which fuel a generating station; hydroelectric power; wind turbines; and solar panels, according to Colin Woodard, who authored America’s First All-Renewable Energy City in POLITICO magazine (November 2016). “The net energy costs are cheap enough that the city has not had to raise electric rates for its customers in eight years,” he writes. The students will learn about these energy sources and about Burlington’s Climate Action Plan, which presents the impacts of climate change to the area and focuses on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions through a set of goals centered on improving energy efficiency, expanding the tree canopy, increasing the use of clean and renewable energy sources and reducing waste, all detailed on the city’s website, www.burlingtonvt.gov. In the spring, the IGLs will take a second study tour to Colorado, where they will visit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which includes laboratories and an education center in Golden, Colo., and the National Wind Technology Center, outside of Boulder. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and operated by private contractors, the NREL’s mission, found at www.nrel.gov, is to advance “the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power technologies and [provide] the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems.” Arenth hopes that the IGLs can use their new knowledge and experiences to make an impact at home. She adds, “I really want people to understand all the different aspects of energy and be just as excited as I am about working towards a better Pace and a better community.” l

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

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Keeping the Go T

he Pace Academy Class of 2018 started its senior year by storming into the Fine Arts Center wearing tie-dyed shirts with “Good Vibes” written on the front, setting the stage for the year ahead and defining the class’s legacy. The members of the class represent accomplishments in athletics and the arts, academics and global citizenship, but more than that, they will be remembered for their fun-loving demeanor, positive attitude and easygoing spirit. Class President JORDAN SHOULBERG put it best: “Our grade found joy in all that we did. I mean, who else can say with a positive attitude that they are completely undefeated at being defeated in powderpuff [football]?” Graduation celebrations kicked off with Senior Honors Day on Friday, May 18, followed by a reception in the Pace Gardens and the Seaman Family Student Commons. Members of the Class of 2018 were honored for their hard work and dedication to academics, each other and the Pace community.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

Baccalaureate took place later that evening with Reverend Monsignor Francis G. McNamee, rector at the Cathedral of Christ the King, delivering the address to the class. Dean ALLISON RILEY and Head of Upper School MIKE GANNON said their goodbyes as well. Riley spoke about being part of “the garden of life,” growing from seeds in the ideal soil that is Pace. “Many of you try to do as much good within our community as without. The garden is not perfect, but perfection is not a realistic goal, and you know that,” said Riley. She challenged graduates to contribute to their new school communities and to cultivate the soil in which they land. “Leave Pace and help the community you make for yourself grow,” she said. “Send your seeds out into the world to sow goodwill and integrity. Take care of others. Know that I love you and will miss you, and that I know you are ready. I wish you well.” Commencement took place on Saturday, May 19, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

Valedictorian JENNIFER SPALTEN imparted wisdom from Pace faculty and staff as “it felt presumptuous to give advice to my peers since I am equally inexperienced.” She challenged her classmates to “define success in a way that will give your lives satisfaction and fulfillment.” Salutatorian BEN THOMPSON reflected on the school community that helped the class achieve such levels of success. “We have all been tremendously blessed to have been nurtured by the teachers, coaches and other mentors at Pace,” he said.“However, with our blessing comes responsibility, for Pace has given us a tremendous head start, so to speak, in our lives. From here on out, it will be our responsibility to serve our communities and give back to the place that has made us who we are today… and no, the Alumni Office did not pay me to say that.” This year’s surprise commencement speaker, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, was chosen as a result of the graduating class’s request to hear from a strong and ethical

CLASS OF 2018

}

P A C E A C A D E M Y’S CLASS OF 2018 B I D S F A R E W E L L.

ood Vibes Going T H E C L A S S O F 2 018…

• Will matriculate to 61 colleges and universities in 24

female leader. An accomplished civic leader and mother of four, Bottoms thanked Pace for giving her a platform to share with teens a message of resilience. She grew up the daughter of a famous R&B singer who later was sent to prison, she said, an experience that helped shape her worldview. “Wear your scars, because in your scars there is value for other people,” she advised. Bottoms also recounted a conversation she had with a lifelong friend when contemplating a run for mayor. The friend reminded Bottoms that she ran for student council time and time again in high school and never won. Of course Bottoms should give it a try; losing had never stopped her from trying before.“Don’t be afraid to fail,” Bottoms said. “With each failure there is a lesson that can be learned.” Head of School FRED ASSAF closed the ceremony, referencing the school’s upcoming 60th anniversary as he told the class, “Thank you for setting the standard for the next six decades.”

states and the District of Columbia. Two members of the class will attend college in Scotland, continuing

a streak of international matriculations that extends back to 2009

• Includes two University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Morehead-Cain Scholarship recipients,

Harrison Lewis and Khaki Loughran, making

Pace the first school outside of North Carolina, in

the history of the program, to boast two Scholars in the same graduating class

• Earned 21 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards • Includes 14 college athletes representing eight sports • Traveled the world through Pace’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership, visiting destinations such

as South Africa, China, Antarctica and Thailand KnightTimes | Summer 2018

SENIOR AWA R D S

“Now the training wheels are off. It is up to us to apply what we have learned and change the world.” —Ben Thompson, Salutatorian

Arts Alliance George Mengert Lifetime Achievement Award

George G. Kirkpatrick Pace Knight Award

Jeb Carter, Paige Demba, Schuyler Drose, Grace Dwyer, Cole McCorkle, Will Nulty, Ibum Obu, Nicole Ortiz, Karishma Pradhan & Jordan Shoulberg

Jordan Shoulberg & Daniel Blumen

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup [2]

Headmaster’s Award

Harrison Lewis

Ibum Obu, Marissa Schwarz, Donn Boddie & Jamaree Salyer

Charlie Owens Letter Blanket Award Joseph Adams, Eli Asher, Ben Bernstein, Daniel Blumen, Melanie Crawford, Zeke Diamond, Jack Douglass, Sophie Ferry, Jackson Fuller, Realus George, Gavin Guest, Walker Harris, Ryan Hofstetter, Alexander Holmann, Frank Houser, David Leven, Scott Leven, Zack Leven, Caroline MacRae, Presley Marxmiller, Joseph Mathias, Ryan Mazur, Chris McCaffrey, Bobby Mills, Marc Mitchell, Justin Morris, Sarah Ann Ninan, Ibum Obu, Cameron Perchik, Sophia Porson, Chip Ratcliff, David Roos, Jonathan Rushton, Jamaree Salyer, Matthew Shafer, George Shepherd, Michael Simon, Jaden Steagall, Catherine Sweeney, Ben Thompson, Alex Tolliday, Jack Wray & Sloan Wyatt

Gladys Johnson Award Canon Lynch & Jonathan Rushton

Hilton and Philippa Kort Service Above Self Award Khaki Loughran

James De La Fuente Award Ibum Obu & Jeb Carter

Jim and Lesley Wheeler Scholar Athlete Award Sarah Ann Ninan & Ben Thompson

Kent C. Taylor, Jr. Award [1] Melanie Crawford, Rachel Hall, Karishma Pradhan, Alex Tolliday, Justin Morris & Will Nulty

Pace Senior Citizens Daniel Blumen, Amy Butler, Melanie Crawford, Sarah Davey, Zeke Diamond, Jackson Fuller, Virginia Hall, Sydnie Jiang, Khaki Loughran, Joseph Mathias, Cole McCorkle, Bobby Mills, Marc Mitchell, Will Nulty, Jonathan Rushton, Marissa Schwarz, Matthew Shafer, Molly Shapiro, Charlie Stonecipher, Megan Walsh & Ashley Yoffee

Peter F. Hoffman Honor Scholarship Maggie Cushman & Jack Douglass

Ralph Lee Newton Literary Award Michael Simon

Raymond Buckley Award Ibum Obu & Jamaree Salyer

Ricks Carson Pace Literary Prize [4] Grace Dwyer & Julia Gray

Robert A. Yellowlees Award [3] Kate Snyder & Isaiah Kelly

Salutatorian

Lance and Shield Award

Ben Thompson

Presley Marxmiller & Jack Douglass

Science Department Award

Jeb Carter

Margery Russell Wilmot Spirit Award

Eli Asher

Eagle Scout Recognition

Amy Butler, Paige Demba, Nicole Ortiz, Isaiah Kelly, Cole McCorkle & David Roos

Sydney Rushin Mathematics Prize

Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award

Joseph Adams, Graeme Davidson, Jackson Fuller, Alexander Holmann, Graham Hurley, Chip Ratcliff, Jonathan Tennies & Ben Thompson

English Department Award Sarah Treadway

Valedictorian

Erica Tashma

Jennifer Spalten

Mike Murphy Courage to Strive for Excellence Award

World Language Department Awards

Sophie Ferry & George Shepherd

Frank D. Kaley Award

Jackson Fuller

Mike Gannon Award for Excellence in History

Jennifer Spalten (French), Ben Thompson (Latin) & Erica Tashma (Spanish)

Jennifer Spalten & Ben Thompson

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

OH, T H E P LAC E S TH E Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL GO! 5

The Class of 2018 will matriculate to the following colleges and universities: American University (1) Auburn University (7) Ball State University (1) Boston College (1) Bucknell University (2) Clemson University (1) Colgate University (1) College of Charleston (1) Cornell University (1) Davidson College (1) Denison University (1) Elon University (1) Emory University (3) Florida State University (1) Furman University (2) George Washington University (1) Georgia College (1) Georgia Institute of Technology (7) Georgia State University (2) High Point University (1) Howard University (2) Indiana University (1) Louisiana State University (1) Morehouse College (1) Northwestern University (2) Oberlin College (2) Pomona College (2) Princeton University (2) Rhodes College (1) Rice University (1) Sewanee: University of the South (1)

Southern Methodist University (2) Stetson University (1) Texas Christian University (2) Tulane University (6) Tusculum College (1) University of Alabama (5) University of California, Los Angeles (1) University of Chicago (2) University of Colorado (2) University of Edinburgh (1) University of Texas (1) University of Georgia (9) University of Miami (1) University of Michigan (4) University of Mississippi (2) University of Missouri (1) University of New Hampshire (1) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2) University of Notre Dame (1) University of Pennsylvania (2) University of Redlands (1) University of South Carolina (1) University of Southern California (1) University of St Andrews (1) University of Virginia (1) University of Wisconsin (1) Vanderbilt University (4) Wake Forest University (1) Washington and Lee University (1) Yale University (1)

9 10

[5] Valedictorian Jennifer Spalten [6] Senior choral performers sing at Baccalaureate

[7] Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms [8] Class Dean Allison Riley [9] Head of School Fred Assaf bestows diplomas [10] Salutatorian Ben Thompson [11] Class President Jordan Shoulberg [12] Reverend Monsignor Francis G. McNamee at Baccalaureate

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

IN 2017–2018, five seniors, MARINA HASHIM, SYDNIE JIANG, CAN0N LYNCH, ANNA ST0NE and ALEX T0LLIDAY took DR. KAYLAN HAIZLIP’S advanced science research class, which offers students a post-AP plunge into the hands-on world of conducting scientific research.

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KnightTimes | Summer 2018

Haizlip draws upon her experience as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder to run the classroom like a lab. She explains, “It’s a student-driven class where the students engage in research projects they select, with the goal of expanding their personal scientific interests—what we do is not what you see in a typical high school science classroom.” Tanks full of live creatures, whiteboards covered with student to-do lists and a low buzz of unstructured conversation lend the classroom a less traditional, more lab-like, feel. At the outset, the students found that the content of advanced research would be different from their other science classes; initial tasks included weeks of brainstorming and mapping out plans—taking longer and requiring more intricate planning than they’d imagined a research project would require. As the year progressed, they continued to experience what real research involves: acquiring funding, navigating miscalculations and routinely encountering failure. “Research is hard,” Haizlip says. “Show up, put your head down and get to work—that’s an A-plus scientist.” She adds, “My goal is for them to leave the class with independence, creativity and diligence.” Early in the first semester, the students wrote grant proposals to the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) requesting funding for the conservation-based projects they’d designed, in keeping with the ICGL’s annual theme of conservation. The ICGL rewarded each one funding, “but some were hesitant to ask for all they needed and couldn’t do their original experiments,” Haizlip says. “They learned that when you go for funding, you’d better have everything covered.” Those who didn’t plan appropriately discovered a truth of scientific research, Haizlip

BEYOND AP BIO

explains. “When you underbudget, you have to fix it.” She adds, “So they learned the normal approach to science—beg and borrow. You refurbish older equipment; you make trade-offs with other researchers; you redesign your experiment.” Her students traded supplies, looked elsewhere in the science department for resources and reduced their experimental sets to keep their projects moving forward. Hashim, Jiang and Tolliday conducted research on zebrafish; Lynch’s experiment used mussels; and Stone’s focused on tadpoles. “We first ran a Beta on a small subset of each,” Haizlip says. She adds that she was not surprised when none of the Beta-test animals survived long after arriving in the classroom. “I told them, ‘They died because you weren’t prepared. Now you know what it looks like to be prepared—because if you’re not, things die. So the first step is to find out what went wrong…and the next step is to dispose of them,” Haizlip says. She adds that she suggested that they “find some baggies”—confirming that “hands-on” applied to all aspects of the class. Failure is a part of the process, Haizlip explains. She uses a pancake analogy: “The first one always burns—then you figure out what’s wrong and fix it.” Stone, whose research focused on pesticides and tadpole mortality, says, “You run into so many things you don’t expect.” She adds that she initially felt insecure about working independently in a lab setting, “but sometimes you have to challenge yourself.” Her experiment, when completed, successfully demonstrated the deleterious effects of pesticides on tadpoles. Planning to major in neuroscience at the University of Chicago in the fall, Stone says the class taught her critical thinking and problem-solving, and that she became more independent. Lynch explains that she wanted her experiment to have a real impact. “I started with wanting to do research toward a cure for cancer,” she says. Although Haizlip didn’t discourage her grand-scale thinking, Lynch quickly discovered the complexities of conducting research, so she focused instead on a project involving mussels, which was more manageable within a classroom setting. “It

is really hard to find something to study and then condense it to only one variable,” she says. “Then you think you have everything under control, but keeping the animals alive and safe is much harder than manipulating their environment.” Ultimately, Lynch’s project demonstrated that adding mussels (which can absorb nitrates into their shells) to a body of water can decrease toxic nitrate levels to a sustainable range. Although she doesn’t credit her own research, she’s heard the City of Atlanta might have this strategy “on its radar.” Lynch explains that she appreciated Haizlip’s class because “it’s hard for high school students to find opportunities to conduct research.” She hopes the class has given her a foundation for college at Tulane University, where she plans “to major in neuroscience and study the brain, and have a career in pediatrics—because I love kids,” she says. The students conducting research on zebrafish all tested different hypotheses: Hashim tested how psychoactive drugs that run off into bodies of water impact survival rates; Tolliday looked at mortality rates with varied concentrations of heavy metals in the water; Jiang studied the impact of laundry detergent in the water supply on feeding habits. Hashim says, “We were able to take leadership of our own experiments. It was a good combination of working independently and in collaboration, with Dr. Haizlip’s guidance.” A rising freshman at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she adds that the class “allowed me to explore what I want to do in the vast field of research.” The class also fostered critical thinking, Hashim explains. The students read and presented their analyses of scientific studies during “journal club” throughout the year— which replaced testing during the Upper School’s standard test periods. “I’m now confident in my ability both to read and present a scientific article,” she says. Tolliday, who says she loved the handson opportunities in the class, says, “I became a more independent worker and student, and a better researcher with more productive ways of

obtaining and presenting information.” She adds, “We did more research than I ever expected—it’s great to have this experience before going to college.” Tolliday will attend the University of Michigan, where she plans to major in biology, with a premed track. Jiang says she learned “a lot of things you don’t think about with research.” She explains, “There is so much work in the pre-experiment phase, and you have to schedule so precisely. Not all experiments go according to plan, but they can still yield viable results.” A lesson from her research was “if we all decrease the amount of detergent we used a little, we can decrease the amount in rivers and lakes enough to improve the survival of animals in the ecosystem,” she says. Jiang will attend Boston College and is undecided about her major. She says she’s grateful that she had the opportunity to learn so much about scientific research in high school before choosing her college path. Haizlip is proud of the student-scientists in this year’s class. “Their grades were not about the success of their projects. I can only grade students on their diligence and their ability to adapt— to work through problems and figure things out. They did well. They learned a lot, and that’s what matters.” l

H AI ZLIP

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

NI ALUM E S AT UPD

Photographer KRISTI ODOM ’98 was one of 10 visual artists chosen to join the Nikon Ambassador program. The group of 33 artists strives to empower creatives through education and inspiration, while working directly with Nikon to communicate valuable insights regarding the evolving industry. Kristi writes, “Pace was such a big part of this journey—from photographing for yearbook to being inspired by [photography teacher] FRANCE DORMAN. I begged to double up on my math classes and not take an art class, but Pace wouldn’t allow that, so I signed up for photography. It’s funny how your path sometimes finds you, and in my case, Pace put me on that path. I am so beyond excited and honored!” BLAKE BURTON ’02 has published his first book, Ponce City Market: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Atlanta’s Largest Building. Over the course of six years, Blake, an architect and photographer, documented the transformation of the former Sears, Roebuck & Company from beginning to end. The book can be purchased on Blake’s website, www.blakeburtonphotography.com.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

Blake lives in Atlanta with his wife, Tess, and is an associate architect at Square Feet Studio, located in Inman Park. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects. This past spring, TAOS WYNN ’04 received several awards for his work on behalf of the Perfect Love Foundation, a 501(c)(3) he founded to form partnerships among businesses, schools and community organizations with the goal of “creating hopeful futures” for individuals in Georgia and abroad. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms presented Taos with the City of Atlanta Phoenix Award for exceptional leadership, advocacy and philanthropic contributions. Taos also received Georgia State University’s 2018 Outstanding Community Impact Award, one of the school’s Carl V. Patton Awards for Community Service and Social Justice. Award recipients demonstrate the university’s philosophy and commitment to developing positive connections with the community to gain a better understanding of civic responsibility. In addition, Taos brought home the

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service—his second—presented by the Office of the President of the United States and the Corporation for National and Community Service; the Daily Point of Light Award, created by President George H. W. Bush to recognize extraordinary volunteers; and a commendation from the Georgia Senate recognizing the Perfect Love Foundation’s Unify Georgia initiative. HEATHER ALLEN ’05 won the 2018 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show for her work as a producer on The Price Is Right. This was Heather’s third nomination and second win. Heather writes, “My boyfriend, Matt Bernes, flew out to L.A. and attended the show with me. Sharing the moment together made my second win that much more special.” Heather moved back to Atlanta from Los Angeles in October 2017. ROBERT BANICK ’06 lives in Kathmandu, Nepal, and provides mapping and spatial data analysis to various humanitarian NGOs and the World Bank. For the past year, he has worked with the World Bank to protect

ALUMNI

Can Tho, a southern Vietnamese city, from increased flooding from the Mekong River caused by climate change. Robert also worked for Doctors Without Borders in Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugee camps, mapping the accessibility of healthcare, water and sanitation services to camp residents. In recent years, he served in Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis, worked in post-disaster countries such as the Philippines and Haiti and helped prepare Nepal prior to its 2015 earthquake. Robert spends his free time hiking mountains, visiting monasteries and exploring Nepal by motorcycle. In May, MICHAEL NORSWORTHY ’07 graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in biological and biomedical sciences. EVAN ZELDIN ’10 graduated with a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He will undertake his medical residency in pain and sports medicine at the Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C. Evan is engaged to be married and is planning a 2019 wedding.

1. Taos Wynn; 2. Kristi Odom; 3. Blake Burton; 4. The cover of Burton's new book; 5. Michael Norsworthy; 6. Evan Zeldin; 7. Heather Allen; 8. Robert Banick

T WHA U YO ARE O? UP T

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ALUMNI

OSEI AVRIL ’14 and ARMANI LASHLEY ’14 have started a rap group called Osei & Armani, which released a mixtape, The Heartfelt Tape, this past spring. The group will perform shows in Atlanta this summer and has planned a fall tour. “We have been fortunate to open for Waka Flocka, PnB Rock and Riff Riff this past year, but really, deep down, all we want to do is work our way up to a crowd at Pace,” they say. BuzzFeed brand Nifty recently featured videos by artist JESSICA COOPER ’14 showcasing her metallic foil technique. Jes-

sica employs the technique, normally used for cards or scrapbooking, to create detailed print designs, each requiring four to six hours to complete. View Jessica’s designs on her Etsy shop, CooperCalligraphyArt. SYDNEY SOMMERVILLE ’16 was inducted into Spelman College’s French Honor Society this past spring. To qualify, students must major or minor in French and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5. This summer, Sydney is interning in marketing communications at Cummins Engineering in Columbus, Ind.

MARRIAGES ANDREW LYBARGER ’08 married Jetta Garrity on May 12, 2018, in Nahant, Mass. The couple met while attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Pace alumni in attendance were ADAM ROSENTHAL ’08, JENNIFER ARMSTRONG ’08 and PEYTON LEE ’08. Jetta and Andrew live in Fort Worth, Texas, with their dog, Ocean. Jetta works as a manufacturing engineer for Stryker Corporation, and Andrew is a wind tunnel test engineer for Lockheed Martin. ELISABETH QUINTRELL SWEENEY ’08 married William George Sweeney, Jr., “Wyck,” at Historic Smithonia Farm near Athens, Ga., on Nov. 11, 2017. VIRGINIA BEASLEY ’08, LAUREN WILKES ’08 and BLAIR GILLESPIE ’08 were bridesmaids. Other Pace alumni in attendance included AMANDA ALLEN SCOTT ’08, ALI LEBLANC DOWD ’08, JASMINE LITTLE ’08, SUSANNA BRAMLETT ’08, LAURA COBB ’08, CHRISTINA NIXON BONE ’08, EMILY EVANS SCHIFTER ’08, CAROLINE NIXON ’11, BUD WHITMIRE ’05, ANNIE RIDDELL ’12, BAILEY QUINTRELL ’05 and CLAIRE QUINTRELL ’12. Elisabeth and Wyck recently bought a home in Nashville, Tenn., where Wyck is an administrative judge for the state of Tennessee, and Elisabeth is a child psychologist. JESSICA WASHINGTON USRY ’08 married Terrence Usry on June 2, 2018, at Venue 92 in Woodstock, Ga. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2012, Jessica began her career in the Cartoon Network’s on-air operations department at Turner Broadcasting. She enjoyed four years with Turner Broadcasting before relocating to Los Angeles to work in Netflix’s Hollywood office. She currently serves as manager of Contracts & Rights Management for all of Netflix’s Kids & Family content. Terrence is a recreational therapist and director of activities at an assisted senior living community in Alhambra, Calif. The couple lives in Los Angeles with their Yorkie, Levi.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ALUMNI

HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE? email alumni@paceacademy.org

1. Jessica Cooper 2. Sydney Sommerville 3. Armani Lashley and Osei Avril 4. The Washington/Usry wedding (photo by Janelle C Photography) 5. The Quintrell/Sweeney wedding 6. The Garrity/Lybarger wedding

JOHNSON RECEIVES INAUGURAL ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AWARD At this year’s Senior Honors Day, Pace Academy presented the first Alumni Engagement Award, established to recognize an alumnus who has served as an active partner with the school, giving gifts of time and talent to help further its mission. MARK JOHNSON ’94 received the inaugural award. “This year’s recipient has set the bar high for what it means to be truly engaged as an alumnus,” said Head of School FRED ASSAF. “He has spent countless hours sharing his expertise with the Alumni Board and Leadership Pace, a program that strives to increase alumni engagement and develop the next generation of Pace leadership.”

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ALUMNI

BIRTHS LAUREN LINDER GRUNBERG ’00 and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed twins Grady Linder and Gabriela Linder on Dec. 17, 2017. The new family was featured in a promotional video for the inaugural VeloCity charity ride supporting the Grady Foundation. Jonathan is a partner at L. Lin Wood P.C., and Lauren is vice president and associate general counsel at Weather Group, which runs The Weather Channel. CAITLIN GOODRICH JONES ’00 and her husband, Wes, welcomed twins on March 15, 2018. Daughter Stella Pierce was 5 pounds, 6 ounces and 18 inches; son Porter Evans was 5 pounds, 1 ounce and 19.75 inches. The family lives in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood. Caitlin is director of communications at Pace, and Wes is CEO of Honeysuckle Gelato. They look forward to introducing their new Knights to the Pace community. Stephanie and J.D. RICHEY ’00 welcomed Hudson David on March 8, 2018. He was 8 pounds, 10 ounces. J.D. and Stephanie, who live in Alpharetta, also have a son, Lucas, 9, and a daughter, Sophie, 5. CATHERINE WOODLING ’00 and her husband, Evan Strange, had a daughter, Ruth McGuire, “Maggie,” on April 7, 2018. She joins big brother Robert, 6. Emily and JON BIRDSONG ’03 had a daughter, Adley Virginia, on March 7, 2018. Jon is a partner at Atlanta Ventures, and Emily is finishing her fourth year of surgical residency in otolaryngology at Emory University. JULIANNA RUE CAGLE ’03 and her husband, Spencer, welcomed William Spencer on May 2, 2018. EVE WERTHEIM FRID ’06 and her husband, Daniel, welcomed Guy Mayer on Feb. 12, 2018. The family lives in Dallas. Eve recently completed her MBA at Southern Methodist University and works at J.P. Morgan Chase. CAL HARRIS ’12 and Tiffany Boyd, a former Pace student, had a baby girl, Søren Elizabeth, on May 4, 2018. She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Cal writes, “We’re doing great save for the relative sleep deprivation!” Cal spent the past two years working for Amazon in Seattle and recently moved back to Atlanta.

1. Adley Virginia Birdsong 2. William Spencer Cagle 3. Gabriela Linder & Grady Linder Grunberg 4. Stella Pierce & Porter Evans Jones 5. Ruth McGuire Strange 6. Hudson David Richey 7. Søren Elizabeth Harris 8. Guy Mayer Frid

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ALUMNI

IN MEMORIAM Former Upper School teacher DR. JERE LINK passed away on March 15, 2018, following a long illness. Jere attended the University of Alabama and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in his pursuit of his graduate studies. Jere, who loved teaching, taught at Virginia Tech, Westminster, Pace and Kennesaw State University. He was honored as Georgia STAR Teacher of the Year in 1997 and regional STAR Teacher in 1993 and 2004. He is survived by a niece, cousins and many friends.

1 JUSTIN RYAN ’95 attended Pace’s PreFirst Author Tea Party with his daughter, ALEXANDRA RYAN ’30. 2 CLYDE SHEPHERD ’15, PETER HURLEY ’15 and TANNER LEWIS ’15 reunited at Pace Commencement in May to celebrate the graduation of their younger siblings. 3 RYAN HOFSTETTER ’18 celebrated his graduation with godparents SARAH 1

Dr. Link in 2013

Out & About MCGOVERN SILVER ‘92 and DEWEY THOMAS ’92. 4 ROB STOCKHAUSEN ’86 and CHRIS PAYNE ’86 surprised JAMES GLENN ’86 at James’s 50th birthday party at the famous Angus Barn in Raleigh, N.C. Chris says he promises he hasn’t shrunk—Rob and James are still just two big dudes. 2

5 VIRGINIA MARKS COLLIER ’86 and KATHERINE STOBBS DOBBS ’89 both serve on the board of Carnival Memphis, an 87-year-old Memphis institution. Virginia is the first female president of Carnival, and Katherine chaired its major fundraiser, Krewes for Kids. Each year, Carnival chooses three children’s charities to support and recognizes a business industry that has a major impact on the community. 5

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

COLLEGE 101 To help graduating seniors prepare for what lies ahead, each year the Office of College Counseling coordinates a half-day seminar, which includes a panel of recent alumni. This year, BARRETT BAKER ’17, MACKENZIE BAKER ’17, JEAN-LUC BROWN ’16, AMANDA HINSON ’17, MOLLY JACOBY ’17, SAMMY LETTES ’17, SARI LEVEN ’17, JOE LOUGHRAN ’16, ANNIE NOTTINGHAM ’17, CARLY SILVERSTEIN ’17 and MITCHELL ZWECKER ’17 reflected on their college experiences and answered seniors’ questions about the post-Pace transition.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! On June 3, alumni gathered at SunTrust Park to cheer on the Braves and celebrate retiring faculty member CHARLIE OWENS’ 50 years at Pace.

LAX T O THE MAX On May 2, alumni participated in the first annual Alumni Boys Lacrosse Game in which Pace graduates faced off against the varsity boys lacrosse team. Much to everyone’s surprise, the current Knights won, but the alumni put forth a valiant effort!

A KNIGHT IN THE BIG APPLE The Pace Academy Alumni Association hosted its annual New York City Happy Hour on June 6 at Trademark Taste + Grind.

SAVE THESE DATES S E P T E M B E R 21 –22: Homecoming & Reunion Weekend O C TOB E R 13: Parents Club 55th Pace Fall Fair NOVE M B ER 15: State of the School with Head of School FRED ASSAF

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

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hen asked why she wanted to send her kids to Pace Academy, Pace Lifer CHAFFEE BRAITHWAITE HEILMAN ’95 responds, “Why wouldn’t I? It’s a home for us.” Pace was a school home to Chaffee beginning in Pre-First, and to her older sister, KIERY BRAITHWAITE ’90, who began in sixth grade. Today, Chaffee’s son, ERICH HEILMAN, is a rising second grader, and Kiery has two Pace students—daughters KATE GRABOWSKI, a rising freshman, and LILY GRABOWSKI, who will be in the third grade. Kiery’s son, Will Grabowski, attends the Atlanta Speech School. As their children grow and experience Pace, the sisters are impressed by the new opportunities the school offers students. Chaffee wishes she had benefited from the Design Thinking program that Erich raves about. Kiery is amazed at Kate’s increasing awareness of the world as she embarks on her second Isdell Center for Global Leadership study tour, and both mothers wish they could have participated in the spirited student section at football games. However, some things haven’t changed. Besides the fact that gymnastics coach STEVE CUNNINGHAM hasn’t aged a day since her years at Pace, Kiery now shares her love for gymnastics with Kate, who is on the Pace team, and both Kiery and Chaffee share their love for the Fall Fair with their families (and look forward to serving as cochairs of the Fall Fair jail.) Plus, they share their love for the Pace community. The sisters say they had the well-rounded Pace experience they see their own children enjoying today. Kiery participated on the math team with beloved teacher DR. MARTHA KASILUS, now retired; competed on the gymnastics team; and enjoyed service, soccer and track. Chaffee led Pace’s Habitat for Humanity student outreach alongside faculty member EDITH WOODLING; she also was a gymnast for Pace and participated in track, swimming and diving. Kiery and Chaffee’s academic pursuits blossomed in the Pace classroom. JANE SIBLEY’S art history class prompted Kiery to minor in art history at Villanova and to study abroad in Italy. She adds that Kasilus’s math class inspired her to pursue math, which eventually led her to a career

in medicine, and she later received her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Kiery encouraged Chaffee to take Sibley’s art history class, which Chaffee says taught her the importance of visual cues and led her to enjoy branding and marketing for her business,

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the handshake firm but not too firm. I notice those things when I interview people because those things count—the way you present yourself counts, the way you interact with people counts and the way you treat others counts. Those lessons were integral at Pace when we were growing up.”

PAR E N T S POT LI G H T

KIERY BRAITHWAITE ’90 & CHAFFEE BRAITHWAITE HEILMAN ’95 Baby Braithwaite, located in Buckhead. Pace’s rigorous academics contributed to their dynamic and successful professional lives, and are one of many reasons they chose the school for their families. Kiery emphasizes the importance that Pace puts on having a strong work ethic. Chaffee adds, “What Pace does well is its motto: To have the courage to strive for excellence. At Pace there is a culture that you should want to learn… you should want to better yourself. Learning is exciting—wouldn’t you want to do that?” Besides academics, a lesson learned in Boyd Gym during their Pace days was impactful to their professional careers. Chaffee still talks about this lesson as a business owner today: “In sixth grade, our whole class was pulled into Boyd Gym, and we were given handshaking lessons with former Headmaster GEORGE KIRKPATRICK. And I will never forget that. To this day, I could relive that in my head. I remember being in line, and we all had to go up to him and were told to look him in the eyes and make

Kiery adds, “You don’t always remember when your parents tell you those things, but when the school tells you, it makes more of an impression.” Although there are new programs and new buildings since their years at Pace, the sisters feel the emphasis on family and the school's core values has stayed the same. In Chaffee’s words, “Growing up is hard. I say it all the time. To have your family in your back court during all of that is golden. All day, I will choose that. The Pace family will always be there for you.” l by SOPHIE ZELONY ’17

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

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JODY BECKMAN RUSHTON ’82 and JONATHAN RUSHTON ’18

JACK WRAY ’18 and STEVE WRAY ‘88 MOLLY SHAPIRO ’18 and LAUREN ELSON SHAPIRO ’83 AMY NAPIER HOFSTETTER ’92 and RYAN HOFSTETTER ’18

SARAH DAVEY ’18 and ANNE A. VON SCHLEGELL ’87

LEIGH DRAUGHON WALSH ’81, MEGAN WALSH ’18 and TIM WALSH ’81

CANON LYNCH ’18 and ALLISON HANDLEY LYNCH ’87

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WELCOMED NINE LEGACIES INTO ITS RANKS WITH THE GRADUATION OF THE CLASS OF 2018.

JENNIFER SMITH ’12, AMY BUTLER ’18 and SCOTT BUTLER ’81

Not pictured: MAY MAY BENTLEY LELLYETT ’81 and EMMA LELLYETT ’18

SAVE THE DATE Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (possible afternoon session) • Pace Tennis Courts Calling all Pace moms! Play a fun day of tennis and have lunch with moms from Lower, Middle & Upper Schools. • • • •

Exciting prizes Yummy lunch Awesome party favor Lots of music & fun

Queens

OF THE COURT

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HIRSCH Named

2018 ALUMNI SCHOLAR Rising senior CHARLIE HIRSCH was the proud recipient of the 2018 Alumni Scholar Award, awarded each spring to a junior who embodies Pace Academy’s values of high moral character, academic achievement, leadership and service, enriching the school community as a whole. Former Trustee and Alumni Scholar Award Committee Chair JOHN INMAN ’83 presented the award to Hirsch after a committee of alumni selected him based on faculty nominations and an interview process. The committee considered Hirsch’s dedication to service and strong leadership capabilities, which have led to success inside and outside of the classroom. Hirsh volunteers with Friendship Circle, an organization that supports individuals with special needs, and he was recognized as the 2018 Atlanta Student of the Year Runner-Up, raising $242,982 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. At Pace, Hirsch is a member of the math team, the Knight Capital Investment Club and co-editor-in-chief of The Knightly News. He has also participated in Pace’s annual Social Entrepreneurship Challenge, placing second this past year. In his senior year, Hirsch looks forward to his role as team captain for the varsity tennis team and to serving as a PASS leader, mentoring younger students on healthy lifestyle choices. This summer, he interned with a couple of software companies and attended camp at the University of Georgia. As a recipient of one of Pace’s most prestigious awards, Hirsch receives a scholarship toward his senior-year tuition, funded by the Pace Academy Alumni Association and the Alumni Scholar Committee. — by SOPHIE ZELONY ’17

On May 19, members of the Class of 1968 gathered in the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School’s Woodruff Library to celebrate their 50th reunion and be inducted into the school’s Golden Knights Club. Previously inducted members also joined the celebration. JAN ANDERSON MANNING ’68 served as the reunion chair for the class. “A wonderful time was had by all,” Jan wrote after the event. “We were reminded that we were indeed a part of something very special.”

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

LEADE RSHI P PAC E 201 8

Growing the Alumni Legacy

right and early on a Sunday morning in March, 15 Pace Academy alumni gathered in the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School’s Fuqua Meeting Room for the third annual Leadership Pace, a two-day journey into all things Pace. Participants ranged from recent graduates to current parents and out-oftown alumni; all hoped to engage with Pace on a deeper level. Leadership Pace serves as an avenue for alumni to learn about their alma mater as it is today and to become more involved in the life of the school. Each year, the program has grown and changed to fit the current needs of the school and alumni communities, ensuring a mutually beneficial and productive experience. Participants are exposed to all aspects of Pace’s inner work-

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

ings and encouraged to take part in open discussions with school leadership. This year’s program began as moderator MARK JOHNSON ’94—a member of Leadership Pace’s inaugural class—facilitated exercises to help participants conceptualize what they hoped to get out of the program as well as recall their student experiences. LIZ PRICE, a member of the Board of Trustees, kicked off a series of presentations by introducing Pace’s 2016-2021 Strategic Plan and the role of alumni in the school’s long-term vision. Following lunch in the

Woodruff Library, participants heard from Alumni Relations Manager HAYLEY SHOJI ’12 about the Alumni Association’s five-year strategic plan, which aims to “help all alumni discover the power of lifelong engagement” by providing meaningful and relevant ways to re-engage with Pace. These documents guided Leadership Pace participants as they connected with representatives in College Counseling, Athletics, Diversity & Inclusion, Admissions, Financial Aid and Advancement. Conversations centered around the ways in which

“Leadership Pace connected

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me back to the family and community I loved growing up with. It reminded me how unique our experiences were at Pace and how important it is to continue to foster the relationships we built during our time there.” – KRISTIN CHICK CARPENTER ’07

LEADERSHIP PACE CLASS OF 2018

alumni can assist each department, and participants shared ideas as to how Pace might continue to grow. Sunday evening gave participants a chance to socialize at a dinner with past Leadership Pace participants and Alumni Board members. Head of School FRED ASSAF took part in a question-and-answer session with participants, discussing matters ranging from Pace’s growth and current plans to alumni engagement and fundraising. Day two began like a typical school day—with homeroom and class. One group of alumni discussed the Punic Wars in EMILY STEVENS’ ancient world history class, while another sat in on BAILEY PLAYER’S Advanced Placement English language course and heard from visiting poet Amena Brown. Despite updated classrooms and new faculty faces, many participants remarked that the heart and soul of Pace felt very much the same. Later that day, participants learned more about student life and school culture with presentations on the Isdell Center for Global Leadership, STEAM, the Academic Resource Center, theatre and Entrepreneurship Mentor Day. Participants resoundingly agreed that the highlight of Leadership Pace was the student panel, which showcased students from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Fifthgraders ENRIQUE ALVAREZ and BEATRIX BOEHNER, sixth-grader HENRY GAUDET, eighth-grader TAYLOR KNOWLTON, and seniors JAMAREE SALYER and JORDAN SHOULBERG reflected on what life is like as a Pace student today. Panelists discussed the opportunities

ELIZABETH ALLGOOD BLALOCK ’96 ROSS BROWN ’07 Pace presents to participate in a wide range of very different activities, the challenges of juggling extracurriculars and academics, and the joy of attending Pace. Generational lines disappeared as familiar faculty names such as MARK SOMMERVILLE and HELEN SMITH came up. Both students and alumni quickly realized that they share a very special experience. Participants left Pace energized about the school’s sure footing and exciting future. “Leadership Pace reinforced my belief that as Pace evolves in a fast, ever-changing world, we will always keep the students at the center of our progress to ensure that our historical family atmosphere will remain as our foundation,” said participant and Pace parent CHRIS PAYNE ’86. Many members of the Leadership Pace Class of 2018 have already taken steps to remain involved with the school. Some have joined the Alumni Board; a few have partnered with specific departments; others have committed to help implement the Alumni Strategic Plan. Additional information about the Alumni Strategic Plan and how graduates can help grow the alumni legacy will be available in the fall KnightTimes. n

KRISTIN CHICK CARPENTER ’07 CHAD COOK ’95 JASON COX ’92 ERIC ESTROFF ’12 ANDREW GUEST ’04 BLYTHE O’BRIEN HOGAN ’03 DAVID IBSEN ’95 KEVIN LINDER ’94 AUSTIN MCDONALD ’97 ALEX MIKHALEVSKY ’05 CHRIS PAYNE ’86 RENA ANN PECK STRICKER ’87 TAOS WYNN ’04 All alumni qualify for and are encouraged to participate in Leadership Pace. The application-based selection process is designed to ensure diversity of class years, genders, professions and perspectives within each Leadership Pace class. Interested alumni should contact Hayley Shoji in the Alumni Office at 404-240-9107 and watch for the 2019 application announcement this fall in the KnightTimes, in their email inboxes and on social media.

“The Leadership Pace program far exceeded my expectations and reignited an excitement and enthusiasm for the school.” – JASON COX ’92 KnightTimes | Summer 2018

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Oh, What a Knight!

ON MARCH 23, more than 250 alumni, faculty and friends gathered at the Fairmont for the Pace Academy Alumni Association’s fifth annual Knight Cap. The evening included bourbon tastings, food by Dennis Dean Catering, entertainment by TRAVIS PECK ‘92 and the Pine Grove Band, and a silent auction featuring art from alumni and faculty. An important component of Pace’s annual fundraising efforts, the 2018 Knight Cap raised $38,000 for The Alumni Fund, which benefits needbased financial aid at Pace. CHAFFEE BRAITHWAITE HEILMAN ’95 and DORSEY STINSON BRYAN ’00 co-chaired the event. Thanks to the fabulous Knight Cap committee and all of the generous event sponsors! All alumni are invited to join the Alumni Association for the 2019 Knight Cap on Friday, March 15. If you are interested in helping plan or promote next year’s event, please email alumni@paceacademy.org.

KnightTimes | Summer 2018

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WE NEED YOU! Which area is most meaningful to you? Pace Academy is a vibrant community composed of many parts, and we treasure the diverse passions represented within our school family. To ensure that your Pace Fund gift aligns with your Pace priority, you may elect to support one of seven areas of need. In other words, uchoose. For more information or to make a gift, visit www.paceacademy.org/support/uknight-the-pace-fund.