KnightTimes Winter 2024

FALL SPORTS RECAP

Girls Cross-Country and Volleyball Win It All—AGAIN! KNIGHTS

Enriching the learning experience for all students Faculty

From the Parents Club to the Pace

Academy community, thank you for your support of A Knight Out at the Ballpark! It was a grand slam!

A special thanks to our generous sponsors!

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HALL OF FAME

CY YOUNG

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

IN PUTTING together this issue of the KnightTimes, I’ve reflected a great deal on the incalculable impact teachers have had on my life. From my storytelling, globetrotting grandmother (an independent-school educator), to retired Upper School English teacher RICKS CARSON (who taught me how to write), to Isdell Center for Global Leadership study tour leader extraordinaire REBECCA RHODES (who should teach a parenting masterclass), countless individuals have shaped my personal and professional trajectories in countless ways.

In the following pages, you’ll learn more about the teachers, coaches and mentors who inspire, challenge and sometimes even confound the Pace Academy students of today. Some have been at it for a handful of years, some for decades, but regardless of tenure, these individuals demonstrate unwavering commitment to our students and to our mission: To create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the values of Pace Academy.

So, to all those educators teaching minds and touching hearts, THANK YOU.

CAITLIN GOODRICH JONES ’00 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

facebook.com/paceacademy instagram.com/paceacademy youtube.com/officialpaceacademy

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Pace Community,

I’ve said it a million times before, and I’ll say it a million times again: Teachers are the heart and soul of Pace Academy. For generations, our school’s success has been inextricably linked to our faculty and staff’s commitment, professionalism and wholehearted devotion to their students. Families choose Pace, stay at Pace and love Pace because of the ways in which the adults on this campus make the magic of school happen each and every day.

Because the Board of Trustees recognizes that both academic excellence and character-driven culture start with our outstanding teaching team, Excellence in Every Endeavor: Pace Academy’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan ranks Faculty Engagement & Development among our top five priorities. When it comes to our educators, we want to continue to be a place that offers personal and professional support, creates opportunities for cross-divisional collaboration and relationship-building, and inspires intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning—and we want to keep you apprised of our progress.

So, I hope you’ll take a moment to peek inside a master teacher’s classroom (page 16), to learn about Upper School faculty members’ minimester explorations (page 26), to celebrate the unique workplace bonds that enhance the student experience (page 60), to applaud our educators in the limelight (page 37), to travel to Thailand with our Isdell Center for Global Leadership Middle School Faculty Cohort (page 42), to understand how teachers in every division practice lifelong learning (page 54) and to meet the alumni who have chosen to work at their alma mater (page 74). Above all, I hope you’ll join me in thanking the people who make Pace Academy such a special place. Cheers to our magic-makers!

Sincerely,

FRED ASSAF HEAD OF SCHOOL

Lower School Art Teacher RACHEL NICHOLSON loves to share her passion for pottery with her students —and her colleagues! As a means of building camaraderie, she has been offering a monthly ceramics class to faculty and staff. Learn more on page 31.

THIS PAGE

English, science and history faculty set aside their normal schedules to develop a vibrant spectrum of seven-day minimesters for Upper School students. Among the captivating course offerings was LESLIE DEPIETRO’s Exploring America’s National Parks —driven by her insatiable wanderlust and commitment to environmental awareness. Read more on page 26.

Photos by DIDIER BRIVAL

IN BLOOM

No one loves a closet cleanout more than GABBY MAUTNER ’24 (left) and ELLIE ARENTH ’24 (right). For the past three years, the dynamic duo has collected thousands of items of new and gently used clothing from the Pace Academy community for The Bloom Closet, an organization that provides a unique shopping experience for children in foster care.

The Bloom Closet Club’s twice-annual clothing drives have become highlights of Pace’s Community Engagement calendar, with families across the school taking part—and, last year, Arenth and Mautner expanded their efforts, partnering with the Lower School to coordinate a sock hop benefitting the nonprofit.

NOAH BENZ

ESSAYISTS

“Why did the nation’s founders choose a government with separated power rather than a parliamentary system?” Just ask DREW PARK ’25 (front right) and STEPHEN YANG ’25 (front left), students in DR. CHRISTINE CARTER’s Advanced Placement United States History class and two of Georgia’s five winners in the Congressional Seminar Essay Contest. The contest, sponsored by the National Society of Colonial Dames and Washington Workshops Foundation, asks students to submit responses to a prompt that are evaluated by a panel of lawyers and judges. Winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they take part in the Workshops Foundation's Congressional Seminar, an interactive, civic-focused learning experience. l

Rough Draft Atlanta —publisher of Reporter

Newspapers, Atlanta Intown and other periodicals—recognized Arenth and Mautner’s efforts by naming the girls to its 2024 20 Under 20 list, which applauds area students making a difference in their communities. “I am so grateful to the Pace community for helping me and to all the volunteers who make The Bloom Closet what it is,” says Arenth.

Rough Draft Atlanta also acknowledged NOAH BENZ ’24, a budding entrepreneur developing a virtual reality portal that promotes free access to education, on-demand internships, workshops and library tours from anywhere in the world. Benz landed on the 20 Under 20 Runner-Up list. l

COACH WHITE’S

In the world of high-school basketball, the name SHARMAN WHITE is synonymous with excellence. Over the course of nearly 25 seasons at the helm of some of Georgia’s most successful programs, White has led his teams to 10 state titles and garnered accolades at the local, national and international levels.

This past fall, White hit another benchmark when his varsity boys basketball team defeated Osborne High School on Nov. 25, his 500th career victory. “Reaching the 500-win milestone is something that still feels surreal to me,” White says. “I have watched other coaches accomplish this feat, but it never dawned on me that I could one day celebrate this moment. Many people—my family and the players, coaches and managers I have had the honor of working alongside—have had hands in my success along the way.”

In addition, the National Federation of State High School Associations named White a 2022–2023 Georgia Coach of the Year, and USA Basketball selected him to serve as head coach at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, a showcase for emerging basketball talent from around the world. l

SCHOLAR

As captain of the varsity swim team and a three-time state competitor, CLAIRE EASTERLING ’24 makes waves in the pool—and beyond. From Model United Nations, Math Team and the National Honor Society to Community Engagement, the Isdell Center for Global Leadership and the Academic Resource Center, Easterling’s influence and intellect ripple throughout the Pace Academy community. And now, she can add another star to her crown.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education have recognized Easterling as Pace’s 2024 STAR Student. The PAGE STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program requires that nominees achieve the top SAT score on a single test date and be in the top 10% of their class. STAR Students then choose a STAR Teacher who has inspired them to strive for excellence.

Easterling selected as her STAR Teacher Upper School math instructor JASON SMITH, who calls Easterling “the most happily tenacious student I’ve taught in a while.” l

JASON SMITH

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING in the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program!

 More than 450 Pace families and friends participated for the 2024 tax year.

 Because of you, dozens of new students across all divisions will receive tuition assistance in 2024–2025.

 Tax credit funds are allocated for the student’s entire career at Pace as long as they demonstrate need each year.

 Pre-apply for the 2025 tax year starting July 1, 2024, at apogee123.org

Carter Creates Cleats for a Cause

For the eighth-consecutive season, Atlanta Falcons players and coaches showed support for nonprofit organizations close to their hearts during the My Cause My Cleats game, which took place in New York on Dec. 3, 2023. In partnership with Microsoft, the athletes paired up with high-school student-artists to design custom cleats inspired by their causes of choice—and Pace Academy student-athlete-and-artist extraordinaire

ELLIE CARTER ’24 (left) was selected to partner with Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (right). In the realm of impactful

initiatives, My Cause My Cleats stands out as a testament to the intersection of sports, art and philanthropy. What started for Carter as an afternoon at the Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., turned into an unexpected canvas of collaboration.

Allgeier chose to celebrate The White Ribbon Project—an initiative dedicated to spreading awareness of lung cancer and supporting those affected by the disease—with his one-of-a-kind kicks. The Falcons’ December game against the New York Jets served as the stage for the impactful collaboration, with 44 pairs of student-designed cleats adorning the field, each representing a unique cause. Carter’s custom cleats, featuring a dramatic white ribbon, made a statement as the Falcons

secured a victory—a win that coincided with Carter and the varsity flag football team’s return to the GHSA state playoffs. The story didn’t stop there. Former Falcons linebacker Chris Draft, president of the Chris Draft Family Foundation and a White Ribbon Project advocate, was inspired by Carter’s involvement and by the intersection of visual art and football. Draft invited Carter and her father to attend a Falcons game as his guests. After the game, Draft visited Pace, spending an afternoon crafting white ribbons with Carter and her flag football teammates and coaches.

Carter's unexpected journey became a testament to the ripple effect of art, sports and advocacy, turning a cool experience at the Falcons Training Facility into a newfound passion for a vital cause and lasting friendships with professional athletes. “This has been the gift that keeps on giving,” Carter says. l

Do I Dare?

FromTEDTalksto coffeetalk,thewellbeingofthePace communityremains frontandcenter

Mental Health Matters

was the topic as student and faculty speakers took the stage at Pace Academy’s fourth annual TEDx event, organized by MARTIN ANDRA-THOMAS ’24, KATE GRICE ’25, HARPER AUCHINCLOSS ’25 and Upper School English teacher ROBERT KAUFMAN. Speakers reflected on personal experiences, sharing stories of loss, identity, perseverance and perfectionism, and as they spoke, mental health emerged as the unifying theme.

“Students dared greatly to destigmatize talking about mental health and what makes them vulnerable, which requires laudable courage,” Kaufman told The Knightly News Confronting issues of mental health is also a theme of Excellence in Every Endeavor: Pace Academy’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, which includes mental health among the school’s top five strategic priorities.

Pace’s counseling team, in partnership with division leadership and Parenting Connection, a committee of the Parents Club, takes seriously its charge to offer robust mental health programming at all levels, facilitate professional development for faculty and staff, provide education for parents and caregivers, and destigmatize mental health challenges at Pace and beyond.

In November, more than 200 community members gathered in the Fine Arts Center’s Zalik Theater for an evening with Jennifer Breheny Wallace. In a conversation with Pace consulting psychologist DR. CHRISTI BARTOLOMUCCI, Wallace, award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It, discussed the pressure on today’s students to succeed in the classroom and in extracurricular pursuits—and the anxiety,

Bea Boehner ʼ25

Sharman White

Sabrina Agharkar ’25, Bayli Richardson ’27, Bennett Cummings ’26, Hannah White ’24 and Jennifer Breheny Wallace

Wallace, Dr. Bartolomucci and Director of Mental Wellness Ellye Millaway

Jennifer Breheny Wallace

depression and self-harm that may come with it. Wallace also shared her findings with Upper School students during a special assembly, moderated by SABRINA AGHARKAR ’25 BENNETT CUMMINGS ’26, BAYLI RICHARDSON ’27 and HANNAH WHITE ’24.

Other programming for adults included Parenting Toolkit Talks, a series of sessions in which Bartolomucci shared strategies to help navigate specific developmental stages, and Coffee & Conversation discussions, which covered topics such as stress management and executive functioning. A Parenting Connection book club also provided opportunities for reflection and connection. Students took part in self-care workshops and exam stress breaks, daily gratitude practices, peer-to-peer mentoring initiatives such as PASS (Pace Academy Student Support), age-appropriate topical assemblies and smallgroup sessions. Additionally, individual counseling resources are always available to students. l

Dr. Christi Bartolomucci

TEDx Speakers

New Families Mix & Mingle at Bold Monk Brewing

In late October, families new to Pace Academy were invited to attend a cocktail reception at Bold Monk Brewing Company. Guests enjoyed flavorsome fare and beverages while connecting with other new-to-Pace parents, Head of School FRED

ASSAF, Director of Advancement HEATHER WHITE, Associate Director of Advancement DEBRA MANN, and Principal Gifts

Officers TED JEFFRIES and HAYNES ROBERTS ’96. Pace Fund Committee Co-Chairs CIARA IRONS and BILL MONROE and Pace Fund New Family & Inclusion Committee Chairs HANAN IDRIS, SAMIR IDRIS, WHITNEY PAULOWSKY and RYAN

PAULOWSKY also greeted attendees.

“We were so excited to welcome families new to Pace and share a bit about our beloved school community—as well as how the Pace Fund supports and amplifies the outstanding Pace educational experience,” says Pace Fund Director ALICE

PHILLIPS. “Special thanks to our dedicated parent volunteers, and another warm welcome to our new families!” l

Carly Cannon ʼ24

Vivian Kohn ʼ24

Gus Loomis ʼ28

Marco Juarez ʼ25

Throughout the fall and winter, Pace Academy Upper School debaters criss-crossed the nation arguing both sides of this year’s high-school policy debate’s official resolution: “The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a federal jobs guarantee, expanding Social Security and/or providing a basic income.”

2

After an appearance in the finals of the University of Kentucky tournament in September, WILL CANNADAY ’24 and MEGAN KLINGLER ’25 ranked 21st in the country in the first Coaches’ Poll of the season. NOAH EISENMAN ’26 and NAYANA NAG ’26 followed in Cannaday and Klinger’s footsteps at the Marist Ivy Street Invitational, where the duo won the junior varsity tournament and earned individual awards—top speaker for Eisenman and third place for Nag. In the varsity division of the same tournament, KAITLYN GOLDBERG ’25 and AALIA MIRZA ’25 finished in ninth place, as did ZAKI GEORGE ’26 and ARNAV MADDINENI ’26

3

In October, George and Maddineni took on one of the most competitive fields in the country at the Heart of Texas Invitational, hosted by St. Mark’s School in Dallas. The only sophomore squad among the final 32 competitors, the team finished 17th overall. At the Johns Creek Gladiator Debates, SRIARVIND PADMANABHAN ’27 and WILL WHIPPLE ’27 were third.

4

a debate update

November made for a busy month for Pace debaters. Eight students competed at the Glenbrooks Tournament, generally considered the largest and most difficult tournament of the first semester. All four teams finished with winning records, with Cannaday and Klinger placing in the top third. Then, at the Peach State Classic, Mirza and Goldberg completed the preliminary round with a perfect record and entered the finals as the top seed. The team ultimately finished in fifth place; Mirza earned top speaker honors, while Goldberg was second. Competing in the junior varsity division, SERENA SHANG ’26 and REESE HONEYCUTT ’26 claimed third place as a team and ranked third and fifth individually

5

The debaters closed out 2023 at the Michigan State Tournament, where KYEN WASHINGTON ’27 and Padmanabhan were crowned champions and named the 10th and 11th speakers, respectively.

recent tournament success

The new year started with a bang at the Samford University Bishop Guild Invitational, where Cannaday and Klinger placed second among more than 40 teams and secured their spots in the year-end Tournament of Champions, a prestigious national championship. Cannaday was the third-place speaker; Nag was seventh.

“Pace debaters continue to make their mark on the national debate scene,” says Director of Speech and Debate ERIC FORSLUND. “I’m excited to see what this hard-working group of students will accomplish in the second semester.”

Another Great Night Out With Keeping Pace

In November, Pace Academy parents, faculty, staff and friends gathered at Urban Tree Cidery for a much-loved annual event: A Night Out With Keeping Pace. Now in its seventh year, the casual evening brings together supporters of Keeping Pace, a life-changing summer program held on the Pace campus and serving students from under-resourced communities in metro Atlanta.

The evening was lively and included delicious Urban Tree hard cider as well as beer and wine, fantastic tasting stations from Joey D’s Oak Room, everyone’s favorite truffle popcorn bar presented by Local Three Kitchen and Bar, an array of exclusive silent auction items and a wine raffle. Thanks to JENNIFER GREENBAUM and GREG GREENBAUM ’83 for donating the catering and to former Upper School science teacher JULIE HALL and her husband, Chris Hall, for supplying the popcorn.

“A Night Out With Keeping Pace is a great opportunity for us to connect with supporters and celebrate the transformational work happening each summer through Keeping Pace,” says Associate Director of the Isdell Center for Global Leadership and Director of Keeping Pace TED WARD l

Giving Thanks for Grandparents & Special Friends

Faculty, staff and students look forward to connecting with Pace Academy grandparents and special friends every November.

This year, on the Monday before Thanksgiving, grandparents gathered in the Kam Memar Lower School’s Gandhi Hall for an evening hosted by Head of School FRED ASSAF, Head of Lower School

DOROTHY HUTCHESON, Head of Middle School GRAHAM

ANTHONY and Head of Upper School MIKE GANNON. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and a gourmet meal, as well as an update on the impactful work of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and a delightful performance by the Upper School chorus.

On Tuesday, grandparents and special friends of Knights in Pre-First through fifth grade visited Lower School classrooms. “We love having grandparents and special friends on campus,” says Lower School Director of Academics BARBARA LIVINGSTONE . “Students enjoy introducing their guests to their friends and teachers, and our guests relish seeing students in the environment where they spend so much time. Pace is grateful to the grandparents and special friends who nurture Knights of all ages.” l

INFaces & Spaces , we introduce members of our faculty via the classrooms and offices where they spend their time. In this issue, we talk to seventh-grade U.S. history teacher

KIRSTIN BAILLIE

01. “I love teaching Middle School,” Baillie says. “Children this age are like chocolate chip cookies. They have all the right ingredients—the finest flour, the best chocolate—but they need time in the oven. I love seeing the imperfections, the beauty and the imbalances in these kids; they amaze and surprise me every day. They just need time to become the people they’re going to be—and I think this quote from Walt Whitman speaks to that.”

02. Multiple maps hang on every wall in Baillie’s classroom: “Students need visual anchors and a sense of place.”

03. Baillie and Director of STEAM and Design DR. KIRSTEN BOEHNER asked teams of students—informed by lessons on Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny—to tackle a modern-day case study. Using the principles of survival architecture, students designed solutions to rebuild Paradise, Calif., following the devastating Camp Fire of 2018—and to prevent further catastrophe. “The hope is that students translate the lessons of the past into solutions for the future,” Baillie says.

04. Baillie—whose husband hails from Scotland—spends time every year in Germany and the United Kingdom. The Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) is one of the elements that drew Baillie to Pace, and since her arrival in 2021, she has traveled with students to the Four Corners region of the U.S. and to Iceland, perspective-altering experiences that informed the curriculum for her Middle School ICGL Minimester course, Water & Indigenous Culture

05. “Inclusivity is important to me,” Baillie says. “I want everyone in my classroom to know that they are welcome here. I want them to see symbols of acceptance.”

06. “Primary sources are really key for me,” Baillie reports. “I love to use them to incorporate perspectives of events that are often retold in caricature, and to help students understand that history is both what is being told and what is not being told. It’s our job to discover whose voice is missing—and to understand the power of their words.”

07. Baillie loves quotes, and her bulletin board displays a few of her favorites, as well as tributes to her beloved pit bulls (her family has owned or fostered nine) and Vanderbilt University (where she majored in political science). After undergrad, Baillie pursued a career in public relations and consulting in New York and Atlanta. “I’m late to the teacher game,” she says. She earned her teaching certificate in 2012 and taught in the Cobb County School District for seven years before coming to Pace.

08. Baillie returned from a meeting to this message from an anonymous colleague. “I’m so happy to be at Pace,” she says. “The students truly make my day. They’re polite, engaging and kind. I see my role as being part of their development, and I take that job seriously.”

09. “Kirstin Baillie is a passionate teacher of American history and Model United Nations adviser. Her room reveals her dedication to equity, justice and education,” says Associate Head of Middle School for Academics NANCY QUINTRELL . “Students understand that it is a safe space for learning.”

FACES & SPACES

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) continues to cultivate joy across the Pace Academy community—living out its 2023–2024 theme, Unearthing Joy. “Thus far this year, we have centered our efforts around fostering joy in teaching and learning and recognizing the genius in every student,” says Chief Equity and Inclusion

Officer JOANNE BEAUVOIR BROWN.

Joy can be a tall order in times of national and global crisis. “Our goal, as always, is to care for all members of our Pace family,” Beauvoir Brown says. “Listening and learning from each other and celebrating our differences is vital to our health as a community.”

To that end, the Office of DEI has continued to hold space for students and faculty through affinity groups; has facilitated conversations that support parents and caregivers through monthly IONS (In Our Neighbors’ Shoes) gatherings; and has highlighted the many religious and cultural traditions represented within the Pace community.

COMMEMORATING NATIVE AMERICAN/ INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HERITAGE MONTH

During the month of November, the U.S. honors Indigenous peoples past and present during Native American/Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month. Pace celebrated by highlighting the holiday’s significance in assemblies across divisions. The Lower School used the Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s theme of Water as the lens through which students examined issues Indigenous Peoples may face, and the Lower School’s Soni Family Library introduced students to books such as Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior and We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. In addition, Lower School Director of Curriculum and Professional Development AMY UNDERWOOD led a lunch-and-learn to support fac

REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST

The Upper School recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special assembly during which members of the Jewish Affinity Group shared stories of those impacted by the Holocaust, and Director of Mental Wellness ELLYE MILLAWAY reflected on her grandfather’s experience as a Holocaust survivor. l

FINDING JOY

AN UPDATE ON OUR DIVERSITY,

EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES

HIGHLIGHTING HANUKKAH

The Pace community celebrated Hanukkah with events in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Lower School students—familiar with the story of the Maccabees’ victory over Antiochus and the restoration of the Temple as a result of their participation in Light One Candle (see story on page 34)—heard from their Jewish classmates and teachers about beloved Hanukkah traditions during a special Lower School Community Time, while the Middle and Upper School Jewish Affinity Groups hosted a Hanukkah party in the Gardens, complete with learning stations, latkes, dreidel spinning and music. l

ENGAGING IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A cohort of Pace faculty and staff attended the National Association of Independent School’s People of Color Conference in St. Louis and explored the theme Gateways to Freedom: A Confluence of Truth, Knowledge, Joy and Power. The conference included workshops, speaker panels, affinity group meetings, wellness activities and a master class with Gholdy Muhammad, author of Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction; Muhammad’s book has served as the framework for this year’s DEI theme. Then, at the 2024 INDEX conference for DEI practitioners, Beauvoir Brown shared her professional experiences and expertise while leading a breakout session entitled One is Not a Team; INDEX is a consortium of independent schools that provides data, analysis and research to aid in decision-making, policy development and strategic planning. In addition, faculty lunch-and-learns focused on supporting neurodiverse students in the classroom. l

EMBRACING THE JOY OF DIWALI

During the school-wide celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, students in all divisions learned about the holiday’s origins and traditions in student-led assemblies, and Pace families brought the Gardens to life with food, music, sari draping, henna and more. l

HONORING DR. KING

To mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Office of DEI, in partnership with Hands on Atlanta, hosted its seventh annual Sunday Supper. Sunday Suppers took place across Atlanta on the eve of the holiday, and this year’s conversation—which included more than 80 members of the Pace community—focused on discussion regarding the power of individual voices. Lower Schoolers commemorated the holiday with a Community Time presentation by the Lower School Student Council—a lesson so superb that the group was invited to share it with Upper School students. l

CELEBRATING KWANZAA

Recent efforts from theOfficeof DEI

Students, faculty and Pace families edu cated the Pace community about Kwanzaa, the African and Pan-African holiday cel ebrating family, community and culture. The seven-day festival promotes reflection on Seven Principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

RINGING IN LUNAR NEW YEAR

Lower School students and faculty celebrated the Year of the Dragon with a special Community Time featuring student leaders, Pace parents and the Atlanta Chinese Dance Academy. Educational activities organized by the student-led Asian Alliance, and the provision of traditional foods by Pace parents stoked the celebration in the Middle and Upper Schools, while topical displays in the Woodruff Library and across campus allowed for supplemental learning. l

This year’s Homecoming festivities had Pace Academy Knights of all ages seeing pink. As alumni returned to campus, the Pace community celebrated school spirit at a pinkedout pep rally; cheered the varsity flag football team to a nailbiter of a victory over Luella High School; and enjoyed Friday night football under the lights at Riverview Sports Complex. At Saturday’s Homecoming Dance, GRACE AGOLLI ’24 and DYLAN POPO ’24 were crowned Homecoming Royalty.

Painting the Town

Popo&Agolli

SUPER-POWERED

Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman and other Justice League characters took center stage as the Class of 2024 brought DC Comics to life during Spirit Week. The annual competition between Upper School classes—an enthusiastic kickoff to the second semester—also included appearances by the Lorax, the Scooby Doo crew and the crazy critters from Madagascar.

SPIRIT

ABOVE: Roy Hadley

RIGHT: Sybil Hadley

BELOW: Madison, Dustin, Lauren and Victoria Hadley in 2023

Planned Giving with Purpose:

SYBIL & ROY HADLEY

JOIN THE CASTLE CIRCLE

SYBIL HADLEY and ROY HADLEY are the proud parents of two sets of twins— DUSTIN HADLEY ’15, LAUREN HADLEY ’15, MADISON HADLEY ’23 and VICTORIA HADLEY ’23 —all four of whom are Pace Academy Lifers. Do the math on that: the Hadleys were active Pace parents for a combined 52 years (with some running concurrently, of course!). It is no surprise, then, that the Hadleys have prioritized Pace in their philanthropic giving by making a planned gift to the school.

Reflecting on their choice of school, the Hadleys knew early on that Pace was the place for their family. Sybil recounts falling in love with the Castle from West Paces Ferry Road years before her children were school-aged. Later, upon touring schools as a prospective parent, she was particularly impressed with former Head of Lower School ANNA VALERIUS’s emphasis on the parent-school partnership: “Anna wanted parents at school as long as their children did,” Sybil recalls.

The Hadleys started engaging with Pace immediately upon joining the community, and they have been active supporters since, donating to capital campaigns and the Pace Fund for more than two decades and participating in the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program for 10 years. They have encouraged others to give to the school they love so much through their efforts as Pace Fund volunteers. Sybil served on the Board of Trustees for nine years, including holding the position of secretary. She continues to prioritize Pace through her service as a Life Trustee, a position she has held since 2016.

Speaking about what Pace has meant to her family, Sybil emphasizes the importance of relationships: “Many of our dearest and closest friends come from our Pace community. While we already miss the day-to-day bustle of Pace life, our connections with Pace continue to be ever present.” The Hadleys’ experience has come full-circle—school-aged friendships have evolved into meaningful adult connections, and now, social gatherings include the weddings of Pace alumni.

In thinking about their future philanthropic giving, making a bequest to Pace was the right move for the Hadleys. “Having started at a nonprofit a number of years ago, one of my roles being to support our development office, I’ve gained insight into the powerful impact planned giving can make to an organization’s mission,” Sybil recounts. “I’ve also had the privilege of seeing how a good education can impact those who receive it.”

By joining The Castle Circle, which recognizes individuals and couples who have made provisions for a planned gift to Pace and shared their intention with the school, the Hadleys have ensured their generosity will amplify a mission they believe in and expand access to the exceptional educational opportunities available at Pace. “Through planned giving, we hope to provide opportunity for those who need it,” they say. “The biggest ben efit to us is to share Pace with those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience it.” l

Have you included Pace in your will or estate plan? If so, you are a Castle Circle member, and we hope you’ll let us know!

If you’d like to confirm—or explore— Castle Circle membership, please contact HAYNES ROBERTS ’96 in the Office of Advancement at 404-926-3708 or haynes.roberts@paceacademy.org, or visit www.paceacademy.org/support-pace/ planned-giving for information.

RIGHT: Anna Valerius shakes hands with Victoria and Madison on the first day of the 2012–2013 school year

PASSIONS & PEDAGOGY

50 YEARS OF HIP-HOP /BRANDI WHEELER/

In 50 Years of Hip-Hop, Upper School English and AP African American Studies teacher BRANDI WHEELER delved into the deep roots and rich history of the music genre, its pioneers and its influences—from soul, R&B and funk, to disco, punk and gospel.

“This minimester was so much fun to teach!” she says. “We talked about how industry trailblazers used the tools they had at their disposal—turntables, microphones and their own voices—to innovate and create this provocative, complex and beautiful type of music that has continued to evolve over the past 50 years.”

One of Wheeler’s favorite activities was creating an online hip-hop museum where students curated exhibits to teach others about their favorite contemporary artists. The interactive museum not only showcased the students' creativity but also provided a platform for personal connections as they interviewed family and faculty members to glean outside perspectives on hip-hop. “One student told me that they had no idea their mom knew so much about hip-hop,” Wheeler reports.

Wheeler looks forward to teaching this course again and would love to dig more deeply into specific artists and eras of hip-hop. l

EXPLORING AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS /LESLIE DEPIETRO/

Among the captivating course offerings was English faculty member LESLIE DEPIETRO’s Exploring America’s National Parks —driven by her insatiable wanderlust and commitment to environmental awareness. After learning that climate change will result in the loss of many of Glacier National Park’s glaciers by 2030, DePietro and her family accelerated their personal mission to visit every national park. On campus, her minimester curriculum not only delved into the history of the parks system but also became a platform for students to plan their own national park adventures, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and a shared passion for exploration.

Within this educational odyssey, students engaged with the challenges facing national parks today—from overcrowding to climate change. Randomly selecting parks, trip durations and camping styles, they crafted personalized itineraries to present to the class, including major hikes or important landmarks. One exciting discovery for DePietro was that colleague and Upper School math teacher JASON SMITH shares her passion for national parks, ”although he has visited way more than me!” she says.

The cross-sections of interests among faculty members adds another layer of richness to the minimester experience. When asked which of her colleagues’ courses she’d take as a student, DePietro expressed a desire to delve into

BRANDI WHEELER’s 50 Years of Hip-Hop, intrigued by Wheeler’s expertise and passion for the genre. “Intro to Improv with EMILY WASHBURN sounded fun, and I don't know enough about [Alfred] Hitchcock, so DR. JASON BROOKS’ course would be helpful for me,” she notes. “Of course, Food Science with BEN EWING sounds great, too, especially if it ends with me getting to eat some of his famous chocolate chip cookies.” l

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: THE VISUAL POETICS OF BEYONCÉ’S BLACK IS KING /HAYLEY CONROY/

Inspired by Beyoncé’s cinematic masterpiece Black is King, released in 2020, Upper School English teacher HAYLEY CONROY embarked on a mission to share the film's astonishing beauty and profound cultural depth with her students. “I wanted to make it my mission to have a wider discussion about how Beyoncé has pioneered a new genre of film with her full-length music video movies,” she shares.

Given the dense material of Black is King, the limited minimester course window was a challenge for Conroy. Despite time constraints, students engaged in a unique curriculum focused on film analysis. They played “symbolism bingo” while watching the film, identifying various symbolic elements in its imagery. The rest of the week saw students in small groups, researching and preparing presentations analyzing song lyrics and visual imagery from chosen segments of the film. Conroy assembled a thorough research guide containing articles about the movie and the artists involved, resources about the genre of Afrofuturism, a podcast that analyzes the cultural references from the movie in depth and a sort of general symbolism decoding guide. “I was impressed by the students’ ability to really dig into the themes and metaphors of the movie, and I think we might have converted some new Beyoncé fans!”

Reflecting on her colleagues’ offerings, Conroy expressed interest in MINDY LAWRENCE’s course on the history of Chinese-American food. “I absolutely love learning about the history of food culture because I believe that food has such a deep and important role in culture, tradition and identity,” she remarks. l

SPICY HISTORY /CAITLIN TERRY/

Upper School history teacher and Class of 2024 Dean CAITLIN TERRY brought a unique flavor to the table with her minimester course, Spicy History. Terry delved into the intricate world of spices and the spice trade, unveiling the historical, economic and social dimensions intertwined with everyday condiments and seasonings. Her academic exploration of spice—particularly salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon—stemmed from her enjoyment of cooking and interest in the mission and quality of Diaspora Spice Co. “For minimesters, I thought it would be a different way of teaching history that made connections with our ninth- and 10th-grade curriculum, while also being fun,” she remarks.

“Food is such an interesting lens through which to study culture and history,” Terry says, reflecting on her topic choice. “For example, in something as singular as a spice, we can examine economies, resistance, regional diversity, social structures and colonialism.”

Each day in Terry’s class focused on a particular spice, the word itself coming from Latin, species , meaning “special wares,” and demonstrating the global world of two millennia ago, Terry points out. Paired with contextual resources, the class discussed the respective spice’s significance and historical influence. For salt, this meant understanding the harvesting process, its many applications in cooking, and a particular region’s impact on the spice’s flavor and variety. In order to understand provenance, flavor and economic power, students participated in a taste test and sampled products ranging from common Morton’s table salt and sea salt to Himalayan pink salt and infused salts.

If she could audit other faculty’s minimesters, Terry would choose Ewing’s Food Science to understand the chemistry and reactions involved in cooking, “or maybe EMILY STEVENS’ class on Japanese culture,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to travel there, and I saw so many students’ neat projects coming out of that course!” l

A vibrant spectrum of seven-day minimesters allowed Upper School English, science and history faculty to infuse both knowledge and personal passions into their classrooms.

OFF THE EASEL

Visual artists across campus have been hard at work this semester. Here, we showcase some of their work.

ANGELIKA AVDYEYEVA ’26

ELLIE CARTER ’24

REITA MAGUIRE ’24

COLESON MOSELEY ’29

ISABELLE YORK ’29

THEADORA BICKENBACH ’30

HUDSON MCDONALD ’29

BEN BRAMWELL ’30

“I like to make art because it’s relaxing. It makes me feel happy because my hands are busy making things that are meaningful. My favorite thing about art class is always having new ideas and having someone there to help me.” l

“I love making art because I love colors. Colors so are pretty. I love using all the different colors to make pretty things.” l

“I like being able to sculpt things, and when you draw in art, you can never mess up.” l

HANNAH

“I love art because there are no limitations—you can just let your imagination do what it wants. In art class, we get to do projects that I couldn't do at home, and I really like using all of the different materials.” l

"I love making art because it makes me happy and it allows me to take my mind off of things. I love being creative and doing experiments. I also like art because I can get better and better, and there's always something new to make!" l

“Art gives me a way to express my feelings and share my passion with others.” l

The Lower School arts faculty has selected six students as Visual Arts Laureates. These young creatives will be honored during Spring Arts Week, March 18 through 22.

ALMOND ’32

CHARLIE GRIFFIN ’36

HENRY RUSSELL ’35

ELIZABETH BRUNE ’31

CHARLIE ITZLER ’33

NAYYAB SHAIKH ’34

THE ART OF LA PURA VIDA

The Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) and Pace Arts Alliance joined forces to bring visiting artist Patricia Perles to Pace Academy in November. Perles is a biologist, artist and conservationist in Costa Rica and, in the spring of 2023, led the Lower School ICGL Faculty Cohort as teachers explored themes of Water in the Costa Rican rainforest and beyond.

During a three-day stint on campus, conservation and art converged as Perles conducted printmaking workshops for students in the fourth grade using natural, sustainable methods. Perles taught students how she combines her knowledge of animals, habitats and plants to create stamps and dyes—and she shared her story with all Lower Schoolers and with Middle School Studio Art students during artist talks. l

FACULTY & STAFF GET CRAFTY

There’s nothing like trying something new to enhance bonding, build trust and foster collaboration—and members of our faculty and staff have done just that as they’ve sidled up to the potter’s wheel with Lower School visual art teacher RACHEL NICHOLSON . “This year, I am offering a monthly ceramics class to our teachers and staff to further build camaraderie and community,” Nicholson reports. “I want our teachers to experience the joy and confidence of learning a new skill while making a mess.” l

Lower, Middle and Upper School band, chorus and strings students kicked off the holiday season with a series of enchanting winter concerts.

PHOTOS BY CHUCK JORDAN

BY PATRICK PAN

ILLUMINATING THE STAGE

For the 32nd year, the cherished Lower School holiday program, Light One Candle, graced the Zalik Theater stage. The retelling of the Hanukkah and Christmas stories showcased the talents of students in Pre-First, first and fifth grade.

ALL ABOUT ARTS

Theater students wow at S H O W S T O P P E R S

THE JOURNEY TO THE GEORGIA THESPIAN

CONFERENCE —“ThesCon” to those in the know— starts long before students travel to Columbus, Ga., for the annual statewide celebration of all things high-school theater. Pace Academy students use the Upper School drama department’s Winter Showcase to pilot the songs, scenes and presentations that they plan to enter in the Thespy Awards, which recognize excellence across the performing arts and are presented at ThesCon’s closing ceremony.

In addition to this year’s Thespy contenders, the student-run Winter Showcase included original works by playwrights NAILAH BEACHEM ’25 and LIAM NAGLE ’25. A song from the musical 35mm: A Musical Exhibition inspired Beachem’s short play, The Ballad of Sarah Berry, which theater professional Jackie Lenz directed. L. Nagle not only wrote his play, entitled Paranoia, but served as director as well.

When the curtain closed on the Winter Showcase , students put the finishing touches on their performances and presentations and took off for Columbus for three days of workshops, shows and Thespys competition. When all was said and done, the 27 students in Pace Academy Troupe 4424 earned accolades in seven categories. Judges awarded Overall Excellent ratings to ELSA NAGLE ’25 , HANNAH KLEIN ’25 and NICHOLAS DEMBA ’25 (musical group); Beachem and L. Nagle (duet acting scene); L. Nagle (theater marketing); LEAH NEGERO ’25 (stage management); EDDIE LANGFORD ’26 (set design); and DOYLE RONA ’26 , E. Nagle, Klein, HANNAH WHITE ’24 , JACKSON ALLEGRA ’24 , KYEN WASHINGTON ’27, LUCY BRYAN ’27, MADELINE

SAPPINGTON ’27, MAKAYLI ANOCHIE ’24 , MARY ELLIS IRVIN ’24 and Demba (musical group). Ratings of Overall Superior went to Allegra and White (musical duet), Beachem (theater marketing) and CARLY CANNON ’24 (musical solo).

Beachem’s marketing plan for Mean Girls and Cannon’s performance of Always Starting Over from musical If/Then advanced from the Overall Superior category to Critics Choice, the Thespy’s highest distinction. Both students presented their entries in the Linda P. Wise Showcase, ThesCon’s closing ceremony.

“Every student that contributed time and work to the Thespy portion of ThesCon did so with great enthusiasm, creativity and hard work,” says Director of Fine Arts SEAN BRYAN. “The Pace delegation loved celebrating Nailah and Carly along with 3,000 other high-school students and teachers—and I could not be more proud of each and every one of our contributors for their efforts and achievements.”

IN THE LIMELIGHT

For Director of Fine Arts SEAN BRYAN and Lower School visual arts teacher RACHEL NICHOLSON , the saying “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach” couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In January, Bryan and Nicholson appeared separately in AuthentiCity Theater productions around Atlanta. Bryan played the lead role in The Whale , a performance Atlanta Theatre Buzz called “perfect”; “Indeed… Sean Bryan is the real reason for this production’s success,” the reviewer wrote. Nicholson’s turn in the spotlight came in AuthentiCity’s staged reading of The Diary of Anne Frank in which Nicholson portrayed Miep Gies, the woman who risked her life to hide the Frank family from the Nazis. l

The Whale photos courtesy of Tycho Reed

SAVE THE DATE FOR SPRING ARTS EVENTS

MARCH 13–28

Upper School Spring Arts Show

MARCH 15

Upper School Knight of Jazz

MARCH 18–22

Spring Arts Week

MARCH 22

Middle School Improv Showdown

APRIL 17–MAY 3

Advanced Studio Art Exhibit

APRIL 18–19

Upper School Theater presents Mean Girls

THE YEAR OF WATER

AS THE ISDELL CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHI P ’S YEAR OF WATER CONTINUES, WE HIGHLIGHT SEVERAL OF THE WAYS OUR CITIZENS OF THE WORLD ARE LEADING THE CHARG E .

MAKING WAVES

OUR ISDELL GLOBAL LEADERS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME AT ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER RESEARCH CENTERS

“As a result of my time in

the Isdell Global Leaders program,

I’ve come to understand that you don’t really know something unless you can explain it to someone else. It’s up to us to take what we’ve learned and to share that information with others.”

MARY OYEFUGA ’25, Isdell Global Leader

ASHER LUBIN ’24 was in the third grade during the Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s (ICGL) inaugural year. “Water was the first ICGL annual theme that I experienced,” Lubin recalls. “I remember using plastic bottles to make water transport systems on the playground. I’ve watched the ICGL grow over the past decade, and now, as a senior, I have the opportunity to learn about Water in a completely different way and to share my knowledge with the student body. It’s come full circle—and that’s really cool.”

Lubin is a member of the 2023–2024 Isdell Global Leaders (IGLs) cohort, charged with investigating global issues related to Water alongside UMA GRAZ ’24, EMMA LOWRY ’24, MARY OYEFUGA ’25, ICGL Director TRISH ANDERSON and Associate Director TED WARD. Selected following an intensive application process, IGLs participate in coursework, research and two travel opportunities during their year of study.

“Our goal in the first semester was to look at oceans and oceanic research,” Anderson says. “We wanted to understand why our oceans are in danger and the role we, as humans, play in their future.”

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Mass., provided the perfect place for the type of exploration in which the IGLs hoped to engage. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream allows scientists to study the interactions between warm and cold ocean currents and their impact on climate and marine life; the surrounding estuaries, coastal waters and deep-sea environments offer a diverse array of research opportunities; and the area’s history as a colonial port, an agricultural and fishing center, a tourist destination, a Naval hub, and an epicenter of research and education introduces a variety of intersecting themes for discussion.

At Woods Hole, the IGLs met with educators, scientists and explorers while learning about ocean ecology, coastal environments, climate change and conservation. Their time also included conversations with those behind the scenes—marketing and finance personnel—as well as those working in the area—for example, a local ferryman and others living on Penikese Island, home of the place-based Penikese Island School.

“Learning how the culture of the area grew up around the sea gave context to everything we were experiencing,” Graz says. “Prior to our trip, meeting with [ICGL Visiting Scholar DR. KERSEY STURDIVANT ] provided the vernacular we needed to talk to scientists and researchers, and he also gave us permission to discuss complex issues using more simple language, which helped when we were trying to see the bigger picture.”

As conversations unfolded, a theme emerged: “We realized that everything is connected,” Lubin says. “In a typical classroom, we look at something through one lens. But when you’re talking with experts and trying to make sense of those broader issues, you can’t do that. You have to understand the history, the science, the politics, the culture—and how all of those things work together. Tackling a problem that way is not something we often do; we’re pretty fortunate.”

The IGLs plan to apply the revelations gleaned at Woods Hole to their spring study tour to Louisiana, where they will focus on freshwater, Anderson says. “We’ll explore how humans impact freshwater systems by exploring what lies at the end of one of the largest river systems in the world.” l

WATER WARRIORS

When charity:water founder and CEO Scott Harrison (bottom) spoke to Lower School students in October, his message hit home for LANEY MORRIS ’32 (top right). “I learned that there are kids younger than me who can’t go to school because they have to walk to collect drinking water that’s not even clean,” the fourth grader reports. “I didn’t know that that was a problem. I’ve always had clean water, and so [Harrison’s message] really touched me.”

Harrison—who first visited Pace Academy in 2014, the Isdell Center for Global Leadership’s (ICG) first Year of Water—launched charity:water in an effort to end the global water crisis. Since 2006, the organization has worked with local partners to build sustainable, community-owned water projects (138,003 and counting!) in 29 countries, providing clean water to more than 17.5 million individuals. Private donors cover charity:water’s operating costs, so 100% of public donations go to fund clean water projects.

“I left the assembly and said to myself, ‘I want to help!’” Morris recalls. She went home after the presentation, learned more about charity:water online and—with her mother’s help—set up a personal fundraiser. She spread the word and quickly collected more than $600.

Morris’s activism inspired classmate EMILY ALMOND ’32 (top left) to do the same. “I told my friends and family what I had learned about water, and I sent them links to videos that I found online,” Almond says. “They donated a lot of money.”

But the girls weren’t finished. “I felt really happy that I could help someone get clean water,” Morris says. “It made me want to do more.” So, she and Almond consulted the Lower School powers that be and organized a division-wide fundraiser. For $3, students could wear pajamas for a day; for $2 they could purchase a bracelet crafted by Morris, Almond and their team of friends. Together, the Lower School raised $1,271.85, all of which was donated to charity:water.

“It takes time to change things, and this is a really big problem to solve,” Almond says, “but if word spreads around the world and every single person wants to help, we can fix it.”

Morris agrees. “Every little bit counts, and everything has to start somewhere. I feel like we can make a difference.” l

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS ACROSS ATLANTA BRING TOGETHER KNIGHTS OF ALL AGES.

Over the course of the school year, the Pace Academy Office of Community Engagement, an initiative of the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), partners with more than 50 nonprofit organizations to support learning around empathy and innovation in connection to global issues. Community engagement looks different in each division of the school—Lower School grade-level themes introduce students to topics such as healthcare, homelessness and the environment, while in the Middle and Upper Schools, students connect to the community through clubs, offcampus events and hands-on involvement.

In recent years, however, Pace Knights of all ages have joined forces to serve local nonprofits during Community Engagement Weekends, which take place once or twice a semester. This past January, parents, caregivers, faculty, staff, siblings, grandparents and friends participated in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service. “We were thrilled to see so many students, faculty and families join us,” says Associate Director of the ICGL TED WARD. “This was by far our most well-attended Community Engagement Weekend yet!”

Celebrating the concept of “a day on, not a day off,” families spread out across Atlanta over the course of the three-day weekend, volunteering with seven organizations. From planting trees with Trees Atlanta and serving dinner at the Zaban Paradies Center to sorting donations at the Lost-N-Found Youth Thrift Store and packing more than 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, Pace families demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and global citizenship. l

THE FAMILY ALL IN

GEARING UP FOR A GASTRONOMIC

“WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GLOBAL TRAVELER?”

Director of Middle School Global Leadership PATRICE WRIGHT-LEWIS asked me and my colleagues—fellow members of the Middle School Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) Faculty Cohort—as we embarked on our journey to Thailand this past October. Amidst our subsequent research on the theme of Food —production, accessibility, distribution and waste—my focus continually gravitated toward this core question.

of their beauty and significance to Thai culture and Buddhist traditions.

Our rich cultural encounters with food in Thailand began with the discovery of san phra phum, or “spirit houses,” adorning homes and businesses in Bangkok. These miniature temples, believed to house protector spirits, captivated us with their intricate design and the cultural significance of offerings of colorful drinks, fruit and rice left to appease the spirits. As we delved into Bangkok’s infrastructure and culture, the juxtaposition of wealth and poverty—modern buildings next to dilapidated original homes next to ornate temples—unfolded before us. The vibrant cityscape—from bustling night markets with souvenirs and fried tarantulas to traditional Thai massage parlors—presented a kaleidoscope of experiences. Our journey also took us to three different temples over the course of our seven days: Wat Huay Pla Kang, Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten. We were in awe of these structures, not only because of their astounding stature, intricate design and historical context, but also because

On our second day, after a restful night, we embarked with a local guide on a memorable journey in a long-tail boat, navigating the tranquil canal toward Na Bua Lung Chaem, a lotus farm. Amidst the lush greenery and traditional Thai homes, the realization of being in Thailand truly struck me; it was surreal to think that this experience was part of my job as an educator. As we drifted along, we observed the profound impact of Water —this year’s ICGL theme—on daily life. We witnessed women bathing and washing clothes in the canal and locals preparing traditional noodle soup from stoves on their longboats. The floating markets along the waterways showcased the historical significance of water for food distribution in smaller villages near Bangkok. Despite changes in transportation, the traditional practices persist in indigenous villages, where remnants of floating markets can still be seen. Notably, at Na Bua Lung Chaem, I bridged the language barrier to connect with an elderly Thai woman, sharing a moment as she guided my hands in creating a delicate lotus flower, a traditional Buddhist offering.

Further investigation into food-distribution systems led us to the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors long ago adapted to the railway line’s presence, creating a thrilling experience as trains passed through. The market, typical of the early 20th century, was transformed with the construction of the Maeklong Railway Line in 1905. Instead of relocating, vendors built stalls along the

tracks, setting up goods so they could be moved quickly when a train arrived. Riding the train along this railway and then walking through the market on foot as another train passed by was an incredible adrenaline rush! The Maeklong Railway Market stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of local vendors.

Exploring the Khlong Toei Wet Market provided an authentic sensory immersion into Bangkok’s culinary scene, emphasizing the concept of “zero waste” and the utilization of every part of food sources. Visited by the likes of food connoisseurs such as Anthony Bourdain, it is one of the largest and most vibrant fresh-food markets in the world, renowned for its diverse seafood section, variety of cuts and types of meat, as well as fresh produce. Here, every part of the pig was laid out and cut up for sale. Many locals shop at this market, which remains open 24 hours per day, or until all items are sold, and is also where restaurant owners buy their food.

In our research on the impact of agricultural practices on public health, social justice and the environment, we explored food waste and redistribution in Thailand. We met with representatives from Scholars of Sustenance Foundation, the first food-rescue organization in Thailand, and learned that the group has rescued 14 million pounds of surplus food, providing 28.6 million meals to more than 3,000 communities and reducing carbon emissions by 17,282 tons. Thai culture’s sustainable use of all food sources, evidenced by

ADVENTURE

our purchases of Gac fruit products and participation in a rice cracker cooking demonstration, significantly minimizes waste and saves money. Additionally, our visit to the Doi Tung Development Project highlighted the successful transition from the cultivation of opioids to the production of coffee and macadamia nuts, which has improved farmers’ physical security and income potential and addressed the opioid crisis in the Mae Fa Luang District.

As a learning specialist, I identified opportunities for students to immerse themselves in Thailand’s food culture. The Suan Sampran organic farm and village offered a unique hands-on experience, allowing us to plant rice and create organic toothpaste. We learned not just about the process of growing food but also about the cultural significance of rice in every meal—it is both a staple and a sacred item in Thai cuisine.

The pinnacle of our culinary exploration was two cooking classes, each of which provided a distinct perspective. At House of Thai in Bangkok, we used traditional ingredients such as coconut milk, kaffir lime, green eggplant, sweet basil, Thai garlic, ginger and chili pepper to create signature dishes such as green curry. We focused on the process of Thai cooking and the unique cookware employed in the process. We also explored the difference between sticky rice and jasmine rice, understanding the nuances that contribute to the richness of Thai cuisine.

Suwannee, a Thai woman who has cooked in restaurants around the world,

offered a unique, tranquil cooking experience at her family’s home in Chiang Rai. She sourced the most beautiful, lush produce from her garden and meats from local markets. We were able to slow down and enjoy the process of adjusting spice levels, intricately selecting our ingredients and using mealtime as a way to connect to others. Most memorable were the stories Suwannee told of her own family and her life. The personal narratives shared during the cooking classes added a layer of cultural understanding that went beyond recipes; they offered insights into the familial and cultural contexts of Thai cuisine.

Over the years, I have traveled extensively with Pace students, but Thailand emerged as a bucket-list destination. I once again came to understand that being a global traveler means learning through firsthand experiences, the epitome of education. Beyond the physical beauty of the world, the human stories encountered during these journeys enrich one’s understanding of diverse cultures and foster personal growth.

For me, Thailand prompted profound self-reflection, emphasizing the significance of daily routines, family and caregiving. The intricate role of food in the family structure left an indelible mark, transcending the allure of Thailand's natural beauty and bustling markets. The personal narratives have lingered, providing invaluable insights into Thai culture and the essence of being Thai. This transformative experience is one I eagerly anticipate sharing with colleagues and students in the coming months. l L

THE YEAR OF FOOD

WHAT IS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ICGL FACULTY COHORT?

This year, nine members of the Middle School faculty comprise the Middle School Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) Faculty Cohort, a group that prepares developmentally appropriate curriculum in conjunction with the ICGL’s annual theme— Food in 2024–2025. This past semester, the cohort took to the skies; one group traveled to Thailand in October, another to Chile in December (check out our spring issue for coverage of the Chile trip). Their hands-on learning will come to life for students and the school community over the course of the 2024–2025 school year.

VARSITY BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

Coached by STEVE CUNNINGHAM, JOLIE CUNNINGHAM and GEORGE GWYNN

Hot off a fourth-place finish at the 2022 GHSA State Cross Country Championships, the varsity boys crosscountry team had high hopes for a stellar 2023 season—and the Knights delivered.

The runners criss-crossed Georgia throughout the regular season, competing in meets from Canton to Chattahoochee Hills. Led by region champion MATTHEW WELLS ’24, the Knights claimed the Region 5-AAAA title over runner-up Lovett to advance to the state competition in Carrollton, Ga. There, Wells once again led the way for the Knights, placing sixth overall; ILIYAN HAJIANI ’26 followed behind in seventh place. ZACHARY BLACKWOOD ’27, FORD JORDAN ’26, BRODY MATTHIAS ’24, DREW PARK ’25 and HENRY GAUDET ’24 rounded out the team’s top seven runners, and when the scores were tallied, the Knights finished fourth overall.

Seniors included COLIN CURTIN ’24, Gaudet, Matthias, JAKE MILLER ’24, TED MILLER ’24, WILLIAM SOUZA ’24 and Wells. Photos by Chuck Jordan and Rick Cone

VARSITY SOFTBALL

Coached by SELENA PATTERSON, JASON MILLER, KAYLA CATO and INDIA DAVIS

It was a very full fall for the 11 members of the varsity softball team, whose jampacked schedule included signature wins over the likes of McDonough, Mount Zion, Luella and Woodland-Stockbridge high schools. The Knights closed the regular season with a 7–9 record and advanced to the Super Regional tournament, where they were eliminated by North Oconee and Holy Innocents’, ending the season.

Four players earned All-Region recognition. LAUREN KAMIN ’26 was named to the All-Region First Team; ANNA KATE HOWELL ’25 landed on the Second Team All-Region roster; and LIBBY JONAS ’24 and KATE GRICE ’25 received Honorable Mention accolades. Grice, a catcher who marked 100 career hits this season, was also selected to the All-State Second Team roster. The team bids a fond farewell to Jonas, its lone senior. Photos by Fred Assaf, Rick Cone and Nicole Seitz

VARSITY BOYS FOOTBALL

Coached by NICK BACH, JACOB BEACH, JAMAREE GORDON, KEVIN JOHNSON, TONY JONES, WILL LEE, GARY NELSON and ARIUS WRIGHT

In its second season under Head Coach NICK BACH, the varsity football team went 5–6, recording wins over the likes of Westminster, Hampton and McDonough, and returning to the GHSA state playoffs. But a deep postseason run was not in the cards; the Knights fell to No. 1-seeded North Oconee High School in the first round of tournament play, putting an end to the squad’s up-and-down 2023 campaign.

Several members of the team received All-Region recognition. HEVIN BROWN-SHULER ’24, JORDAN BURNS ’24, ROAN DUTTA ’26, TIM HARVEY ’27 and COOPER WILLIAMS ’25 were selected to the All-Region First Team; CHRISTIAN JOHNSON ’24 and ASHTON WILEY ’24 made the Second Team; and MADDOX CRAWFORD ’24, GAVIN JEFFRIES ’25, ZACHARY LOGAN ’25 and JUSTIN WEEKS ’27 earned Honorable Mention accolades. Following a season in which he set the school record for career touchdowns (40!), TERRENCE KIEL ’24 was named All-Region Athlete of the Year and was selected to the Recruit Georgia Class AAA All-State team. Burns and Harvey earned All-State Honorable Mention. The team will miss its graduating leaders: MAC BARNETTE ’24, COLE BELINFANTE ’24, Brown-Shuler, Burns, LANE CANOVA ’24, Crawford, ROLAND FOSTER ’24, Johnson, SIDNEY KEYS ’24, Kiel, CASON KLARMAN ’24, HARRISON LEUSINK ’24, GEORGE

LITTLE ’24, RYAN REISS ’24 and Wiley. Photos by Fred Assaf, Rick Cone, Dave Quick and Shawn Riddle

ALL-AMERICAN

Congratulations to defensive lineman HEVIN BROWNSHULER ’24, who was among the 100 football players across the country honored as 2024 All-Americans. In January, Brown-Shuler participated in the 24th All-American Bowl, which took place in San Antonio’s Alamodome and was broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

Coached by SHENEQ DANIELS, MAYA JONES, JORDAN LEET and KATRINA MOLKIE

This year’s varsity football cheerleaders inspired school spirit at games, during pep rallies and in the halls. With unbounded energy and enthusiasm, the 23-member squad cheered, chanted, stunted and danced their way through the season, honing their skills and athletic abilities along the way. From the first scrimmage to the first round of the state playoffs, the cheerleaders braved the elements to support the varsity football team and inspire school spirit. Seniors KATHERINE DAVIS ’24, HOLLAND DELLEY ’24, MARY ELLIS IRVIN ’24, VIVIAN KOHN ’24, CHARLOTTE LEMKE ’24, REITA MAGUIRE ’24, JOSIE PANZER ’24, SELIN PSALTIS ’24, EVA TUCKER ’24 and MIA WILLIAMS ’24 led the way.

WATER POLO CLUB

Coached by JOHN AGUE and OLIVIA BAKER ’17

It took some time for this year’s water polo club team to find its footing, but once the Knights hit their stride, they didn’t look back. After a 1–5 start to the season, the team came together and recorded six consecutive wins—over Lovett (twice) and club teams Forsyth, Viking A, Wildcat B and Norcross—to end its 2023 campaign with a 7–5 record.

Following the season, the Georgia High School Water Polo Association named HENRY BRYAN ’25 to its AllState Second Team. Next season, the team will miss this year’s senior leaders: LANE CANOVA ’24, HAYDEN HARRIS ’24, ASHER LUBIN ’24 and WALKER SMITH ’24

Photos by Nicholas Andrews and Nicole Seitz

Photos by Fred Assaf, Rick Cone, Dave Quick, Shawn Riddle and Nicole Seitz

VARSITY FLAG FOOTBALL

Coached by TY JOHNSON, ALTHEA MCNICHOL , FELICIA SLATON and AMBER TRAMEL

In its fourth season as a varsity squad, the flag football team maintained its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, losing only two games during regular-season play. The defending area champions defeated South Atlanta, Mount Vernon and Maynard Jackson to once again claim the Area 7 title, and they advanced to the state playoffs as a No. 1 seed. The Knights bested Oconee County 28–7 in the first round of state competition and, in the Sweet Sixteen, shut out Redan. However, the Columbus Blue Devils put an end to the Knights’ state-title hopes in the final minutes of the Elite Eight; the team fell 25–19.

VARSITY ESPORTS

Coached by CHARLIE BRYANT

This past fall, the varsity Eknights program fielded four teams in four different competitive gaming titles: Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Splatoon and Mario Kart. Each team competed online against schools from across the state, earning a hard-fought 4–4 overall record and—with the exception of the Super Smash Bros. squad, which was knocked out in the first round of postseason competition—narrowly missing a spot in the playoffs. “All teams exhibited great teamwork and resilience as they helped each other improve throughout the season,” says Head Coach CHARLIE BRYANT. Next year, the Eknights will miss SOREN MATTHIAS ’24 and LAWSON GOWDER ’24, outstanding teammates and four-year members of the varsity squad.

Photos by Nicole Seitz

Eight Knights earned postseason area accolades. HARPER AUCHINCLOSS ’25 and KATELYN SOUZA ’24 were named Players of the Year and landed on the All-Area First Team roster along with ANSLI HENNINGS ’24 KIYAH BURRELL ’26 and ELLIE CARTER ’24, who were selected to the Second Team. ERIELLE HARRIS ’24 and AUDREY WELCH ’25 earned Honorable Mention recognition, and Head Coach TY JOHNSON was named All-Area Coach of the Year.

Nine players—several of them founding members of the original varsity-level team—will graduate this spring. The Knights thank DEYO BOURNE ’24, Carter, ADRIENNE

DURR ’24, MILLIE GRAY ’24, Harris, Hennings, HANNAH

MUCH ’24, Souza and SYDNEY VINCENT ’24 for their extraordinary leadership. Photos by Fred Assaf, Rick Cone and Nicole Seitz

MOUNTAIN BIKING CLUB

Coached by ROB BETHEA and NICK VAN WINKLE

From Milledgeville to Acworth and Braselton to Kingston, the mountain biking club covered Georgia’s Piedmont region over the course of its season, competing against riders from all over the state. The eight-member team was small but mighty, led by key players MASON GREGORY ’26, DOMINIC HANTULA ’26, NOAH EISENMAN ’26, CLINTON GOODE ’27 and GRAHAM SMITH ’27. Gregory claimed first place in the JV2 division of the team’s first two competitions and landed on the podium at two more races to finish the season as the top rider in the division. He placed second at the Peach State Championship, making him one to watch in the years to come. “The team is young and full of great rising talent,” reports Head Coach ROB BETHEA . “Stay tuned as the Knights look to become a mountain bike powerhouse!” Photos by Nicholas Andrews and Brian Eisenman

UNRIVALED VOLLEYBALL WINS ITS SEVENTH-STRAIGHT STATE TITLE

There’s something about the number 7. Numerologists and many world religions associate the numeral with luck, with perfection and with magic—and for this year’s varsity volleyball squad, on a mission to claim its seventh consecutive state title, the season proved to be all of those things and more.

“Given last year’s success and the returners on our roster, the players, my fellow coaches [DEVYN GUARRACINO and SCOTT MCEWAN] and I knew this team had the potential to be one of the best in Georgia—and top 10 nationally,” says Associate Director of Athletics CATHERINE MONROE, now in her second year at the helm of the Pace Academy varsity volleyball program. “They just had to prove it.”

MaxPreps ranked the Knights 11th in the country as their 2023 campaign began, shining a national spotlight on the team’s progress. Despite the pressure, the Knights delivered. Their schedule included a who’s who of volleyball powerhouses across Georgia and the Southeast—from Pope High School to Westminster and Lovett. The team finished as Silver Division champion at the Nike Invitational in Tampa, Fla., and its sole in-state loss came at the hands of Buford High School, Class 7A’s 2022 state champion.

The Knights entered the area tournament on a winning streak, which continued as they swept Holy Innocents’ and Lovett to claim the area title and advanced to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. In the state tournament, the Knights’ convincing wins—they didn’t drop a set!—over Seckinger, Cedartown, Starr’s Mill and Central Carrollton propelled them to the top of the Georgia High School Association Class AAAA bracket and on to the state finals once again.

The 2023 championship would be a rematch of the 2022 title game in which Pace defeated Lovett—and the Lions were out for revenge.

For the Knights—ranked eighth in the nation and second in Georgia—things did not start as planned. Lovett’s skill and energy put Pace behind from the getgo. Minutes into the match, the Knights found themselves in unusual territory; they were down by two sets. Monroe needed to take a creative approach.

“I changed the lineup so there were different matchups,” she says. “This is a bit uncommon given the importance of the match, but since we had done it some throughout the season, the players trusted the decision and trusted each other to keep fighting regardless of the score. I told them that if we could take the third set, the game would go to five.”

She was correct. In the third set, momentum shifted, and the Knights never looked back. OLIVIA SISKIN ’26 served tough and kept Lovett off balance; REBECCA MCCLOSKEY ’26 made critical kills in key moments; JOLIE LITVAK ’26 set a personal record with 14 blocks and nine kills; and DHRU LALAJI ’24 played out-of-her-mind defense. In a gutsy, dramatic comeback, the Knights took the final three sets—and the title.

“The state-championship match epitomized this team,” says Monroe. “Throughout the season, they consistently showed that they trusted each other and trusted the process—and it paid off.”

The Knights ended the season ranked No. 5 in the MaxPreps Top 25, and multiple members of the team racked up postseason accolades. GRACE

AGOLLI ’24, GABBY EMCH ’26, ELLIE SISKIN ’24 and O. Siskin earned spots on the All-Area Team; All-State Honors went to Agolli (Class AAAA Player of the Year), Emch, E. Siskin, O. Siskin and LAWSON MONROE ’26; and the American Volleyball Coaches Association honored Agolli (First Team All-American), E. Siskin (Second Team All-American) and C. Monroe (Region 3 High School Coach of the Year). l

Photos by Fred Assaf, Chrystal Moore, Shawn Riddle and Nicole Seitz

Seniors SKYLA HARRIS, DHRU LALAJI, GADIT BEJAR

SISKIN and GRACE AGOLLI celebrate their win.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

WINS BACK-TO-BACK-TOBACK-TO-BACK GOLD

Expectations were high as the three-time-defending-statechampion varsity girls cross-country team entered the 2023 season. Three of the top five overall finishers at the Georgia High School Association Class AAAA 2022 state meet— CAROLINE HOOD ’24, ZAHARA BERNAL ’25 and HARRIET BLAHA ’26 were back on the Knights’ roster, accompanied by seasoned state competitors OLIVIA RESNICK ’25 and EVA SWALES ’26 and a host of other talented runners.

“We were the team to beat,” says Head Coach JOLIE CUNNINGHAM, who led the Knights alongside Assistant Coaches STEVE CUNNINGHAM and GEORGE GWYNN. “If everything went according to plan, we knew that we would win state again.”

At the Region 5-AAAA championship meet, Hood claimed the title, with Bernal, Resnick, Blaha, newcomer ADDIE LOCKER ’27 and Swales finishing second, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth, respectively. SARAH PROCTOR ’24 closed out the Pace pack. Only the top seven runners on any given team compete in the state championship, so, with their roster solidified, the Knights were ready for state.

“We knew what we had in terms of strength leading up to the state meet,” Cunningham reports. “Our plan was to finish individual runners in first, second and third place, and then to rely on our No. 4 and 5 runners to play key roles in terms of points—and if our No. 6 and 7 runners could pass other teams’ top-five competitors, we would be golden.”

The state course at Carrollton has a reputation—it’s notoriously hilly and notably nerve-wracking—but the Knights arrived prepared and confident in their game plan. Bernal zoomed to a first-place finish, clocking in at 18:53. Resnick followed 20 seconds behind to claim silver, and Hood made it a Pace trifecta. Blaha in seventh place, Swales in 15th, Locker in 24th and Proctor in 40th finished it off for the Knights. In a sport in which the low score wins, the Knights finished with 28 points, an astonishing 55 points ahead of runner-up Starrs Mill High School’s 83.

“Winning the title for a fourth consecutive year had been our goal,” Cunningham says. “This was a great group of girls. They trained hard and never shied away from a challenge. They deserved it.”

Following the season, Bernal, Resnick, Hood and Blaha made the All-State roster. Additional accolades went to Atlanta Track Club All-Metro honorees Bernal (First Team), Resnick (Second Team) and Hood (First Team). In addition to Hood and Proctor, the team bids farewell to WELLS HOWE ’24, LEXI POLLARD ’24 and REBECCA THOMPSON ’24.

Congratulations to Varsity Girls Cross-Country Head Coach JOLIE CUNNINGHAM, a 2022–2023 recipient of National Federation of State High School Associations’ Georgia Coach of the Year Award. The awards recognize those coaches leading in their sports, shaping their students and contributing to their communities in positive ways.

QUAD

SQUAD AGOLLI HOOD

HISTORYMAKERS: OUR GATORADE GEORGIA PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

GRACE AGOLLI ’24 and CAROLINE HOOD ’24 have accrued long lists of firsts throughout their exceptional high-school athletic careers. Agolli was the first Pace Academy volleyball player to notch 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career assists, and Hood holds the Georgia prep girl record for the Nike Cross Southeast Regional, as well as multiple meet and school records. Both student-athletes will go down in the history books as Pace’s first Gatorade Georgia Girls Players of the Year in their respective sports.

The Awards recognize the nation’s most outstanding high-school student-athletes for athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. Agolli and Hood join a select group of Gatorade Georgia Players of the Year from Pace, including MICHAEL BARRETT ’95 (baseball), ANDREW ALEXANDER ’04 (soccer), KENNY SELMON ’14 (track) and WENDELL CARTER JR. ’17 (basketball).

PHOTOS BY RICK CONE, CHUCK JORDAN + NICOLE SEITZ

Lower School Summer Institute participant and third-grade teacher JENNIFER FEDOSKY works with a pupil this winter.

EXCELLENCE IN EVERY ENDEAVOR

Ask people what draws them to Pace Academy, and you’ll hear many different responses: the small size, the focus on relationships, the excellent teaching, the robust academic and extracurricular offerings, to name a few. Those on the inside know just how special Pace is and that it shapes all those lucky enough to be part of the community—students, faculty, staff, parents, caregivers and alumni.

In 2022, the Pace Board of Trustees announced the launch of Excellence in Every Endeavor, the school’s current strategic plan. The plan focuses on Pace’s unique identifiers and outlines initiatives designed to bolster our glows —the stuff we’re already really good at—and our grows —the areas in which we can improve. The plan highlights six focus areas, one of which is Academic & Institutional Excellence, a broad pillar including our most essential resource: the expert practitioners who inspire, equip, inform and encourage Pace students each and every day.

Because we know that confident, competent and connected teachers have the greatest capacity to help students reach their full potential, Excellence in Every Endeavor promises to “continue to support faculty members’ individual needs and goals; explore educational opportunities that foster excellence in teaching; create opportunities for cross-divisional faculty learning and collaboration; and enhance hiring practices that attract candidates aligned with our mission and core values, while continuing to offer competitive compensation.” In other words, Pace is just as committed to our people as our people are to our school and the children who learn, play and form lasting relationships here.

Further, all three divisions of the school have prioritized teaching practices informed by neuroscience that allow for learning that is both stickier—more likely to be recalled and retained— and more relevant for students. Classrooms that acknowledge and design for the neurodiversity that enriches our school family are welcoming, and when students feel at ease in these spaces, they are more willing to take risks, to state their curiosities and to push themselves. In short, when we implement neurosciencebacked teacher practices in a warm and supportive environment, we empower students to take the risks necessary to become their fullest selves and leave our campus as prepared, confident citizens of the world 

Cultivating a Culture of Lifelong Curiosity Across Campus

At Pace Academy, each division supports faculty growth and development in unique ways, thereby enhancing learning for all students and, ultimately, creating lifelong learners among our student and adult populations alike.

LOWER SCHOOL: Leveled Up Learning for Teachers & Students

HUTCHESON

Taking seriously her role as “chief learning officer” for our youngest Knights, Head of Lower School DOROTHY HUTCHESON believes in the importance of providing ongoing, robust professional development opportunities for the exceptional faculty and staff who call the Kam Memar Lower School home. Knowing that direct coaching and opportunities for collaboration with other educators build capacity and confidence in teachers and in turn foster student growth, Hutcheson has spearheaded several initiatives designed to offer teachers avenues to hone their craft and partner with one another.

Over the past few years, Hutcheson and Lower School Director of Curriculum and Professional Development AMY UNDERWOOD have targeted math and literacy instruction as areas of focus for Lower School faculty as “reading, writing and ’rithmetic” remain foundational to all other academic pursuits. Working with Shelly DuBose, a Singapore math specialist, grade-level teachers have had the opportunity to pursue grade-specific professional development around Math in Focus, the Lower School’s core math curriculum. Through this partnership, teachers have expanded their toolkits for deploying Singapore math, an approach for mathematics instruction that guides students through a progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract understanding. Now in their third year of working with the Math in Focus curriculum, Lower School teachers have observed a change among both faculty and students. With a common language about the understanding of math firmly rooted, teachers and students are able to discuss not only content but also the metacognitive considerations behind mathematical understanding: Where am I in the learning process now? Where am I headed? How do I get there? What strategy works best for me to solve this problem?

Building literacy, which includes the skills undergirding both reading and writing, is another key pillar of the Lower School’s academic pursuits. In fact, literacy represents the largest chunk of time within each homeroom’s instructional day, and, for the past two years, Hutcheson, Underwood and the Lower School faculty at large have prioritized faculty education around literacy instruction. All teachers new to Pace’s Lower School receive robust Orton-Gillingham (O-G) instruction in the summer prior to their first year in the classroom, and, new this year, teachers receive on-going training throughout the school year itself. The O-G approach places an emphasis on multisensory learning, which includes exploring new concepts and ideas through multiple modalities: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Not only does multisensory instruction make learning stickier, it is especially appealing to younger students who learn best from movement and varied activity throughout the day.

Underwood recalls a recent first-grade lesson she led in which students explored the “y rule,” which says that y can make three distinct sounds: /y/ as in “yes;” ī as in “why”; and ē as in “happy.” She introduced the rule visually on the board; students learned kinesthetically through sky writing (drawing words in the air using large arcs of the arm); and learners engaged their auditory processing when they read aloud from various word lists applying the rule. In addition to their summer training in O-G, Lower School teachers benefit from working with Rosalie Davis, an O-G expert and retired Schenck School teacher and administrator, throughout the school year. This ongoing training and practice allow the Lower School’s already outstanding teachers to continue refining their practice, increasing their effectiveness and meeting the needs of students.

The Lower School’s Summer Institute, launched in 2023, is another channel Hutcheson and Underwood have created to support Pace’s teachers. Delivered

SUMMER INSTITUTE

SUMMER INSTITUTE

UNDERWOOD

as two three-day sessions, one in June and one in July, the Institute provides grade-level teams of teachers with dedicated time to work with outside consultants DuBose and Davis on math and literacy instruction and also with Pace’s in-house experts from the Academic Resource Center (ARC), technology department and library. Teachers can also design lessons around the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) annual theme under the leadership of the ICGL faculty cohort, which traveled to Costa Rica to explore this year’s theme of Water. By affording teachers the opportunity to work together in grade-level teams above and beyond the weekly planning time available while school is in session, the Institute creates a pathway for synergistic and intentional curriculum design. Further, collaborating during the summer months—outside of the quick cadence of the school year— gives teachers the time to reflect on what is going well and what they would like to work on for the upcoming year.

Third-grade teachers JENNIFER FEDOSKY and KYLIE HOLTHAUS note that the Summer Institute was particularly impactful due to the time given to teachers to work in teams and alongside content experts. “The Summer Institute was a fantastic week of learning and collaboration that provided an opportunity for me to grow in my teaching career,” Fedosky says. “Having access to our Math in Focus expert, Shelly DuBose, was definitely a highlight. She always gives us useful and practical ways to improve our math instruction, and during the Institute, we were given specific time with our teams to go through our first chapter assessment and reflect on the types of questions being asked. Having that time was invaluable, and it really set us up for success in teaching math.”

Holthaus echoes Fedosky’s sentiments: “The Institute sparked excitement and a spirit of collaboration as I prepared to return to school,” she says. “Not only did I enjoy being back with my team, I was able to absorb new Math in Focus techniques to begin the year. Math in Focus training has always been beneficial to teachers like me, who yearn to connect with differentiated problem-solving strategies. After teaching the curriculum for two years, this professional development pushed me to dig deeper into teaching strategies for advanced students. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow and develop new teaching practices with my team!”

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Piloting Minimesters & Pursuing Joy

As spotlighted in the previous edition of the KnightTimes, the Middle School launched its first-ever Minimester program this year. Spearheaded by Director of Middle School Global Leadership PATRICE WRIGHT-LEWIS, Minimesters allow for in-depth exploration of high-interest topics related to the ICGL annual theme—this year, Water —and other global issues. Middle School students either enrolled in a Minimester class, all of which emphasized leaving the classroom and exploring the wider community, or partici pated in an ICGL study tour. The inaugural Minimester program took place during the first week of February, simultaneous with Middle School study tours (look for complete coverage in our spring issue).

“This type of experiential learning allows students to embark upon unique experiences that enhance their curiosity and expand their knowledge and perspective of global issues,” says Wright-Lewis.

“I am excited to be a part of this innovative curriculum and to work alongside creative and talented staff.”

Take as an example Middle School faculty members CELESTE ARELLANO and LUCAS MORENO, who joined forces to teach Water is Life: Food, Farms & Migrant Workers, a deep dive into the Georgia agricultural industry’s reliance on migrant labor and its relationship to Water. Informed by conversations with representatives

ARELLANO

HOLTHAUS

FEDOSKY

from the Emory Farmworker Project, Costa Rica’s Rainforest Alliance farmworker program, and both UC Davis and Cornell University, students gained a better understanding of water, food and labor dynamics. Or, another example: Director of STEAM and Design DR. KIRSTEN BOEHNER and Middle School visual art teacher KATY COWLES, who offered Art & Activism, an examination of the intersection of art and activism through global issues. Learning from the collective expertise of visiting artists, curators and professionals from Savannah College of Art and Design, students expanded their understanding of “artivism” by completing a group project related to consumerism as well as a personal artivism project on a global issue of importance to them.

Assistant Head of Middle School for Academics NANCY QUINTRELL believes the addition of Minimesters to the Middle School curriculum is a boon for all involved. Specifically, by incorporating hands-on, student-centered learning into Minimester courses, teachers are able to “offer multiple and varied approaches to help students grow in their confidence and in their self-efficacy.”

As the curriculum leader of the Middle School, Quintrell leverages her decades of teaching experience alongside professional development materials to steer the direction of teaching and learning in her division. Specifically, she recommends A Celebration of Neurons: An Educator’s Guide to the Human Brain by Robert Sylwester, which elevates two mainstays of the student experience in the Garcia Family Middle School: student-centered learning and an emphasis on joy. Sylwester asserts that when students are engaged in immersive experiences, they are more joyful, and that joy in turn enhances learning. Luckily, Middle School teachers are experts in designing learning frames that further academic goals and socialemotional growth while leaving plenty of time for fun, laughter and joy.

In addition to rolling out Minimesters and designing studentfirst, fun learning experiences, Quintrell shares that the Middle School faculty is focused on cultivating two key characteristics in all students who are fortunate enough to be part of the magic in the Middle: curiosity and resilience. Head of Middle School GRAHAM ANTHONY echoes Quintrell’s sentiment: “The Middle School years are an amazing time,” he says. “Students experience significant growth in their abstract thinking and may bump up against some challenges as they become increasingly independent. We’ve done our job if we’ve helped them see that it’s okay to take risks, to experience challenges and to try again. And we’re definitely here to celebrate the wins alongside them!”

When we ask students and teachers alike to step outside their comfort zones and into a new learning paradigm such as Minimesters, they build resilience. When those students and teachers find themselves at Pace Academy, they have the privilege of expanding their comfort zones and exploring their curiosities within the context of a supportive community coalescing around a globally-minded curriculum and alongside others who are seeking personal growth and looking for opportunities to create joy.

UPPER SCHOOL: A Professional Learning Community Takes Root

This fall, Upper School ARC tutor and science teacher MEGAN DICKHERBER and Upper School Learning Specialist ERIN MCNICHOLAS launched a Professional Learning Community (PLC) focused around assessment. Composed of eight teach -

COWLES

ANTHONY

BOEHNER

QUINTRELL

DICKHERBER

ers and two facilitators, the PLC is a year-long volunteer professional development opportunity open to Upper School teachers looking to take their craft to the next level. The group has convened at regular intervals throughout the year, and teachers have brought with them a fiery passion to further their own learning in order to enrich their students’ classroom experiences.

The group has focused their study around two books: Classroom Assessment for Student Learning: Doing it Right - Using it Well by Jan Chappuis and Rick Stiggins, and Formative Assessment & Standards-Based Grading by Robert J. Marzano. Shared readings and related discussion have allowed the group to identify four key areas of focus for further exploration:

• FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: Tools that measure student learning as it happens and provide data for both teachers and students about what is going well and what might need more attention;

• LEARNING TARGETS: The discrete skills and concepts that teachers aim to teach and learners aim to learn;

• TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS: A focus area that examines how closely assessment design aligns with the learning target at hand;

• STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT: A metacognitive skill, which, when practiced effectively, allows students to gauge their own mastery in any given subject area.

SPILLANE

Committed to learning by doing, PLC members are now engaged in action research, whereby they have changed some aspect of their classroom assessment and observed the resulting impacts. By carefully examining the connection between a modified assessment approach and the corresponding output (student performance and confidence, for example), all parties build self-efficacy and overall capacity. Teachers see that they have the power to make adjustments in their classroom based on data that tells them an approach is working or not; students are empowered to better understand the process of their learning.

Upper School math and economics teacher EMILY SPILLANE sees clear benefit in her participation in the PLC. For her, the shared learning experience has built community and inspired her: “It’s been refreshing to spend time with a group of likeminded teachers who are invested in continual improvement in our teaching practices.” Based on the group’s discussions and findings, Spillane has “started implementing quick strategies to get a better read on student understanding to determine which concepts need to be revisited as a class before moving on.”

AMANDA THORNHILL , also a member of the Upper School math department, echoes Spillane’s sentiment. “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with a group of colleagues to improve my use of assessments,” Thornhill says. “I’m currently focusing on how to use data from student self-assessments to prepare review sessions for major tests.” Under Thornhill’s design, students are offered a mini-assessment at the conclusion of each lesson, the results of which allow students to gauge their own understanding. Students submit their scores to a Google Sheet shared between student and teacher, allowing both parties to track student progress. Thornhill thoughtfully curates her end-of-unit review sessions based on the data gleaned from the mini-assessments. In other words, she quite literally shapes her class in response to student mastery, in real time. Though the process is new, it is already bearing fruit. Thornhill notes, “We are just starting this process, but I've noticed that students are much better at identifying the concepts they need help with when they come in for extra help or ask questions in class.”

At a future date, members of the PLC will gather to share their learnings with each other and with the broader Upper School faculty. The hope is that public sharing of knowledge and growth will inspire learners of all ages—teachers and students alike—to continue to take risks and to never stop learning. l

THORNHILL

MCNICHOLAS

The KnightTimes sits down with Pace Academy faculty to spotlight dynamic duos à la Variety Studio

TEACHERS ON TEACHERS

JENN FEDOSKY & DEJA SIMLEY

THIRD-GRADE GIRL POWER PARTNERS IN CRIME

Lower School classrooms are often stereotyped as all rainbows and sunshine—and that’s not always true. When it comes to early-childhood development and educa tion, teaching can have its stormy moments. But JENNIFER FEDOSKY and SIMLEY’s third-grade homeroom gives Disney World a run for its money when it comes to “the happiest place on earth.” In their space on the third floor of the Kam Memar Lower School, “rainbows and sunshine” is an accurate description.

KT: This is your first year working together. How has it been?

JF: We get the privilege of working together every day, and we’ve really formed a special bond. I feel so grateful to work with you.

DS: Oh, stop it—I’m the one that should be grateful! This is the best partnership that I think I’ve ever had. Our first time meeting, I was like, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to learn so much. This year is going to be the best one yet.” And it really has been. We’ve had hard days, but it's been way more good than hard.

JF: I agree. What I love about Deja’s energy is that sometimes she gets to work and she says, “I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so excited to come to work.” And that makes me so happy, too, because you’ve brought so much joy to our class in just your first year teaching. The students light up every time you walk in the room.

DS: I am so joyful because of you! I can’t see myself with anyone else. I don’t know what they were thinking when they put us together, but it worked. It’s like a dream.

KT: What drew you to Pace?

DS: I think what really drew me here was how much support we get as teachers. And the parents are phenomenal—our No. 1 fans.

JF: This is my fourth year at Pace, but from the conversations I first had with the hiring committee, I felt this strong sense of love for Pace from everyone I talked to. I thought, ‘That’s where I want to work.’ I wanted to be in a place where I feel that same strong sense of love. I’ve stayed because of the families and the students. They’re so supportive in everything that we do, which is so phenomenal as a teacher.

DS: The other thing that’s made this year so great is our third-grade team; we just mesh really well. Everyone loves being at school as much as the kids do.

JF: A team that works collaboratively together is so special. And we love being together, too. That’s the thing about Pace—it’s a community. We work hard, but we also hang out outside of school. We go to the movies together; we watch football games together—it’s so much fun. It just shows the type of community that is instantly instilled when you’re a part of the Pace family.

DS: There are teachers who have been here 15, 20 years who still have that love and care for every other teacher in the building. I want that for my teaching career.

KT: So, what makes Pace teachers such rockstars, and what have you learned from one another? 

Fedosky (left) and Simley (right) celebrate Diwali.

JF: Everyone comes to work every day giving it their absolute best. I’ve grown so much as a teacher because of it, and I see that growth in you too, Deja. The energy of wanting to be the best for our students—we do that because of how much we love the kids, and I think that comes first for Pace teachers. Academics are so important, but Pace teachers really care about social and emotional well-being, too.

DS: That love for the kids drives us. They’re my reason—my 22 reasons why I teach! From Jenn, specifically, I’ve learned how to have confidence in my teaching. When I started, I was straight out of Denison University. I didn’t have a lot of confidence, because you really don’t know what you’re doing until you’re in it. But when I saw Jenn in front of the class, just so confident doing her thing, it really set the tone for me and for our partnership.

JF: Thank you—that is so sweet. What I admire about Deja is that she comes in every day with a positive attitude and so many ideas. You are so willing to do anything, and you go above and beyond. It’s inspiring—it has truly made me a better teacher.

DS: We also communicate so well, and our teaching styles are similar. I’ve learned so much in just seven months of teaching, and it’s only going to get stronger from here. It's the Fedosky-Simley experience.

KT: How do you approach creating prepared, confident citizens of the world at the thirdgrade level?

JF: We focus on building kindness and a sense of community. On our classroom door, we have student shout outs, and we spread a lot of joy that way. It shows them, yes, we’re here to learn and work hard, but we’re also here to spread kindness. That’s ultimately what we want them to remember after they leave us. Yes, we want you to know your multiplication facts, but ultimately, we want you to be kind and know how important it is to treat others with kindness.

DS: Yeah, kindness and showing them what respect really looks like—we get to model that because we respect one another and the rest of our team so much. They see adults do that and it makes them want to do it, too. Oh, I just love them. l

PATRICK C AMPBELL & ANNA MURPHY

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

“Seventh grade is a joke,” according to PATRICK CAMPBELL , Middle School drama teacher and seventh-grade class dean. No seriously, it’s a metaphor about setup, pattern-setting and payoff (more on that later).

This sense of humor—as well as ceaseless creativity and zest—set Campbell and his co-dean, visual arts faculty member ANNA MURPHY, apart from your average team of class deans.

KT: What do you love most about the seventh grade?

AM: I love how weird the students are, and I say that in the most endearing way possible. They’re right in the middle of being kids and being grown, and they don’t know which way to go. I like helping them with that, and I love how much they grow.

PC: I do, too. I love the fact that I have no idea what’s going to walk in the door each day. It’s like a roller coaster in the dark. But really, it’s just fun. You have to remember how you were in middle school, the feelings and the hormones, and embrace the chaos—Anna, you’re really good at that.

AM: Patrick, look at your classroom! That’s all you do all day: embrace the chaos and let students shine.

PC: It’s true. One kid did a whole monologue on cat acne, which I’m not even sure exists. It doesn’t matter, because seventh grade is about embracing chaos and learning from mistakes. Here’s the theory I’ve worked on: seventh grade is a joke. A joke has three parts: setup, pattern-setting and payoff. Sixth grade is the setup. Seventh grade is the pattern-setting, and eighth grade is the payoff.

AM: They’re magical—it’s really kind of awesome what these kids produce and are capable of. They’re such hard workers, and we get to see that and nurture it from the lens of both art teacher and dean.

PC: Right. You give them one costume, you let them hang 20 feet in the air and all of a sudden they come to life.

AM: We both do that in our spaces—mine’s just a lot quieter. But that’s what we do; we figure out a way to make them shine. It’s very Pace Middle School, figuring out where you shine and how and why. We just have this time and space to let them figure out all those little bits about themselves.

PC: And the great thing about seventh grade is that it’s a place to experiment. This is the place to make the mistake and learn from it, because you learn a lot more from the mistake than from a success. And you’re so good at this, you’re like, “So you messed up—come on, let’s try again.”

KT: How do you complement each other as a dean pair?

PC: Not only are we co-deans, but we’re also both Middle School arts faculty and parents of Middle School students. It’s cool being in multiple worlds at once. In back-to-back conversations, I might tell one student they need to retake their English quiz, and another they need to emote more. It’s interesting dealing with “normal school stuff” and then dealing with the arts. It’s wild. I mean, I ordered a 12inch gong today. I bring some crazy energy and lots of ideas and give them to you, and by the end of the day, they’re organized and color-coded.

Fall 2022:

AM: We’re similar enough and different enough that it’s easy to work with you. You’re ready to explode at any time in the loveliest ways, and I can be sweet and quiet with the sweet and quiet ones.

PC: But also, when you need to bring the tough love, you’re always there. We’re like the crazy uncle and aunt that will take you to see the Barbie movie and dress up with you.

KT: What do you think makes Pace and its teachers so special?

PC: Pace really is a family school. It’s a unique, awesome kind of place to be—I didn’t know that this kind of place existed.

AM: It’s been fun watching our own kids [ TYLER CAMPBELL ’28 and twins HUNTER MURPHY ’29 and JANE MURPHY ’29] go through our grade.

PC: Yeah, a little weird being dean to your own kid, right?

AM: Everyone wears a lot of hats here. I love chaperoning Isdell Center for Global Leadership trips, and you’re busy all summer.

PC: Yep, mainly over the summer I work on choreography for the next year’s musical and prep the other annual shows I direct. And then there’s Danger Camp. But you coach what, 17, 18 sports?

AM: Danger Camp is legendary. Kids love it! And just the two sports—lacrosse and cross-country. And then lots of art. But that’s the cool thing about this community. There’s opportunity to do so much, and if you pitch in, you feel like such a part of it. We’re very lucky. l

Campbell spotlights the arts during Lower School Community Time.

DAN MURPHY, Murphy, Campbell and SUSAN CAMPBELL attend the 2024 Auction, A Knight Out at the Ballpark.

KIRSTINBAILLIE, ANDYLOPUSZYNSKI, CampbellandMurphy chaperonethegrade2022seventhretreat. MurphychaperonesaspringbreakMiddleSchoolICGLstudy tour to Panama in 2023.

PAM AMBLER & CHARLIE BRYANT

UPPER SCHOOL ICGL

CHAPERONE PAIR

EXTRAORDINAIRE

On paper, the commonalities between Upper School Associate Director of College Counseling PAM AMBLER and Upper School Computer Science Department Chair

CHARLIE BRYANT are limited to their Upper School Knight status, sunny dispositions and radiant red hair. Those who know them, however, know that they’ve become an unlikely yet unbeatable dynamic duo after chaperoning not one, but two Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) study tours together.

KT: What makes you two a powerhouse team?

PA: We’re here because we travel—and travel well—together. We’ve been to the Outer Banks, which was a domestic study tour in the summer of 2022, and then Iceland the following summer.

CB: Pam and I are an awesome team because we are so aligned on our mission when we travel together with the ICGL. We both look out for one another’s needs—I know that when I’m with you, you have my back 100% of the time, and when I’m thinking about what the kids need, you’re thinking, ‘Now, what is Charlie going to need if he’s taking this on?’ Learning that from you was a great lesson for me to reciprocate and carry with me into other things at Pace.

PA: I love being known that way, because I do try to support from the side. You take the lead on logistics and prepping the students [before a study tour embarks], so I just try to complement from the wings, but I think that what makes us a great duo starts with our red hair.

CB: Of course, I can’t believe I forgot that. We bring the fire… and the sunscreen. Bug spray as well, but yes, SPF—50 and up.

PA: 50 and up, yes. If it’s 25, it won’t thrive. An area where I admire you is the prep work beforehand. I remember, for the Outer Banks, you planned a ‘Pace After Dark’ scavenger hunt, and even I didn’t know what to expect. The kids were put in groups where they might not have known each other as well, but there was so much laughter. I could feel how much we had bonded that night once we left for the trip—the students really wanted to be together as a group.

CB: Yeah, I think one of my strengths is reading group dynamics and being intentional about setting up team-building activities that are going to draw students in. I try to offer shared experiences and just have fun together before we even go on the trip. Like you said, that definitely pays dividends.

PA: You know what another one of your strengths is? You don’t mind learning alongside the kids. You’re really good at saying, “You know what? I don’t know that yet. Let’s figure it out together.”

CB: I definitely do that in the classroom as well, I think it’s such a great answer for a student. I think we both 100% embrace that on an ICGL trip—like, here’s a new experi ence, we’ll be the first followers and have a ton of enthusiasm for whatever the activity is. Kids can see that. Something else I’ve learned from Pam is her family’s motto: “Amblers are includers.” I’ll never forget it, and I think it just encapsulates you. The way you interact with people and with students is all about being inclusive of everyone.

PA: The roles of a teacher and a chaperone are many-fold. You’re a counselor; you’re an improv comedian; you’re a drill sergeant; sometimes you’re a janitor. I’ll never forget the down-and-dirty of Iceland 2023… all you can hope for is that if anyone gets sick, they feel closest to the other chaperone, whether that’s by proximity or relationship. Some of our group came down with what we now understand was a virus, but at the time, we thought it might have been shark-induced food poisoning. Charlie jumped right to action and was up most of the night consoling and cleaning. But our group really didn’t miss a beat as we continued on our trip. We hiked, we saw icebergs—it really was beautiful.

KT: Rewinding a bit, what drew each of you to Pace? What makes teachers here so special?

CB: The answer to why I came here is less interesting than why I have stayed. I kind of just applied to a bunch of schools in 2018 and Pace hired me. I really liked all of the people I met throughout the interview process, but I imagined that this would be a two- or three-year stint before I went into academia. That was my plan, but—as cliché as it is—the people keep me here. I love the kids; I hadn’t worked with high schoolers before, but I feel loved by them in return, and the people that I work with are joyful and compassionate and just care so darn much.

PA: I remember our first year together—I had come to be a college counselor. I think of myself as a strategist, and I feel like the Pace community really leans into how we can help each student really be distinctive and proud of who they are and go on to a college that they’re excited to be in and contribute to. But the thing that has surprised me in the best way is how I’ve grown as a person here. I get to collaborate with all sorts of faculty, work with a lot of students, but the travel piece—I mean, we went to Iceland together! I’m heading to Japan this upcoming summer, and I’m so thrilled for that experience. I can’t believe that we work at a school where that’s considered work. l

The dynamic duo is pictured in front of Iceland’s Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

ALUMNI UPDATES

[01] Maudlin Pond Press has published The Southern Massacre: The Story of the 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose Football Team, 13 Weeks to Remember by CHIP PORTER ’78. In 2022, Chip, a 1981 graduate of Presbyterian College, won the game ball from Presbyterian’s 1979 Bronze Derby win over Newberry College in an online auction. The purchase sparked Chip’s interest in the football team and its historic season, and he began interviewing players, coaches, support personnel and administrators. The interviews resulted in The Southern Massacre, a reflection on the team’s accolades and history. Chip plans to release another book, The Li’l Bronze Derby That Was, in late 2024. The book chronicles the history of the Presbyterian College Blue Hose athletics rivalry with the Newberry College Indians.

[02] HURST WILLIAMSON ’11 has published a novel, The Sands Shall Witness: In the Dying Light of German Colonial Africa, now available via Amazon and other major booksellers. The historical fiction is set in German Southwest Africa—present day Namibia—just before the outbreak of World War I. It’s a spellbinding story of romance, a forgotten genocide and human endurance.

When he’s not writing, Hurst works as an executive coach at Sally Williamson & Associates, helping business leaders bring their stories to life. In that role, he co-authored Disrupted!: How to Reset Your Brand & Your Career in 2021. He lives in Evergreen, Colo., with his wife and two bird dogs.

[03] ERIN BLASBERG ‘12 passed the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patent Registration Examination in April 2023 and

BIRTHS

[06 – 07] CLAIRE GRAVES ’03 and her husband, Chris Bestwick, welcomed Charlotte “Charlie” Helen on July 25, 2023. The family lives in Sacramento, Calif., where Claire is an endocrine surgeon at UC Davis Medical Center, and Chris is a software consultant.

[08] Brooke and HANK WYCHE ’05 had a son, Henry “Mack” McKemie III, on Dec. 1, 2023. “Mack loves snow, watching the mallards in the pond, bathtime and sleeping at

the Georgia Bar Exam in October 2023. She is now a patent attorney practicing at Ballard Spahr as an associate in the firm’s intellectual property litigation group.

[04] CAROLINE DENNY ’15 (right) and CORINNE ORR ’15 (left) have launched genHC, a career networking platform for healthcare professionals ages 35 and under. The group aims to engage health’s next generation of leaders by fostering meaningful dialogue on industry standards, trends and challenges, thereby influencing the future of healthcare. “Our vision is to propel the industry into a new era defined by accessibility, innovation and efficiency as the cornerstones of success,” Caroline and Corinne say. “By promoting cross-collaboration among diverse segments, genHC provides a 360° perspective, guiding the trajectory of our careers and collectively shaping the healthcare landscape for the better.”

When not building genHC, Corinne works as a senior strategic operations associate at Talkiatry, a national telehealth psychiatry practice. Caroline is a senior associate in the healthcare practice at True Search, a leading global talent firm. Both live in New York City.

[05] In May 2023, RACHEL MUCH ’15 graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Design with a master’s degree in architecture. She now works in the Chicago office of Perkins & Will, an international architecture and design firm, and is on the design team for the Bezos Learning Center, a new wing of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. “Most importantly, my fiance and I adopted a Bernedoodle puppy a month ago who likes Chicago winters much more than we do,” Rachel writes.

restaurants,” Hank reports. Hank works as a principal in private equity investments at Mercuria, a global commodities firm. The family lives in Greenwich, Conn.

[09] AMANDA ALLEN SCOTT ’08 and her husband, Colin Scott, welcomed twins Noa Eden and Hugo Robbins on Dec. 26, 2023. Amanda and Colin reside in Atlanta’s Virginia Highland neighborhood with big brother Holden, 2.5, and their mini sheepadoodle, Moose.

MARRIAGES

[10] ETHAN SMITH ’96 and Rev. Katie O’Dunne tied the knot on Sept. 30, 2023. “We’re a COVID love story,” the groom says. Ethan, who had been living in Los Angeles, came to Atlanta for work and was stuck during the pandemic. During that time, he met Katie at a walk advocating for mental health—and he never returned to Los Angeles. An actor, producer, writer and director, Ethan continues to make films and, in 2021, founded ESS Solutions, a full-service advertising and marketing firm specializing in clinical trial recruitment for neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. He recently directed and produced the first-ever national commercials for OCD, which won two silver Clio Awards and Fierce Pharma’s Best TV Award. Katie is an ordained minister and served as chaplain at Woodard Academy before starting her own business at the intersection of faith and mental health. “I am beyond grateful and blessed to get to advocate for OCD alongside my soulmate,” Ethan says.

[11] GORDON WYCHE ’06 and Emily Buchanan Bakhaus were married at the Shoals Club on Bald Head Island, N.C., on Sept. 29, 2023. Pace parent REV. DR. TONY SUNDERMEIER officiated. Gordon was honored to have his brother, HANK WYCHE ’05, serve as best man; DANNY LOWENTHAL ’06 was a groomsman. The couple came to know each other through Emily's sister and brother-in-law, who are former University of Georgia classmates and friends of Gordon. Emily and Gordon live in Atlanta’s Garden Hills neighborhood with their Australian Shepherd, Remy. Gordon works in finance for Argonne Capital Group, and Emily works in real estate for SJC Ventures.

[12–13] LARISA BAINTON ’12 married Kevin Hernandez at The Inn at Burklyn in East Burke, Vt., on Aug. 26, 2023. Wedding guests in cluded ANDY BAINTON ’16, KATIE KIBLER ’12, LAUREN GOLD ’12 and retired faculty member LEE WILSON. The couple lives in Boston with their two dogs and two cats.

[14] MARIA MORAITAKIS OLDHAM

’13 married Will Oldham at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Annunciation in Atlanta on Dec. 2, 2023. The wedding party included matron of honor

LIA MORAITAKIS HOOFF ’05, maid of

honor SARA MULLALLY ’13 and bridesmaid ELLIE WEBER ’13. Other alumni in attendance included KATE MULLALLY ’15, KANDACE THOMPSON RAY ’14, JARED ALLEN ’13, JORDAN EPSTEIN ’13, SALLIE HAYS MARTINEZ ’13, KELLY MCGONNIGLE O’DONNELL ’13, ALEX PARÉ ’13, ANNIE KATE POTTLE ’13, ALEXANDER RECKFORD ’13, MADISON SNYDER ’13, BILLY STONECIPHER ’13, JAMES SEAMAN ’13, MILES SHEFT ’13, DR. CAROLINE SMITH WASSERMAN ’13, LUCY WELLBORN ’13, DAVID WEINER ’13, WILLIAM SMITH '12, KATY THOMPSON FETTY ’11, JARED WASSERMAN ’11 and JACK WEBER ’10. Maria and Will live near Chastain Park in Atlanta. Maria works in executive communications at Delta Air Lines; Will works in accounting investments at Invesco.

[15] WILSON ALEXANDER ’14 and Allyce Trapp Alexander were married Oct. 28, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church in New Orleans. Following the ceremony, guests celebrated at a reception at the New Orleans Museum of Art. JULIAN ALEXANDER ’17 was the best man; JOHN MORRISON ’14 was a groomsman. The couple lives in Baton Rouge, where Wilson covers Louisiana State University football for The New Orleans Advocate/The Times-Picayune. Allyce is a government affairs advisor at Adams and Reese LLP.

[16] ASHLEY LITTLE LUETTERS ’16 married DANIEL LUETTERS ’15 on Oct. 14, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. A reception at the Cherokee Town and

[17] Upper School world languages teacher DR. JENNA DWYER earned her Ph.D. in romance languages from the University of Georgia.

[18] First-grade teacher CAMELLIA NALLS

GRANT and Gregory Grant were married on July 8, 2023, at Mount Paran Church in Atlanta. Following the ceremony, guests celebrated at a reception at a private home.

[19] Upper School Science Department Chair

DR. KAYLAN HAIZLIP welcomed daughter Norah Michelle on Oct. 21, 2023. Norah was 5 pounds, 15 ounces.

[20] Pre-First teacher NATASHA NOLAN earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Mercer University.

[21] Fine Arts Center Technical Director JAX

WRIGHT ROOTES and Savannah Rootes were married on Aug. 11, 2023, among the mountains and trees in Hiawassee, Ga. Surrounded by friends and family, they danced to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars all night. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica, where they zip lined through the jungle and saw many monkeys. “It was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation,” Jax reports.

IN MEMORIAM

ELIZABETH PAINTER ATKINSON

’94 passed unexpectedly on Jan. 2, 2024. A proud Pace graduate, Elizabeth formed lasting friendships within the close-knit Class of 1994.

During her time at Pace, she excelled as a soccer cheerleader, Peer Leader, basketball player, and as an active member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and various clubs. She attended the University of Georgia and launched her career at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta.

“Elizabeth’s most cherished role was that of a wife and full-time stay-at-home mom, which brought her the most incredible joy,” her family writes. “A devoted wife for 22 years to her husband, Russell Atkinson, Elizabeth was a wonderful and deeply cherished partner. She was also a loving and dedicated mother to her two children, Emma and Ally Atkinson.”

A devout Christian, Elizabeth dedicated endless volunteer hours to Bayside Academy, her daughters’ school. She loved the outdoors, college football, travel, and fishing and boating with family and friends. “Elizabeth will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, giving heart, and beautiful and contagious smile,” her family writes. To recognize Elizabeth’s journey as a breast cancer survivor, the family has requested that donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.

[23] Former Head of Lower School HOLLY GARDNER died on Jan. 12, 2024. Holly joined the Lower School faculty in 1982 and was appointed Head of Lower School in 1984. Holly’s smile and warm hand greeted Lower School students, faculty and staff throughout her tenure, and she forged meaningful, inspirational connections until her retirement from Pace in 1988—and beyond.

Following her career in education, Holly helped bring the 1996 Summer Olympic

Games to Atlanta and worked as director of guest services for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. In addition, she was an incredibly active community volunteer, serving in leadership roles for organizations such as The Junior League of Atlanta, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Georgians for Children.

“Holly will be remembered for her boundless energy, youthful perspective, spirit of adventure and enduring sense of humor,” her family writes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Northside Church in Atlanta.

[24] HENRY HANCOCK ’01 passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 3, 2023. Henry was the salutatorian of the Class of 2001 and a fierce competitor on the debate team. He went on to Yale University and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history.

“Henry's 15-year business career was marked by strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to excellence,” his family writes. He was a senior investor and strategist for companies such as the Carlyle Group, Shumway Capital and Autonomy. In 2015, Henry founded Precision Macro, an investment advisory firm catering to select macro investors, and relocated to Park City, Utah. He transitioned to real estate private equity investment and, in 2021, founded Silicon Slopes Capital Management (SSCAP), where he served as CEO and chief investment officer.

“A great lover of nature, history, literature, music and classic cars, Henry is remembered for his zest for life, boundless curiosity and lifelong love of learning. Always looking for adventure, he had a passion for travel and exploration, and reveled in his considerable skill as a skier. He was devoted and fiercely loyal to the many friends he left behind, and his unique sense of humor, extraordinary intellect and enthusiastic approach to everything he did endeared him to all those who knew him well.”

Henry is survived by his parents, DOROTHY and JOHN HANCOCK , and his sister, CATHERINE HANCOCK . Henry’s family welcomes donations in his memory to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. l

[1– 2] ANDREW BENATOR ’89 appeared in Theatrical Outfit’s production of Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, a one-man show about the World War II Polish diplomat and freedom fighter who risked his life to expose the truth of the Holocaust.

“It’s not specifically a Jewish play or a Holocaust play,”

Andrew told Rough Draft Atlanta. “It’s the lessons that [Karski] wanted people to take away from his experience. What responsibility do we have for the injustices that go on in the world? Do we just leave everything up to the government, or do we take it upon ourselves to step in as individuals?”

Upper School faculty member HELEN SMITH and retired faculty members JANE SIBLEY and KATHIE LARKIN surprised Andrew at a January performance, and he visited Pace to perform a scene from the show for Upper School students. Andrew’s time on campus also included meetings with the Upper School Drama Club and the Jewish Affinity Group.

[3] KENNY SELMON ’14, a former Olympic hurdler, is the subject of Jumping Hurdles: An Olympian’s Story of Hard Work and Perseverance, a children’s book written by Kenny’s mother, ANGELA SELMON. The book recounts Kenny’s journey from childhood to Pace Academy to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and on to the Olympics. In January, Angela and Kenny spent time in the Lower School and shared the book with students. The Soni Family Library coordinated the special visit. Between meeting with students, the Selmons enjoyed lunch on campus and reconnected with old friends. Jumping Hurdles is available on Amazon.

[4 – 5] BARRETT BAKER ’17 returned to Pace in January and spoke to Upper School students about his efforts to help rebuild Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure through Sunflower Network’s Project Horizon. Since its founding in 2022, Sunflower Network has delivered more than $4 million in aid to Ukrainians, connecting those in need with those who want to help. As part of those efforts, Project Horizon strives to transform medical services in Western Ukraine while advancing a nationwide effort to make healthcare services more transparent, efficient and innovative. JACK RUBENSTEIN ’17, JUSTIN RAYMAN ’17 and Alumni Manager OLIVIA DILLON ’17 attended Barrett’s presentation.

[6] Members of the Class of 2023 returned to the Inman Center for the culmination of Spirit Week 2024 and cheered on current Upper School students during the festivities’ grand finale. l

ALUMNI ON CAMPUS

The Classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2013 and 2018 celebrated reunions this past fall. Special thanks to the 2023 reunion committees:

1973: David Chandler

1978: Emily Neill Bazzel and Lee King

1983: Greg Greenbaum, Martin Maslia and Harrington Witherspoon

1988: Jeff Greenbaum

1993: Russ Allen, Jonathan Ganz, Kristen Mitchell-Box, Jenny Pringle, Amy Schultz Rodbell and Sarah Lindseth Steely

1998: Brent Eden, Annie Richardson Goode, June Weltner Lehman and David Zane

2003: Blythe O’Brien Hogan and Talbott Head Shaw

2013: Sara Mullally and Alex Paré

2018: Jeb Carter, Frank Houser, Elizabeth Marr, Marissa Schwarz and Jordan Shoulberg

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend: Alumni Celebrate & Reconnect

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is a highlight of the fall calendar, and this year’s menu of events did not disappoint. Celebrations kicked off with a Friday night tailgate at Riverview Sports Complex. Alumni noshed on delectable food from Low Country BBQ and reconnected with old friends before cheering on the varsity football team as the Knights competed against the Luella High School Lions.

On Saturday, alumni returned to campus to fête Upper School history teacher HELEN SMITH and the tremendous impact she has had on countless Pace students over the course of her five-decade teaching career. Following remarks from Smith, Principal Gifts Officer and former Smith student HAYNES ROBERTS ’96 fielded a dynamic Q&A session with attendees and announced the creation of the Helen Smith Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement Endowment. Funds from the endowment will allow additional students to prepare for and travel to Model United Nations policy simulations and conferences domestically and abroad and will fund the faculty support to inspire, assist and enliven these endeavors.

After the panel wrapped, the party moved to the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School’s Seaman Family Student Commons where guests feasted on lunch from Cafe at Pharr and reminisced about their time at Pace.

“Many thanks to all of the alumni volunteers who organized reunions for their classes,” says Alumni Manager OLIVIA DILLON ’17 “We are so grateful that you chose to share your energy, enthusiasm and vision with Pace and with your fellow alumni.” l

“Homecoming is always an exciting time of year. It’s such a great way to reconnect with friends and celebrate not only where we are but where we began our journeys together.”

JASON LEE ’96 Alumni Association Board vice president

HEATHER PATRICK MCCLOSKEY ’89

UPPER SCHOOL

MATH TEACHER

“While a lot has certainly changed at Pace since 1989, the most important things—the relationships built among students, within the faculty and staff, and between teachers and students—have stayed the same. I am so grateful that I get to spend my days doing something I love with such amazing teenagers!”

There’s no place like home for these Pace Academy alumni, who have chosen to pursue careers or contribute coaching expertise at their alma mater.

TIES THAT BIND

HANK ASSAF ’15

MIDDLE SCHOOL

BOYS LACROSSE COACH

BRIA SAMUELS ’13

DIRECTOR OF EQUITY & INCLUSION

“While the halls might be different, the feeling of community at Pace persists. It is rewarding to be able to support this community alongside some of the people who were so pivotal to my own growth.”

OLIVIA BAKER ’17

THIRD GRADE ASSOCIATE TEACHER, WATER POLO & SWIMMING COACH

“As an educator, I deeply value Pace's commitment to excellence and to cultivating the whole child. There is no more important gift than pouring into the lives of children and ensuring that students know how deeply loved and capable they are. Pace has done this for me in immeasurable ways, and I am so fortunate to pass along the spirit of this special place to the next generation.”

MARTHA LEE MCCUTCHEN THWAITE ’80

FOURTH GRADE HOMEROOM TEACHER

“As a student at Pace, I observed firsthand how the dedication of a faculty and staff can positively affect the student experience. Those supportive relationships, coupled with the focus on the individual student, directly influenced my career path. I am honored to have come full-circle and to be part of the faculty that continues this mission today.”

JASE WRIGLEY ’94

VARSITY BASEBALL COACH

HAYNES ROBERTS ’96

PRINCIPAL GIFTS OFFICER

"Pace has grown in size and evolved in scope significantly since my time as a student, while still maintaining its critical sense of community. I am proud to be an alumnus and excited now to serve in the Office of Advancement and to play a role in ensuring Pace’s bright future."

TIGER

BROWN ’13

MIDDLE & UPPER

SCHOOL LIBRARY

ASSISTANT, UPPER SCHOOL TRANSITIONS

COORDINATOR

"I love working at Pace. There has always been something very familial and comforting about the Academy. It is a joy to see how the best things about this place remain regardless of how much the world has changed and the community has grown and evolved."

MAYMAY BENTLEY

LELLYETT ’81 LOWER SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST

“Having been a Pace student, parent and, now, employee, I can honestly say that this place has had a huge impact on my life!”

BEN EWING ’06

UPPER SCHOOL

SCIENCE TEACHER, DEAN OF THE CLASS OF 2026

“I love working alongside the people who helped teach me valuable lessons about learning and life. To be able to get to know my former teachers—now friends and close colleagues— has deepened my appreciation for the Pace community.”

ROSS

BROWN ’07

MIDDLE SCHOOL

BOYS SOCCER COACH

MARY STUART

GRAY ’16 COMMUNICATIONS

ASSOCIATE

“I love working at my alma mater because of all the full-circle moments I encounter. It’s so much fun to be on the other side of things I loved as a Pace student—from getting to judge Spirit Week and Canstruction and advising the Women Mentoring Women club, to chaperoning an Isdell Center for Global Leadership study tour and watching my youngest sister get ready to graduate.”

JEAN-LUC

BROWN ’16

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS

LACROSSE COACH

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

“This year, in addition to my Pace alumnus and employee hat, I’ve put on my new Pace parent hat, and I couldn’t be more excited about experiencing this special place alongside my children. We’re Pace blue through and through!”

TIES THAT BIND

MICHELLE YANCICH ’13

UPPER SCHOOL LATIN TEACHER

“It is such a joy to teach at my alma mater (‘nurturing mother’ in Latin!). Pace has an impressive balance of tradition and striving for excellence: this school has maintained so many of the things that make it special, and the things that have changed since I was a student here have only made it a more welcoming environment for students to learn and teachers to work.”

OLIVIA DILLON ’17

ALUMNI MANAGER

“I am incredibly honored to work at Pace with both familiar and new colleagues. To be working with alumni as an alum is another kind of wonderful.”

REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS

CHICAGO [1– 3]

AUSTIN [4]

In December, the varsity boys basketball team traveled to Chicago to participate in the Chicago Elite Classic—and several members of the Office of Advancement team went with them! Alumni Manager

OLIVIA DILLON ’17, Principal Gifts Officer TED JEFFRIES and Advancement Events Manager CHRISTINA LAMPA hosted a happy hour for alumni in the Windy City at the Hampton Social - River North. In attendance were JOSEPH ADAMS ’18, RETTA CAROLIN ’16, BRANDON DEIHL ’04, CAROLINE HARDISON ’16, SARAH JACOBSON ’14, KATHRYN REISNER ’19 and WILL RUCKER ’14.

In January, Alumni Manager OLIVIA DILLON ’17 traveled to Austin, Texas, to catch up with area alumni at Hold Out Brewing. The alumni enjoyed reconnecting and reminiscing about all things Pace. Attendees included ANNIE BONNOT ’10, CAM FLORES ’07, AUDREY HOLTON ’21, MOLLY LEVINE ’17, WILL MACEWEN ’07, STELLA NELSON ’23 and JOAN PIASSICK SWARTZ ’84

INTERESTED IN HELPING HOST A REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENT?

EMAIL: alumni@paceacademy.org

OUT & ABOUT

back for the team.

Middle: Over the Thanksgiving holiday, KENDALL EVANS ’23 and COLE MIDDLETON ’21 helped Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach SHARMAN WHITE celebrate his 500th career win.

ALUMNI BASKETBALL NIGHT

On Jan. 5, more than 100 Knights fans— alumni and their families, faculty and staff—cheered on the varsity basketball teams to victories over Lovett at Alumni Basketball Night. The evening included dinner courtesy of Willy’s Mexicana Grill, fun activities for the children in attendance and plenty of time to catch up.

Top: In November, Middle School Learning Specialist RYANN SMITH reunited with ANDREW THOMAS ’17 and DEON JACKSON ’17 in Las Vegas, where the New York Giants played the Las Vegas Raiders. Andrew is an offensive tackle for the Giants; Deon plays running

Bottom: Upper School Spanish teacher DRA. PAULA PONTES caught up with MARIT UYHAM ’23, ELLA BERMAN ’23 and MARLEY VENTURI ’23 while the college freshmen were home to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thank you for making the Pace Fund your Priority One! The timeline shifted to a three-month campaign (October–December), and our Pace community answered the call! WE DID IT! We still want those who haven't given to be counted! Please make a gift between now and May 15, 2024. Visit www.paceacademy.org/