PHOTO STORY: A DIVERSE SOUTH AFRICA
KnightTimes BACK TO SCH O O L 2 0 0 9
Welcome Back
FALL SPORTS OUTLOOK
Pace Students visit
CAMBRIDGE DELVING INTO
Helen Smith’s Classroom
KnightTimes Produced by Pace Academy Communications department
Fred Assaf HEAD OF SCHO O L
Mike Gannon HEAD OF UPPER SC H O O L
John Anderson HEAD OF MIDDLE SC H O O L
Anna Valerius HEAD OF LOWER SC H O O L
Linda Smith DIRECTOR OF COMMUN I C AT I O N S
Jessica Tanner COMMUNICATIONS AS S O C I AT E , GRAPHIC DESIGN E R
OUR MISSION To create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the values of Pace Academy and who will preserve the legacy of our school for future generations.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Rain or Shine There’s no parking under the Pace Big Top, so park your car at the Church of the Apostles and board our circus train to the
Please join these sponsors under the big top “Greatest Fair on Earth!” Please join these sponsors under the big top Go to www.paceacademyfallfair.org to sponsor
PACE CARES Are you aware of a member of our community who is experiencing an illness or loss or is blessed with a new arrival? Pace Cares would love to help by delivering a home-cooked meal prepared by our dedicated volunteer cooks. Please call the Pace Cares hotline at 404-926-3727.
Go to www.paceacademyfallfair.org to sponsor
STRONGMAN STRONGMAN
Boland Jones Family, S.G. Contracting, Inc. Boland Jones Family, S.G. Contracting, Inc.
TRAPEZE ARTIST TRAPEZE ARTIST
The Berry Family, Spinelli Family, The Carpet Lady, Christyand andChris ChrisPayne Payne The Berry Family, TheThe Spinelli Family, The Carpet Lady, Christy Caroline David Crawford, AHD International, SouthofofMarket Market Caroline andand David Crawford, AHD International, South
CLOWN
St. Regis Atlanta, MontezCLOWN and Shep Hammack, Leah and Ted Taylor St. Regis Atlanta, Montez and Shep Hammack, Leah and Ted Taylor
UNICYCLIST UNICYCLIST
Upchurch and The Janki Family, Laura and Jim Gash, Alli and Mitch Allen and family, 2 KnightTimes |Blaine Back to School 09 family, Blaine Upchurch and family, The JankiRoberts Family, and Laura and Jim Gash, Alli Alkire and Mitch Allen and family, The Swann Family, Draughdrill, P.C., The Family, The Swann Family, Family, RobertsJane and and Draughdrill, P.C.,Karamanolis The Alkire Family, The Singletary Scott Butler, Family,
966 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta, GA 30327 www.paceacademy.org To contribute ideas for the KnightTimes, please email Jessica Tanner at jtanner@paceacademy.org
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF S C H O O L
Welcome Back!
A NEW YEAR BRINGS A MORE VIBRANT KNIGHTTIMES. As we begin the 51st session of Pace Academy, I am reminded that our small community has always strived for excellence. Students are known and loved at Pace. Our parents provide unparalleled support to our faculty and our school to help create a familycentered environment. As we debut this new format for the KnightTimes, I’m grateful to our Communications staff for having the vision to create this new magazine. It will help all of our constituents feel more connected to Pace and provide more in-depth feature stories about the people and programs that create the Pace experience. We are all looking forward to the Greatest Fair on Earth, the Pace Fall Fair. The entire Atlanta community will turn out on Saturday, October 3 (rain or shine) to have good old-
Contents
fashioned fun at our Fall Fair. Please park at Church of the Apostles and take the shuttle to ease parking concerns in our surrounding neighborhoods. There are too many volunteers to recognize here, but I want to offer a BIG thank you to our Fall Fair chairs, Christy Payne and Caroline Crawford. These two ladies have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort to bring together our community. To all of our volunteers and sponsors – THANK YOU! Finally, we are blessed to have such a supportive community of alumni, parents, and friends who make possible this extraordinary learning environment. I know I speak on behalf of our faculty and staff when I say thank you.
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Fred Assaf HEADMASTER
4 ANNOUNCEMENTS What you need to know 6 AROUND PACE A look into what is happening at Pace 12 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW An outlook at Fall match-ups 16 PHOTO STORY: SOUTH AFRICA Diversity’s summer trip 20 CAMBRIDGE Tim Hornor takes four students to London 24 ALUMNI Pace grad finishes year as Harvard Law Review president. Policy Simulation grant. 26 JUST FOR FUN The most eclectic classroom at Pace KnightTimes | Back to School 09
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A N N O U N C E M ENTS
Photo Exhibit Spotlights Work of Martin Benjamin PACE WILL HOST AN ATLANTA CELEBRATES PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
2009-2010 Parents Club Officers The Parents Club has announced its officers for the 2009-2010 school year. If you would like to become involved, contact Alli Allen at asrallen@ bellsouth.net. ALLI AND MITCH ALLEN, Presidents; KAREN AND RICHARD MCCREA,
Presidents-Elect LISA AND MARCUS STONECIPHER,
Secretaries KATHRYN AND DON ROBERTS,
Treasurers KIM AND MATT BERRY
Past Presidents; ERIC WILLIAMS, Alumni Relations; ELIZABETH RICHARDS, MARY ROOS, “Hand Kiss” by Martin Benjamin
October 1–31 “The Atomic Age” will feature photography by Martin Benjamin, whose work has been exhibited in New York City, throughout the United States, Europe, People’s Republic of China and Vietnam. Photographs from his Rock Shots® series [images of popular music] have been published internationally, and appeared in numerous television productions by VH-1 network. “The Atomic Age exhibit is a series of photographs that have been realized as a book with images from 1978 to 2007,” said Benjamin. “The series is a lyrical set of pictures that include locations such as Alamagordo, NM; Three Mile Island, PA; Hiroshima, Japan; Oak Ridge, TN, as well as other photographs from around the world. The body of work is about life in the atomic age - from people to locations to lyrical photographs about love and life.” Benjamin has been photographing for 40 years and lives in Schenectady, New York where he has been Professor of Photography at Union College for the past 30 years. The Atlanta Celebrates Photography exhibits will feature the works of local, regional and national photographers in more than 100 venues throughout Atlanta. The public is invited to view the Pace exhibit throughout October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the FAC. In addition, a reception for the artist is set for Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in the FAC.
H1N1 Brings Extra Health Precautions NURSES ASK THAT STUDENTS STAY HOME IF THEY HAVE FLU SYMPTOMS Students should stay home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or above (they are not to return to school until they are fever free without fever reducing medication (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc) for 24 hours), they are symptomatic of illness — coughing, muscle aches, severe congestion, or if they have vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours. Please make sure all family members are washing hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, after touching pets, after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose. LS clinic: Nancy Skinner, Keri Caldwell, 404-240-7400; MS/US: Mary Ann Powell, 404-926-3719.
Auction Chairs; KIM HELFGOTT, LORI MOVSOVITZ-EDLIN, Auction Vice-chairs; CAROLINE CRAWFORD AND CHRISTY PAYNE, Fall Fair Chairs; KAY DOUGLASS, SALLY SINGLETARY, Fall Fair Vice-chairs; GINGER GREENE, JENNIFER HALL,
holiday decorations; KATE HOOD, JENY MATHIS, hospitality chairs; JENNY BETHEL, TERRI JANKI, hospitality vice-chairs; JACKIE SWIECICHOWSKI, LS Bookstore; SALLY HAWN, LS Friends of the Library; MARY BOWIE, KATHLEEN HAIDET, MS/US Friends of the Library; ZAN EARNEST AND HARVEY ROSS, Mailings; VICKI MORSE AND HOLLY SMITH, Neighborhood Outreach; DONNA DRAUGHON, RAYE HANDLER AND LAUREY NIXON, Pace Cares; KATHY HERMAN, ELAINE LEVINE, GAIL PHILIPS, RICHARD RUSHTON, LORI ZWECKER,
Parenting Connection (formerly Pace2); PAM MCGONNIGLE, research and technology; KAREN DISHONGH, snack bar coordinator; JULIA REYNOLDS, MARTHA SWAIN, teacher appreciation; LESLIE SULLIVAN, US/Alumni/ Advancement Liaison.
INCENTIVE PROGRAM: EARN MONEY FOR PACE AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS Earning money for Pace can be easy with the Pace Academy incentive programs. Just by swiping your Publix Partners card, your Target credit card or by signing up with Georgia Natural Gas money is earned for the Pace Annual Fund. For more information visit our website at www.paceacademy.org and click on Supporting Pace. 4
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ANNOUN C E M E N T S
New Arts Alliance to Support Art Department PARENT GROUP IS FORMED TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS Did you know that Thomas Jefferson played the violin well enough to participate in weekly concerts at the Governor’s Palace while a student at Williamsburg and that he once declared that music “is the favorite passion of my soul?” Or have you seen the magnificent paintings of Apollo astronaut, Alan Bean, in which he vividly depicts his experience as a lunar explorer? More recently, do you recall that former Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, is an accomplished pianist who found time between press interviews and meetings with foreign dignitaries to practice because music could transport her to a place she described as “away from myself?” These accomplished individuals are excellent examples of the power of the arts to influence our lives - giving us depth as human beings and a medium in which to express ourselves. The legendary conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the late Robert Shaw, once said, “If you believe that creativity is still going on, and there is purpose in all of human life, then the arts express that which is beautiful and intelligent and noble about being human.” It is with these thoughts in mind that Pace Academy has formed the Pace Arts Alliance. In the Fall of 2008, John Anderson, Head of the Middle School and past Pace parent, asked several parents to look into establishing an arts alliance at Pace. After many months of interviewing the Pace fine arts faculty and investigating alliances at other schools, co-presidents Bonnie Harris and Amy O’Brien and secretary/ treasurer Pam Melville, have recruited an enthusiastic group of — Robert Shaw parent volunteers to serve on the Pace Arts Alliance board and as chairs for each of the fine arts disciplines. Working closely with the visual and performing arts faculty, the purpose of the Pace Arts Alliance (P.A.A.) will be to support and raise the profile of the arts at Pace Academy and in our surrounding community. Communication and advocacy of the arts are top priorities of the P.A.A. One goal already accomplished was to create a fine arts calendar which was sent to all Pace families in the August parent packets this year. In addition, the P.A.A. plans a web page that will feature photos of performances, pictures of artwork, and recognition of our many talented Pace students. — Phyllis Sommer, Director of LS & MS Choruses
“If you believe that creativity is still going on, and there is purpose in all of human life, then the arts express that which is beautiful and intelligent and noble about being human.”
A FUNDRAISER FROm THE CLASS OF 2012
A TASTE OF PACE COOKBOOK
Thank you to everyone who submitted recipes!
Reserve yours today!
Hire Learning ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS LOOKING FOR COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Alumni Association Internship Program is seeking introductions or opportunities within your companies or organizations for qualified Pace alumni and US students to experience a professional work environment. The program will last from June-August, 2010 and internship opportunities may vary in length of time and hours of service. The Alumni Office will provide a list of internship opportunities to alumni and students in early spring 2010 and coordinate applications, interviews and placement. Companies with established internship programs looking for qualified and talented candidates are asked to contact Aimee McDonald at amcdonald@paceacademy.org and an Alumni Board representative will follow up.
E-STATEMENTS ARE HERE! Paper statements will no longer be mailed. You will access your student’s account via the Portal Login on the Pace website. It is your responsibility to view and pay the total due every month. Contact Fran Asche at fasche@paceacademy.org or 404-240-9114 if you need login information or have questions about your account.
Contact Holly Mitchell at holly.mitchell@att.net
www.paceacademy.org KnightTimes | Back to School 09
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A N N O U N C E M ENTS
Green Cup PACE STUDENT SETS THE STAGE FOR GREEN CUP CHALLENGE IN GEORGIA
Green Schools Alliance National Student Coordinator ERIC ESTROFF, ´12, advised by US science teacher and dean of honor and discipline Jonathon Day, is gathering Georgia independent schools and green vendors for the 2010 Green Cup Challenge (G.C.C.) Georgia Kick-off Conference, to be held at Pace Academy Nov. 7 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Parents, teachers and vendors are invited to the conference, which will include training sessions on energy efficiency, conservation, benchmarking, green operations and maintenance, green cleaning, sustainability curriculum and more. Eric believes that his generation will feel the effects of climate change and conservation issues. “We are also the generation that will have to come up with solutions to address the effects of the problem our country and our world has started,” said the 15-year-old sophomore. The G.C.C. is the first and only national, student-driven interschool energy challenge. The G.C.C. supports student greening efforts including recycling and water conservation, raises awareness and helps schools reduce their carbon footprint. In 2009, 120 public and private, day and boarding schools across 24 states reduced their aggregated carbon emissions by 2.5 million pounds, the equivalent of taking 220 cars off the road for one year! Greening schools is a challenge and commitment, not a competition.
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SUMMER FUN: Sixth graders bond this summer at the annual trip to High Harbour.
Two Great Ways to Help Pace This Year CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ANNUAL FUND AND THROUGH THE GEORGIA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM ENRICH THE SCHOOL First, the 2009-2010 Annual Fund kicks off this month with more than 150 parents and alumni volunteers leading the charge. “Pace uses a volunteer approach to its fundraising, and we are fortunate to have parents and alumni helping raise these necessary operating dollars,” said Bonnie Harris, chair of the 2009-2010 Annual Fund. “Without this group of volunteers who follow-up with their peers, Pace would be unable to obtain the high participation rates to which it has grown accustomed.” Second, help Pace by paying your Georgia taxes. Is that right? Yes, but the deadline is Nov.1. For the second year, Pace is participating in the Georgia Private School tax credit program. Last year’s efforts brought six new students to Pace. The program allows you to designate a portion of your Georgia taxes, dollar-for-dollar, to increase Pace financial aid. This fall, if 400 families designate at the maximum level, we can raise $1 million to attract top students, regardless of their economic situation. Please act quickly as the deadline is approaching. Pace’s program partner Apogee will do most of the work for you and you may e-file your tax return. Consult your tax advisor and go to www.paceacademy.org/supportingpace/privateschooltaxcredit for more information.
Sitting Pretty US ADVANCED STUDIO TO COMPETE IN THE BATTLE OF CHAIRS Mr. Bloodworth’s Advanced Studio art class will compete against other art departments from select area schools in “The Battle of Chairs,” a competition to creatively decorate Adirondack chairs that will be auctioned off on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Miracle Ball. Proceeds from the auction will go to The Link Counseling Center in Atlanta. Each school will be given two chairs produced by a local craftsman — one adult size and one child size — primed for painting. The Miracle Ball will be held at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery in Midtown. Evening festivities will include dinner, a silent auction, jazz and a wine tasting. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or to purchase tickets, contact Kathy Jernigan at 404-256-9797.
AROU N D PA C E
Pace2 renamed Parenting Connection OBJECTIVE OF NEW BRAND TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO NETWORK AND PARTICIPATE The renaming of Pace2 to Parenting Connection is not just a trivial rebranding exercise – the new name has been chosen to be more consistent with our central theme of finding ways to bring parents together, and so help develop stronger parenting networks. The reason for our focus on connections and networking is simple. None of us can raise our children successfully without drawing on the help and support of other parents. The ‘parenting capital’ of the Pace parent community is immense. This capital includes the knowledge, expertise, trust and networks that we develop and utilize. There are many areas of parenting where coordinated approaches are essential. This is especially true as our children grow older and their social lives become more complex. Moreover somebody in our parent community will have relevant experience for addressing the parenting challenges we face – and if we do not have the information locally we are better placed to find a solution together than as individuals.
This may sound just fine but what does it mean in practice? The best way to answer that question is to look at some of our plans for 2009-2010 as we have improved our networking opportunities. Here are some of the key Parenting Connection programs: LOWER SCHOOL: Working closely with Anna Valerius and Dr. Mark Crawford, we are encouraging early formation of parent networks through structured discussions with parents. The first of these programs took place in September and was facilitated by Dr. Crawford, with one session each for pre-1st and 1st grades; 2nd and 3rd grades; and 4th amd 5th grades. If you were not able to participate in your session, we encourage you to keep checking for follow-up discussions which will be organized on a gradespecific basis. PACE PARENTING NETWORK (PPN): The PPN series attracted record numbers of Pace parents in 2008-2009, and the feedback from attendees was excellent. This year we will again run PPN courses starting in October for ninth grade parents, as
well as a new 10th grade series. This will include the Prime for Life course which provides new concepts and information on alcohol and drug use. It will be delivered by certified trainers from our community. This is a similar course to the one being given to all 9th grade students during school on Oct. 14 as part of the Pace administration’s education plan on alcohol and other drugs. In January, we will have PPN courses for fourth and sixth grade parents. PACE.LEAD: This joint school and Parents Club initiative on alcohol and other drugs has been in progress for more than 18 months. This year we are implementing a grade specific ‘curriculum’ for the parents of each grade 6-12 based on some of the issues and challenges that parents face as their students become exposed to alcohol and other drugs. The sessions will be coordinated through the grade reps so please look for more information on these sessions if you have children in Middle or Upper School. —Kathy Herman, Elaine Levine, Gail Phillips, Richard Rushton and Lori Zwecker
10th AnnuAl Knights RocK cAfÉ
November 8, 2009 6–9 p.m. Maggiano’s Buckhead Come join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our athletic and debate programs over the past 10 years.
The event this year will be raising money to help fund the construction of locker rooms and a concession stand at the Riverview Athletic Complex.
Contact Ken and Cathy Stephens at 404-373-5774 about sponsorship opportunities or to volunteer.
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A R O U N D PA C E
US TEACHER EARNS PH.D. THESIS AWARD AT GEORGIA TECH
Keeping Pace with the Braves DIVERSITY CONCLUDES ITS 2009 SUMMER PROGRAM WITH A VISIT TO TURNER FIELD Keeping Pace is an academic, athletic and arts-focused summer-learning empowerment program created to provide opportunities that enable a community of underserved youth to rise to their potential. Students ended the summer with an invitation from the Braves to watch a game and meet the players on July 21, where they saw Atlanta beat the San Francisco Giants 8-1. The four-week Pace program offered students weeklong courses in photography, ceramics, studio art, African drumming, mathematics, science, creative writing and performing arts. Additionally the students participated in weekly activities including book club, swimming, lacrosse and basketball.
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BEST THINGS about being a
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SENIOR CELLAR: “The senior cellar in the Inman Center is a place where we hang out with friends,” said student body president CHRIS MERRITT. “We watch TV and movies during free periods and face off against each other at the cellar foosball table.”
SENIOR
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ONLY ONE MORE YEAR!
SPIRIT WEEK: “It is so much fun to meet with friends at night, dance together for several hours, pass out on the bed when you go home and even dream about practicing the dance moves,” said class secretary DAISY KIM.
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Math teacher John Pearson earned the 2008-2009 Best Ph.D. Thesis Award in the Georgia Tech math department. Also, in July John had a paper published in the Journal of Noncommutative Geometry. The paper titled “Noncommutative Riemannian Geometry and Diffusion on Ultrametric Cantor Sets” explains John’s creation of a new mathematical tool for studying aperiodic solids. Discovered in 1976, aperiodic solids have many properties that have generated a lot of excitement in recent years, but without the right tools, have been difficult to analyze.
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OPEN CAMPUS DURING FREE PERIODS: “This is great
when you are craving a Willy’s burrito late in the day,” said Chris.
AROU N D PA C E
A Bonding Experience STUDENT COUNCIL PREPARES FOR SCHOOL YEAR AT RETREAT
CHRIS MERRITT
SOPHIE WEINER
OLIVER HUANG
DAISY KIM
Just before school started, the Upper School Student Council retreated to Serenbe, GA., to get to know each other better. “Everyone had a positive attitude and lots of good ideas for how to make this school year the best it can be,” said vice president Sophie Weiner. With lots of teamwork needed for a successful year, the group of 16 focused on bonding activities in groups divided by grades and positions. “The retreat was definitely a success, and we are all closer.” The 2009-2010 officers are CHRIS MERRITT, president; SOPHIE WEINER, vice president; OLIVER HUANG, treasurer; DAISY KIM, secretary.
FRONT AND CENTER SEATS IN THE FAC
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COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS:
“I visited Princeton this summer. it was great to see the school and meet new people,” said MELISSA DALIS.
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LUNCH OUTSIDE: “Being able to sit outside
during lunch is such a plus about this year because the cafeteria can be so loud and crowded and it’s nice to be able to enjoy lunch outside,” said LINDSEY PETERSON.
HEARING EVERYONE SAY,
“I wish I were a senior!” —SHELBY PALMERTON
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A R O U N D PA C E
New Faces PACE ACADEMY WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS *Parents and/or guardians in italics PRE-1
BERKELEY HAMEL Hank & Rich
JACK SIEGENTHALER Christian & Dan
CAROLINE DOMINICK Barbara & Kirk
THOMAS DOMINICK Barbara & Kirk
GRACE HARDISON Katie & Joey
ALLISON SILVERBOARD Hilary & Howard
HOKE FASER Melanie & Peter
JACK DWYER Amy & John
SARA ELIZABETH HAYDON Chandler & Trey
MEGHNA SINGHA Anuja & Vikram
CARTER FERGUSON Scarlett & Jason
JACK EICHENLAUB Annika & Tim
OLIVIA HEALEY Jennifer & Quill
MIRA SOLOMON Lori & Harold
JACK FERGUSON Scarlett & Jason
CAROLYNE EITH Monica & Stephen
MATTHEW ARONSON Wendy & Neal
SAM HOWE Stacey Mutz & Michael Howe
ALEX SPINELLI Maury Spinelli Joe Spinelli
WALKER PALMERTON Wendy & Kris
ETHAN FREISHTAT Ruth & Gregg
KARGIL BEHL Radhika & Sanjay
CLARE HSU Akiko & Andy
JASON TAPPER Jo & Steve
SUSIE PIEPER Carleen & Nat
MARY STUART GRAY Sarah & Bill
BEN BERNSTEIN Jeannine & Michael
KATE JONAS Lisa & Glenn
GRANT THOMPSON Julie & Scott
BLAKE RODRIGUEZ Tanya & Frank
INÈS GUILLAUME Elizabeth Bastoni & Ludovic Guillaume
THOMAS BETHEL Jenny & Tom
ALEX KARAMANOLIS Alex & Peter
NORAH WAGONER Deborah & Michael
MADELINE BOUGHNER Carter & Hank
GIANA KARAMANOLIS Alex & Peter
THOMAS WELLS Stephanie & Richard
SAM BROOKS Lisa & Dan
KSENIA KARDIVAR Tatyana Kardivar & Slava Kozlov
HARPER WHITE Heather & Rod
SAMUEL ALKIRE Ripple & John CARLY APPEL Kellie & Evan BRIGID ARNDT Shea Roberts & Brian Daughdrill Sloane and Anthony Arndt
CAROLINE BROWN Susan & Doug
MICHAEL STARR Gail & Loren WILL TEMPLIN Carrie & Don FOURTH GRADE
JUSTIN HELFGOTT Kim & Dave ISABELA HERNANDEZ Maria & Fabio Coelho CAROLINE HOPKINS Susan Hopkins John Hopkins
FIRST GRADE
SAM DELMAN Dana Meaney-Delman & Keith Delman
DAVID LEAVITT Carrie & Jeffrey
OLIVIA AMARAL Therese & Bryan
MORGAN MCCULLOUGH Rachel & Bob
HOPE LENNOX Leslie & Dave
NIKKI BYRNE Monique & Bland
ALEXANDRA LITVAK Heather & Andy
HELENA HARRIS Deanna & Mark
NICHOLAS PATTERSON Sarah & Dean
HOBIE MALIK Lisa & Saleem
THEA CHASTAIN Jennifer Buckley & Mark Chastain
ROBERT MALLIS Laurie & Hampton
MONET RAMSEY Jill & Scott
CHIP RATCLIFF Lara & Alan
MOLLY MARKS Jenny & Miles
PATRICK MARR Sonya & Paul
SECOND GRADE
DAVID ROOS Mary & Alan
OWEN MONCINO Kathy Sheerin & Mark Moncino
JAKE BUFFENBARGER Sue Gardner & Eric Buffenbarger
REESE CLEVELAND Elizabeth & Dave KATHERINE COCHRAN Kim & Chad CATHERINE CRAWFORD Caroline & David JON DAY Julie & Jonathan
GREGORY LAURSEN Danielle & Kirk
MACKENZIE MARTIN Jamie & Doug EMMA STEWART MASKE Allyson & Jim MATTHEW MATHIAS Carol & Joe
ABIGAIL DRAKE Randi & Andrew
ARYAMAN MUKHERJI Meenu Verma & Abhra Mukherji
EMILY DURANT Janice & Chris
KATHRYN NICHOLS Ashley & Matt
MARIELLE FROOMAN Lisa & Matthew
GREYSON O’BERRY Lydia & Preston
KATHLEEN GLASS Elizabeth & Fred
CUTTY PATTON Anna & John
KATE GRABOWSKI Kiery Braithwaite & Matt Grabowski
MAGGIE POPE Melanie & Trey
WALKER GREENE Ginger & Dan BUCK HALL Mike 10
JORDAN WHITE Heather & Rod
BEN SOLOMON Lori & Harold
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CAMERON SAINI Diane & Amar STEELE SASNETT Mary Jane & Bo
GEORGE ADAMS Stephanie & Robert SAM ADAMS Stephanie & Robert MERYLL ASHER Sarah & Lee ISABELLE BOUGHNER Carter & Hank BEN CALDWELL Keri & Ken ISABELLA DIMEGLIO Dawn & Robert
MICHAEL SIMON Michelle & Gary FIFTH GRADE ALIA RUBAIE Zainab Ali-Rubaie & Ahmed Rubaie MARK ANTHONY SOMMERVILLE Karen & Mark SIXTH GRADE
MATTHEW FRIESTAD Kathy & Gary
LAUREN ARCHER Claire Dornbush Archer Burke Archer
AMAN HASHIM Natasha Hashim Akber Hashim
ANDY BAINTON Betsy McKay & Neil Bainton
THIRD GRADE
CLAIRE DIMEGLIO Dawn & Robert
KENDYLE ALSTON Kimberley Alston ALEXANDRA BAKER Crystal & Jeff
FALLON DOHERTY Marilyn & Michael
XORI JOHNSON Dawn & Marcus
NATALIE NOVELLAS Christy & Ed STEPHANIE NOVELLAS Christy & Ed BAILEY O’SULLIVAN Allison & Mike CARLEE POKALSKY Lori Poyner Joseph Pokalsky ALEX POTTORFF Donna & Mark JACOB QUELLER Penny & Dave ALEC ROGERS Helen & Joel RANIA RUBAIE Zainab Ali-Rubaie & Ahmed Rubaie CIARA SADAKA Donni & Talal
SYDNEY SOMMERVILLE Karen & Mark ANDREA ST. PAUL Suzanne & Steven BEN TEMPLIN Carrie & Don PAIGE WILLIAMS Carolyn & Miller
PAULA CHENG Xing Zhang & Xiaodong Cheng CAROLINE COURTNEY Carla & Graham ASANTE CREWS Shontisha Crews
SEVENTH GRADE
MORGAN FRAZIER Rhoda Johnson
AARYON DAVIS Lynn Walden-Davis
MORGAN LAMBERT Barbara & Jerry
CAROLINE DENNY Kate & Jim
MARYSE LAPU Marie-Vero Bielo & Rigobert Lapu
MICHAEL EASLEY Dawne & Mike NATASHA GOEHRING Melissa Gordon Janet Cunningham & Mike Goehring
REM LEBOW Laurel Lebow Jeff Lebow RENEE LEWIS Kathy & Mitch
LYDIA JAMES Christine & David
ALEX NASH Cathy & Marshall
LIZ PHELPS Suzanne & Mark Bollman
MITCH NEMETH Ellen & Larry
PAYTON PULVER Brigette & Bruce
KAHLIL NEVETT-JAMES Coniquka Nevett
ELIZABETH WILLIS Linda & Dick Eydt Kasey & Reese Willis
DYLAN NOLAND Lynn & Kevin
EIGHTH GRADE
JORDAN SCHUCHMANN Jennifer & David
JESSICA COOPER Jill & Jason
JAKE SILVERSTEIN Debbie & Mark
SHAISTA DHANESAR Roshni & Arnold
ALAN SROCHI Dina Srochi & Kevin Sack Sam Srochi
KATIE DUVAL Julie & Derek MAX GREENBERG Lisa & Seth JASON MALIK Lisa & Saleem AARON SIMON Michelle & Gary NINTH GRADE JON ADELMAN Julie Adelman Dean Adelman CATHERINE ALLEN Mary Sue & Charles MEGAN BLASBERG Brooke & Bob ELLI BOCK Debi & David
ZACH STEINFELD Shayna & Bruce ARIEL STERN Tamar & Mark MOMO TRANG Bei Bei & Kurt Hirshman ADRIANNA URQUIETA Michelle & Gorky SYDNEY WILLIS Linda & Dick Eydt Kasey & Reese Willis EVAN YOUNG Ellen & Stuart 10TH GRADE ERIN BLASBERG Brooke & Bob 11TH GRADE
SALLIE BOONE Sarah & Alex
CARLEY GAYNES Shelley & Bruce
ROBERT BROOKS Elizabeth & Jeff Hagood
ERIN HAAGENSON Desiree & Al Hart Jody Haagenson
TIGER BROWN Joanne & Jack NATALIE CAMRUD Brad Camrud Marissa Camrud
LITTLE MICHAELANGELO: BEN BERNSTEIN, Pre-1, paints the “Sistine Chapel” in Ms. Balentine’s class.
SAGE ROBERTS Stephanie Roberts & Art Morris
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Sports VARSITY
A LOOK AT THIS SEASON’S MATCH-UPS
By Jessica Tanner with contributions from Pace’s varsity head coaches 12
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CHEERLEADING
Pace’s spirit squads started the year by attending a Universal Cheer Association (U.C.A.) camp at the University of Alabama over the summer. At camp they learned new dance routines, stunts, cheers and tumbling training. The team earned several superior and excellent ratings on performance reviews over the course of the June camp. On awards day, the Pace team brought home the “Most Improved Squad” trophy for their hard work during camp week. The cheerleaders brought their reusable
water jugs to camp which won the team a new Gatorade water cooler for their contribution to U.C.A.’s “green” efforts. The football team started their season Aug. 3, and cheerleading is currently in full swing. The cheerleaders are building on the skills learned during last year’s first football season at Pace and are getting the crowd’s support at home and away games. They also welcomed back Sir Winsalot. The Pace mascot will be making appearances at football games and other school events throughout the year. The cheerleaders also produced Junior Knights Camp, an annual event where they teach LS students cheers and dance routines. They performed with the cheerleaders at a football game at half-time. This year’s football spirit squad members are senior, MARY HUNTER CUNNINGHAM; juniors, CAROLYN SCHAEFER, ALLISON ROSENBAUM, TAYLOR JAMES, MORGAN KIMBEL, CHELSEA GRAY, CAMPBELL MALIK, MACKENZIE BARRATT, CLAIRE DILLON, LAUREN TESLER; sophomore, DARBY FALLON; freshman, KATE CUNNINGHAM, MEGAN BLASBERG.
unable to pull through and lost 37-40. “We executed well offensively, and we didn’t make many first-game mistakes that you usually see at a season opener,” said head coach Matt Hall. The Knights had 440 total yards on offense. “I think we learned a great lesson on how to finish a game,” said Hall. Their next two games against Athens Christian and Landmark ended in 17-27 and 21-41, respectively. Coach Hall is still optimistic about the season, “We will continue to improve on aggressiveness in tackling on the defensive side of the ball and we hope to be more versatile on offense.” Their first win, in the fourth game of the season, came at home against Fellowship Christian. The Knights pulled out a rainyday win with a final score of 28-13.
FOOTBALL
The football team, led by quarterback '11, began its second year as a team with a 1-3 record. What the record does not show, however, is the close finish the team had at the first game of the season away at Mount Paran. The Knights went into overtime due to a 35-yard field goal by ARTHUR OMILIAN that tied the game, but were WILL BREWSTER,
Both girls, 2008 Region 5A Champions and State runner-up, and boys, 2008 Region 5A runner-Up and third at State, opened up their cross country season at the Our Lady of Mercy Invitational in Fairburn. The varsity girls entered the meet with freshman EMILY WILSON running No.1 for the squad. She placed 31st overall. CAMILLE DISHONGH was 2nd, followed by TAYLOR GORDON, CAROLINE VIOLETTE, JESSICA DIORIO, JULIA BERGER and GRACE ALEXANDER. They placed eighth out of 16 teams in the All Classification Division. Led by captain and senior JACK HARRIS, who placed 23rd overall, led the boys who placed sixth out of 22 teams in the All Classification Division.. Finishing second for the Knights was ALEX DANIELS in 32nd place, followed by freshman BILLY STONECIPHER, GREG LAMBERT, ZACK LINDSEY, ISAAC SUKIN and MICHAEL HOPKINS. freshman JORDAN SCHUCHMANN ran in the junior varsity race, but would have placed sixth on the varsity squad. “Both of these teams did an outstanding job for the first meet of the season. We are looking for great things this season as we work our way toward the region and state meets,” said head coach Jolie Cunningham. Their second meet was at Sweetwater Park versus seven other schools. Both teams came home victorious. Senior JACK HARRIS led the way for the Knights again. He placed second overall followed by ALEX DANIELS in fourth, GREG LAMBERT in fifth, BILLY STONECIPHER in eighth, ZACK LINDSEY in 12th, MICHAEL HOPKINS in 16th and rounding out the top seven spots was HARMAN LINDSEY in 19th. The girls race saw similar results with EMILY WILSON placing second overall, TAYLOR GORDON third, CAMILLE DISHONGH in fourth, CAROLINE VIOLETTE in sixth, GRACE ALEXANDER in seventh and JULIA BERGER in eighth. 14
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On defense, linebacker WILLIAM MORSE, ‘10, has been the defensive captain all season, while cornerback JAMES ABBOTT, ’11, started the season off well as leading tackler. On offense, wide receiver ALEX DAVIS, ‘11, has been the biggest playmaker all year, while junior wide receiver BILLY TUTT has been the leading receiver so far this year. VOLLEYBALL
The Diamond Knights team have had a rough start to the first half of their season with a 5-10 overall and 0-2 area record. However as the season progresses they grow stronger as a team and look to continue the fight for a state tournament berth. The Knights have seen strong play from seniors JORDAN HARRIS, MIKKI MORI and LISA ISHII. All showing their previous experience to help pull the team through some tough matches. Junior and team captain, ANNAMARIA CALLAS, has stepped up her game on the outside position. As the Knights approach the second half of the season and face all the area opponents you should see a much improved volleyball team hit the court. The hitters should shine and should start to put more balls away. “Our offense has now seen some bigger opponent blockers and have worked hard to perfect some shots
to get around the opponents and help score some points,” said head coach Jennifer Joraskie. The defense will come out stronger to protect the court and are sure to be picking up more balls in the second half. “The biggest improvement you can make as a defense player in volleyball is to expand your range on the court. Over the past few weeks our defensive players have started to expand their range and pick up some tough balls from opponents. This is one of the keys to us getting that state tournament berth,” said Coach Joraskie. Overall, the second half of the season looks to be a promising one for Pace varsity volleyball. ■
For the most recent scores and athletic updates, visit www.paceknights.org.
Defending Region 5A Champions, the Diamond Knights have picked up where they left off in the 2008 season by getting off to a fast start in 2009. The Knights, who lost five seniors off of the 2008 championship team, have quickly filled the void with five newcomers to the starting lineup squad. The Knights (6-3 overall) have been paced by a very solid defense led by third baseman ANNIE BONNOT (.348, 7 Runs, 3 RBI), shortstop CHARMAINE MECH (6 RBI, 2 2B), and second baseman and clean-up hitter AMBER EASLEY (.455, 6R, 4 RBI). Outfielders ELI BOCK (.333, 10 R, 4 RBI) and MADELINE ENGLAND (.296, 2 2B, 8 RBI) have both added defensive strength and offensive firepower to support first-year pitcher ERIN HAAGENSON (.393, 2 2B, 8 RBI, 9 R), who also serves as the Knights leadoff batter. “Assistant coaches Courtney Conron, Stacy Tamborra and I were not sure what to expect as we ended last season, knowing we lost two All-State, first-team players in Streeter Nolan and Morgan Lyndall, in addition to three other fouryear players. However, after our summer camp and August pre-season we felt as if we had a very athletic group with a ‘never-say-die’ mentality,” said Head Coach Kris Palmerton, who enters his seventh year leading the Diamond Knights with a 101-79 record and five GHSA State Playoff appearances. The Knights will have their work cut out for themselves, as they will look to repeat as Region 5A Champions and reach the state playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Perennial favorites Landmark Christian, 2008 Region 5A runner-up, Holy Innocents’ and North Cobb Christian all return veteran squads that were not hit nearly as hard as the Knights by graduation. “It’s still early in the season that is for sure, we really are not concerned about the other teams in our region. We want to focus on what we do and how we grow as a team. I believe this is a terrific squad and one that will be ready to compete with one goal come Region 5A Tournament time,” said Palmerton. The Knights will host key Region 5A games at the scenic Warren Road softball complex against Holy Innocents’ and Walker. KnightTimes | Back to School 09
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P H O T O S T O RY
Pace’s Director of Diversity, Philip McAdoo, led nine students to discover the persistence of the human spirit.
SOUTH FINDING PERSPECTIVE:
This past summer rising Pace juniors and seniors were profoundly impacted by an 18-day cultural education and service program in South Africa. Along with Pace staff and Ubuntu Education Fund workers, the students served in the poverty-stricken shantytowns of Port Elizabeth, adding their voices to the cause of orphaned and vulnerable youth affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. “I have changed how I view the world that I live in, said senior JON ALLEN. “From teaching a dance to the children to hearing them recite poems and sing songs, you could hear the hope and happiness that they have despite their living conditions.”
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AFRICA KnightTimes | Back to School 09
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A four-day hike along the African coast and a weekend in Capetown began the enlightening student experience. They saw the holistic work that Ubuntu does in homes, schools, clinics, and in the lives of the community members they serve. Student’s intensive daily visits to the townships ended with discussions, writing in journals, blogging for All for Africa and the Pace community, emails and calls home to parents. Working with the youth of South Africa was by far the most compelling part of the trip. They volunteered as instructors, repaired computers in an outdated lab, facilitated writing classes, structured and taught arts programs and camped in the mountains of South Africa with teenagers from Ubuntu’s empowerment program. “What touched me most were the people,” said junior JAKE HOWARD. “The hope and joy they shared with me completely changed my everyday outlook on life.” Founded in 1999, Ubuntu Education Fund’s 56-person staff serves 24,000 impoverished and vulnerable children and
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15,000 families with life-saving HIV services and essential educational resources. Described by some as being “too beautiful to translate into English,” Ubuntu is an affirmation of our common humanity. It stands for a heightened sense of community responsibility that binds the residents to each other. “What a wonderful lesson for our students to learn and share with Pace Academy,” said Mr. McAdoo. “UBUNTU.” ■
Pace Student Participants JON ALLEN, ’10 NICOLE LECLAIR, ’10 NICOLAS NEZHAT, ’10 LAUREN HART, ’11 JAKE HOWARD, ’11 HURST WILLIAMSON, ’11 WILLIAM MORASE, ’10 ASHLEY RIDDELL, ’10 KAREN KNIGHT, ’10
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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE AT
CAMBRIDGE A tour of Buckingham Palace, a turn on the London Eye, a visit to the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum, a tour of Churchill’s War Cabinet Rooms and a visit to the National Theatre to see a Shakespeare play were just the beginning of an unforgettable nine-day adventure for four Pace students this past summer.
Along with US history teacher Tim Hornor, senior CONNOR HARBIN, and juniors DANIELLE KERKER, GREG LAMBERT and SCOTT WIENER set out for England to host, along with the Society of International Business Fellows (S.I.B.F.), a series of financial seminars at Cambridge University. The July excursion was the brainchild of Pace parent Nick Hoffman, who is associated with the S.I.B.F. The group is comprised of southeastern businessmen and women who have some type of international interest through their businesses. Several former Pace board members are part of this group including Hilton Kort, Bill Hartman and Greg Dexter. Mr. Hoffman has helped to launch what may prove to be an annual event. The beautiful grounds and medieval architecture at the world’s oldest university provided the perfect setting for the series of seminars that focused on wealth, its management, growth (and loss), and the responsibilities associated with money. “Mr. Hoffman taught me how easy and useful it is to budget your money,” said Connor Harbin. “Also, I loved learning about the many cultures in England, especially Cambridge which was settled at different times by the Gauls, Romans, Normans and Vikings.” Each morning began with a seminar on wealth and its responsibilities followed by worldclass scholars from Cambridge who spoke about subjects ranging from Dr. Patricia Fara’s presentation on the history of science to
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Dr. Simon Conway Morris discussing the future of evolutionary theory. “The latter topic was timely as Cambridge was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s publication of The Origin of the Species. Charles Darwin had been a Cambridge graduate, after all,” said Mr. Hornor. “The afternoons were reserved for sightseeing and play, alternating between croquet, punting down the river (think gondolas in Venice), and running to see the premier of Harry Potter among other things,” Mr. Hornor added. “Visiting the US World War II Memorial, located nearby, was very moving.” “The trip was a wonderful, life-changing voyage that would have been impossible without the generosity and guidance of Nick Hoffman who was critical to the program’s success,” said Mr. Hornor. “Not only did he lead some of the most insightful discussions, but he was the driving force behind the program’s launch. ■
To be posted on the Pace website in coming weeks A 10-minute documentary created (by the BBC) for the S.I.B.F. featuring Tim Hornor and company enjoying Cambridge life from a Shakespeare play on the lawn of St. Johns College to the Claire Bridge where they are watching the punts on the river Cam. www.paceacademy.org
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ALUMNI
Meet the Alumni Board ANDREW ALEXANDER, ’04
(Los Angeles Representative) OCCUPATION: Research and Development for Lightstream Pictures; Promoting mother’s company, Fun Science, on the West Coast; Referee for a soccer league in Long Beach. COLLEGE: University of Kentucky GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1 (twice)–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: A great memory was on a snowy Sunday at Pace, we tried to barricade the entrances to Pace with six-foot snow walls in an effort to cancel school the next day. The snow froze as planned, but we arrived to find out we had only made an early morning for the best maintenance crew in Atlanta, who were forced to shovel away passages for carpool and students. I still owe Charles for making that mess, but we thought we had “beat the man” with that one. JOSH BELINFANTE, ’95 OCCUPATION: Attorney SPOUSE: Dr. Karina Khouri Belinfante ’95 CHILDREN: Cole, 3, and Ian, 7 months COLLEGE: University of Pennsylvania GRADES AT PACE: 7–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Helen Smith, Chris
Wheatley, Student Council BARBARA HOWELLS BOUKATER, ’92 OCCUPATION: Pace Academy, Director of
Summer Programs SPOUSE: Mike Boukater CHILDREN: Bryce, 3, and Brooke, 8 months COLLEGE: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame GRADES AT PACE: 5–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: B.J. Hayes told me I could achieve a ‘B’ in history (not my best subject). When I earned the ‘B,’ she told my mom to take me out for an ice cream. Beating Westminster in basketball for the first time in years. We won in double overtime at Westminster on the night of our homecoming dance. EMERY DEYO BOURNE, ’89 OCCUPATION: Homemaker, part-time financial planner SPOUSE: Bray Bourne CHILDREN: Deyo, 3, and Mills, 5 months COLLEGE: University of Vermont GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Hanging out in the gardens during free period. Coach Canfield’s funky pants.
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CHARLEY BRICKLEY, ’88 OCCUPATION: Lender, Regions Bank SPOUSE: Suzie Brickley CHILDREN: Bay, 8, and Lane, 6 COLLEGE: Vanderbilt University GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1—12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Mrs. Sealy reading to
us in class; winning second place in a spelling bee; performing in plays directed by Marsha Durlin and George Mengert; playing two sports per season in middle school; going to England with the choir; being addressed as an adult by Charlie Owens, even as a teenager; Mrs. Sibley’s art history class. WHEELER BRYAN, JR., ’98 OCCUPATION: Vice President, Chappell Bryan COLLEGE: Limestone College and Mercer
University (currently seeking Masters of Divinity) GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Col. Kidwell and Marcus Perez DEBORAH CELECIA –WAGONER, ’84 OCCUPATION: Freelance Photographer SPOUSE: Michael Wagoner CHILDREN: Lily, 9, Third grade at Pace and
Norah, 6, Pre-1 at Pace COLLEGE: University of Georgia, The Atlanta College of Art GRADES AT PACE: 8–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Too many to choose from! BLAKE DEXTER, ’90 OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate SPOUSE: Heather Dexter CHILDREN: Summer, 18 months
COLLEGE: Denison University, Undergrad;
Vanderbilt University, MBA GRADES AT PACE: 3–12 CRAIG FRASER, ’83
(NYC Representative) OCCUPATION: Financial Analyst, Managing Director, Head of North American Industrials, Fitch Ratings COLLEGE: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School; Columbia University, Graduate School of Business GRADES AT PACE: 7–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: I have many good soccerrelated memories, including (I never thought I would say this) pre-season soccer camp. Some that stood out to me were Helen Smith, Ricks Carson and John Mayer. CAITLIN GOODRICH, ’00 OCCUPATION: Account Executive at
Jackson Spalding COLLEGE: Rhodes College GRADES AT PACE: 9–12 FAVORITE MEMORY: The Pace theater program played a huge role in my high school career. The spring of my senior year, I was in Noises Off!, a hilarious play within a play. I also loved watching my younger brother and sister experience Pace after I graduated – seeing Pete crowned homecoming king and Lara as Cosette in Les Miserables were very proud moments. SARAH-ELIZABETH LANGFORD, ’96 OCCUPATION: Real Estate Development,
Senior Affordable Housing COLLEGE: University of Michigan; Howard University School of Law GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1 – 12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Gymnastics team, 1st place in state RANDY MARCRUM (PRESIDENT), ’80 OCCUPATION: Business Consultant SPOUSE: Lynn Marcrum CHILDREN: Natalie, 12, Seventh grade
at Pace and Lauren, 9 COLLEGE: Vanderbilt University GRADES AT PACE: 5 – 12 FAVORITE MEMORY: Winning State Championship in Soccer, 19781979; Winning State One-Act Play Competition, 1979-1980; Class trips to
Washington, D.C.; Soccer Camp; Charlie Owens, Neely and Myra Young, Helen Smith, George Mengert and B.J. Hayes. AUSTIN MCDONALD, ’97 OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate
Development, McDonald Development Company SPOUSE: Stephanie McDonald CHILDREN: Eloise, 8 months COLLEGE: Vanderbilt University GRADES AT PACE: Pre-1–12 FAVORITE TEACHER: Chris Wheatley GREGORY MULLIN, ’90 OCCUPATION: Architect, Owner of Nodus LLC SPOUSE: Lindsay Thurman Mullin, ‘94 CHILDREN: Jane Elizabeth, 2, and Abby, 1 COLLEGE: University of Virginia (undergrad)
and University of Texas (graduate) GRADES AT PACE: 8–12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORY: Coach Latazori and Coach Sommerville – wrestling; Raiding Senior Night at 5 a.m.; all of my Pace friends; the education I received. ANNA GASTON PATTON, ’86 OCCUPATION: Homemaker SPOUSE: John Patton, Jr.
CHILDREN: Julia, 10, Fifth grade at Pace
Johnny, 8, and Cutty, 5 COLLEGE: University of the South, Sweanee, TN GRADES AT PACE ACADEMY: 6 – 12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORY: I most enjoyed my wonderful, not always well-behaved friends and my teacher, Mr. Spurlock. I also loved playing on the girl’s Varsity Basketball team. JAY BURDETT WEBER, ’77 OCCUPATION: Mom SPOUSE: John Weber CHILDREN: Jack, 17, 12th grade at Pace and
Ellie, 15, 11th grade at Pace COLLEGE: University of Georgia GRADES AT PACE ACADEMY: 8–12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORY: Hanging out on lower wall along parking lot watching Varsity Soccer; the open campus; Bob Chambers, Helen Smith, Neil DeRosa, BJ Hayes and Neely Young CAROLYN SINGLETON WILLIAMS, ’80 OCCUPATION: Mom SPOUSE: Miller Williams CHILDREN: Paige, 11, and John, 9 COLLEGE: Vanderbilt University GRADES AT PACE ACADEMY: 5–12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORY: Friday night
basketball games cheering for the Pace Knights; my 7th grade trip with BJ Hayes and Coach Chambers; my college trip with Neely Young; Myra Young and Coach Buckley ERIC WILLIAMS (PAST PRESIDENT), ’87 OCCUPATION: Owner, EcoMeed Sustainability
Solutions VOLUNTEER: Habitat for Humanity SPOUSE: Alice Williams CHILDREN: Hunter, 7, First grade at Pace and
Reese, 5 COLLEGE: University of Richmond and Shorter
College GRADES AT PACE ACADEMY: 9–12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORIES: Watching Coach
Owens get thrown out of baseball games – in my four years of playing baseball for Coach Owens, we were usually treated to one nonprofanity-laced tirade per year. CATHERINE WOODLING, ’00 OCCUPATION: Public Relations &
Communications Specialist, The Home Depot Foundation COLLEGE: University of Arizona- Honor’s College GRADES ATTENDED AT PACE ACADEMY: 6-12 FAVORITE PACE MEMORY: Spirit Week senior year
The Sun Will Come Out On
November 12 7 P. M . | PAC E F I N E A R T S C E N T E R A D D I T I O N A L P E R F O R M A N C E S N O V. 1 3 - 1 5 General ticket sales begin Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m., Pace Fine Arts Center. For more information, call Pace Academy at 404-262-1345.
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ALUMNI
A Year in Review ROBERT ALLEN, ’02, GIVES INSIGHT ON HIS YEAR AS PRESIDENT OF THE HARVARD LAW REVIEW.
During the 2009 United States presidential election, Democratic candidate Barack Obama’s time as the 104th Harvard Law Review president brought media attention to the student-edited HLR. By the end of the election, Pace’s own ROBERT ALLEN had become the president of the prestigious publication, and Obama had become the president of the United States. The Harvard Law Review determines the position of president by individual nomination. Robert thinks he was elected because he would be an easy person with which to work. While some HLR presidencies are marked by radical issues, Robert said his year was pretty traditional. Robert worked primarily with faculty members publishing articles rather than notes (the difference is in length and scope). “During my term, we published a number of great pieces, including one comparing public and international law, and one criticizing the Supreme Court’s decision in Scott v. Harris, a case regarding the reasonableness of police use of deadly force,” said Robert. Robert graduated from Harvard last May and is currently clerking for Judge Michael Boudin, of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston. He’ll be clerking for
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Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court next year. Robert came to Pace as a sophomore and graduated from Pace as a debate champion under then-debate coach Chris Wheatley. “Debate gave me access to research materials to which I would have never been exposed otherwise.” Robert developed a love for statistics and calculus in Jason Smith’s class. “Quiet and thoughtful, he was not one to try to dominate the class,” said Mr. Smith. “His debate training gave him a base of knowledge and an understanding of research techniques that allowed him to connect abstract statistical principles to real-world examples more easily than his classmates. The class didn’t exist in a vacuum for him. I am completely unsurprised he’s been so successful in his career already!” He continued to take statistics and math courses throughout college at Emory University. “I think I gained a true appreciation for what he’d taught me when I took another statistics class as a junior in college and realized that I’d already learned everything in the course from Mr. Smith,” Robert said. He graduated with high honors and a B.A. in political science and economics at Emory. He was Phi Beta Kappa and earned the Jack and Lewis Greenhut Award for most outstanding economics thesis. At Harvard, he won the Sears Prize, an award given to the student with the highest grade in the freshman class. At the end of the first year of law school students must participate in “write on” — a writing competition that lasts for one week — in order to join the HLR (membership is limited to second- and third-year law students). The participant receives a packet of legal information about a particular issue that has intentionally been altered to be false or incorrect in some way. The student must gather information, check citations, edit and analyze the material. The previous year’s editors pick the staff for the following year. Robert had 87 editors in his year. Ricks Carson taught Robert how to write, in particular the value of being concise, clear and direct. “I still remember one of Mr. Carson’s sayings — ‘tight, tight, tight, is the way to
BLAST FROM THE PAST In 2002, at the prestigious Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, then Pace students BOB ALLEN and BRIAN SMITH not only became the 2002 National High School Debate Champions, they were the only team ever to win, undefeated, with all panel decisions unanimous. Pace’s AA division debate team also competed against all Georgia high school divisions to become the first school in the state to win four-consecutive Richard B. Russell All-State Debate Championships. Seniors Brian Smith and Bob Allen were recognized as first- and second-place speakers, finishing the year with an undefeated record. “Just about every significant political and social leader has had some type of speech and/or debate experience, presidents Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Clinton, Bush and Gov. Roy Barnes to name a few,” said coach Chris Wheatley. “Zell Miller debated Guy Sharpe at Young Harris College years ago and Martin Luther King Jr. was a high school debate state champion.”
write,’ or something to that effect. Sadly, it’s a lesson from which much of legal writing might benefit,” Robert said. “Debaters often have glitches in their styles due to the speed at which they are used to communicating,” said Mr. Carson, who nicknamed Robert “The Rocket.” “Bob had mature words and thoughts. Thus it was a matter of refining style, in particular to sharpen and compress: less is more if the less is keen,”said Mr. Carson. “He also had, as I recall, a good imagination. In my experience, kids whose imaginations are stunted, or who fear setting themselves free, never move far past the mundane in writing. They’re always hunting for words to fit a preconceived idea instead of receiving the words that want to break loose. Bob kept his antennae out.” ■
ALUMNI
Helen Smith and Keith Newman guide seniors Daisy Kim, Susan Goldblatt and Isaac Sukin through their research of the current climate of international politics.
Alumni Picks Up the Gauntlet SAM JONAS’ CHALLENGE TO ALUMNI FOR POLICY SIMULATION PROGRAM EXCEEDS GOAL In the fall of 2008, SAM JONAS ’77 issued a challenge to his fellow alumni and some of their parents: raise $5,000 in honor of teacher Helen Smith for the Pace policy simulation programs, and he would contribute an additional $5,000. By June 2009 the challenge was met with more than $12,000 for these inspirational and often intense programs. In most years some 70-80 Pace students enjoy this academically-based, extra-curricular activity which includes meets in Atlanta and around the country. Now, with the new funds, students who could not afford to attend out-of-town models have the opportunity to do so. Scholarship students, as well as those who have not signed up previously because of financial constraints, are being recruited and these important policy simulation programs are gaining popularity at Pace. Students must prepare for weeks before the model events where they work to achieve consensus on questions real-life diplomats wrestle with daily. They come ready to “think on their feet” as they defend their positions
on predetermined topics. The extensive research and writing and re-writing of papers beforehand demands many long hours, all
“I hope to work for the United Nations,” says senior DAISY KIM. “Participating in Model UN has helped me develop professionalism, as well as given me the ability to think fast, present ideas shrewdly and to argue without offending others.” in addition to their regular classroom work. “Time management is a challenging aspect,” says senior ISAAC SUKIN. “Most participants are required to write three position papers per conference, each of which entail days of research.” Students will attend up to four conferences per year. In addition to program coordinator Helen
Smith, students train with teachers Keith Newman, Don Dupree, Shuntá Jordan and Kevin Coale. Models are open to all students and many cite a suggestion from one of these teachers as the reason they became involved with Model UN. “The teachers take the time to read your papers and give you comments on how to improve,” says senior SUSAN GOLDBLATT. “They even come in on weekends to help you.” “One of the strengths of our programs is that students from five grades can take part in the same activity and each student learns much more than they expected,” says Ms. Smith. “Students gain general knowledge about the world, which then remains with them because they have undertaken the research and worked on their own initiative.” For more information, go to www.ncusar.org/ modelarableague/history.html, www.gtmun.org, www.gsumun.com, www.busun.net, www.susmun. org, www.cmunce.org, www.tuftsgloballeadership. org/programs/inquiry. ■ — Aimee McDonald KnightTimes | Back to School 09
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JUST FOR FUN
... and speaking of Helen Smith
The Most Eclec Classroom at Q & A with George Mengert A guillotine replica
PACE’S THEATRE DIRECTOR CELEBRATES HIS 20TH YEAR.
Historical action figures
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ctic t Pace
CALL IT ECLECTIC, CALL IT CLUTTERED, CALL IT WHATEVER YOU WANT — HER CLASSROOM IS UNFORGETTABLE TO ALUMNI AND UNMISTAKABLY “MS. SMITH” TO EVERYONE ELSE.
AD
Edward Munch’s The Scream: “My life,” said Ms. Smith.
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966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327 www.paceacademy.org
Pace Academy Alumni Association presents
Election 2009
Mayoral City of Atlanta
Forum
Moderator: Ben Thorpe, Pace ’00
jesse spikes
kasim reed
mary norwood
Lisa Borders
October 4
4 p.m., Pace Academy Fine Arts Center 966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Reception following — meet the candidates.
Limited seating. R.S.V.P. to alumni@paceacademy.org