Vol. 44, Issue 3

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The

December 14, 2018

Knightly News

p. 5 Juul Under Fire

p. 6 The Danger of Hyper-Partisanship

p. 12 Volley Knights Visit Japan

Students Sleep Out to Fight Youth Homelessness Genna Schwarz Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Photo: Covenant House of Georgia

“Homelessness is a situation, not a character trait,” said Regina Jennings, Director of Support Services at Covenant House of Georgia, in an effort to squash a common misconception. The Covenant House provides housing, medical services and meals for homeless and trafficked youth.

On Nov. 30, close to 40 Pace students, teachers and parents participated in the annual Pace sleep out to increase awareness of nationwide youth homelessness. Organized by Associate Director of the Isdell Center for Global Leadership Zeena Lattouf, seniors Alexandra Baker and Caroline Singleton and junior Ryan Kann, Pace fundraising efforts netted over $19,000 to benefit Covenant House.

Upon arrival, each participant grabbed their complimentary beanies and gathered in the Covenant House’s gymnasium.

Full-time volunteers and workers

Pace student, teacher and parent participants in the Covenant House Sleep Out hold each other’s thumbs to represent one united front, raising awareness for youth homelessness. greeted them with Papa John’s pizza and an info session. Then, discussion centered around the shocking realities of homelessness, including the following statistics: there are 3,300 homeless youth in Atlanta, 50% of youth aging out of the foster care system will be homeless within six

months, a homeless youth is approached for sex within 72 hours on the streets, 49% of homeless youth have been sexually exploited, 72% of homeless youth have experienced or witnessed violence and 42% of homeless youth have experienced abuse as a child.

Trimble’s mood. Trimble also

been on the giving and receiving end of Rehmert’s high fives.

“A defensive line must work as a unit as [Rehmert] said,” said Assaf. “You show gratitude…

By doing your job,” finished Hennings.

A study conducted by a team at the University of Southern California monitored participants’ brains under an fMRI machine while they read Holocaust hero vignettes. The results showed that brains experiencing gratitude showed increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These areas are associated with interpersonal bonding and the ability to understand the mental state of others.

“The pattern of [brain] activity we see shows that gratitude is a complex social emotion that is really built around how others seek to benefit us,” said Glenn Fox, lead researcher of the study.

The research shows that showing gratitude has a greater positive impact because it affects the long-term parts of our brains associated with morality and connection rather than the shortterm reward center.

The Covenant House has been instrumental in addressing these statistics. According to their website, the charitable organization has served more than 1,000 individual youth this year.

“I was aware of youth homelessness in Atlanta, however, I never fathomed it would be at this

magnitude and I’m sure many people are still unaware,” said senior Jack Ferguson.

Employees serving as guides during the visit were effective in illustrating the challenges of youth homelessness. They stressed that sleeping outside is not an effort to mimic homelessness, but to aid in forming empathy for and understanding of homeless youth.

They asked Pace participants to identify what made them feel safe. Many listed that they felt secure because they had a home, a loving family and supportive friends. The instructors then directed the participants to cross off items on the list, emphasizing that the empty lists more accurately represent a homeless youth’s support system.

After the activity, three young people talked to Pace about their individual journeys.

One was kicked out of her home at the age of 18, one moved to Atlanta alone after black mold was found in his home and one was incarcerated and pregnant by the age of 20. According to

(Continued on p. 5)

Students Show Gratitude Through Everyday Actions Charlie Hirsch shows gratitude by tipping extra

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Photo: Charlie Hirsch

Improved mood, increased productivity and a tighter knit community can all be achieved through one habit: gratitude.

Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California, Davis, has published five books on gratitude. In his essay, “Why Gratitude is Good,” he details two key components of gratitude. “First, we affirm that there are good things in the world,” writes Emmons. “We [also] recognize the sources of this goodness are outside ourselves… that they come from other people.”

Senior Charlie Trimble shows his gratitude by placing thought behind his “thank yous.” “When I say ‘thank you’ to my teachers after class or to the [cafeteria staff] after I feast, I take a moment to understand what they have given me,” said Trimble. Though the recipients of Trimble’s thanks don’t know his thoughts, these moments of gratitude are shown to improve

to the student wait staff at Wing Factory on Thursday nights.

German Neo-Kantian sociologist Georg Simmel called gratitude the “moral memory of mankind” because of its “ripple effect.” Showing gratitude not only improves one’s own mood, but increases the likelihood that others will feel gratitude as well.

One person can improve a whole community.

Junior Bridges Spencer has a similar ideology surrounding gratitude. “Gratitude is an attitude that you measure with latitude,” said Spencer. This refrigerator-magnet-worthy phrase summarizes Simmel’s analysis. Gratitude is an “attitude” which means it is an individual’s outlook and actions, that can be measured by its “latitude” or the spread of people that one person’s gratitude can impact.

Three members of the varsity football defensive line share their thoughts about gratitude. “I know it’s small, but on the team we give each other high fives,” said junior Will Rehmert. “It’s a sign of unity.” Seniors Sam Assaf and Ahsan Hennings have

Senior Andrew Konradt (bottom) supports senior Cooper Selig (top) as seniors Tase Karamanolis, Nate Robinson and Max Appel (left to right) show gratitude for the senior ornament tradition.

Morality and connection are commonly associated with family values and relationships.

For some, the most important recipients of gratitude are their own parents. “I show gratitude to them by spend[ing] quality time with them,” said junior Klara Andra-Thomas. “Sure it’s cliché, but it’s the best way I know how.”

Juniors Zoe Freier and Emma Shelton, along with AndraThomas have boiled the abstract

notion of gratitude down to purer forms. To them, it’s not complicated to show gratitude. “I show gratitude just by working hard,” said Shelton, “And I think it’s about giving back to your community,” said Freier. They agree that gratitude is acknowledging what parents, cleaning staff, waiters, lunch staffers, teachers and friends have given them by giving them something, no matter its size, in return.

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Pace News

December 14, 2018

The Knightly News - Page 2

Student Council Seeks to Represent All Abby Meyerowitz Opinion Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Abby Meyerowitz

Food trucks, Spirit Week and school dances are only a few of the events Pace’s Student Council plans throughout the year. Advised by Upper School History Chairperson Tim Hornor, the Student Council meets weekly on Wednesday mornings to discuss student issues, propose solutions to various schoolwide problems and ensure that the student body’s best interests are taken into consideration.

Launched in 1998 under Mr. Hornor’s guidance, the student council program has progressed over the years with both the issues they face and their will to solve them. “Back then, the curriculum was very closed but today, the gate has been opened, in large part credited to the Student Council and their voices,” said Mr. Hornor. “Now, they do more around the school socially to improve school life.”

Although Mr. Hornor oversees “stud-co” activities, he prefers to give the students more control in order to keep the student body’s preferences in mind.

“I have allowed the students to

be autonomous and I have not intervened,” he said. “I rarely tell students what they want or what they should want and I think the leaders really appreciate that.

Every day during the school day students are kind of controlled by faculty and this is a space where that doesn’t happen.”

To further enhance the representative aspect of Pace’s student government, Mr. Hornor has eliminated the exclusivity of the council’s weekly meetings and welcomes any student who wishes to attend.

A big part of the Student Council’s responsibilities includes managing finances for each grade. Between various food trucks, including the popular Not As Famous Cookie Company, and Spirit Week expenses, including costume costs and art supplies, the Student Council members are expected to balance their budgets effectively and prioritize their purchases.

Each grade is given a price maximum for Spirit Week to avoid excessive spending. Additionally, what students may not know about Food Truck Friday is that these trucks typically require a minimum amount to be paid for their services. Thus making purchases during Food Truck Friday is extremely en-

Senior class vice president Colm Pelletier advocates for the addition of Rodeo Burgers to the lunch menu in a weekly Student Council meeting with Mr. Hornor. couraged. “The seniors are doing very well with budgeting and expenses and should be commended,” said Mr. Hornor.

With a new group of senior leaders on the council this year, the program has taken the next step toward uniting its members of all grades. “I think the seniors have accomplished a great deal,” said Mr. Hornor. “I’ve observed some freshmen in some years that have never spoken during a Student Council meeting but these leaders really try to make

sure that their voices are heard from the freshmen seats.”

Senior class secretary Paige Fleming focuses on this unity of the council as well. “I like interacting with the other grades to successfully plan school-wide events and get to know them,” she said.

Among many reasons, students run for Student Council to gain leadership and organizational skills as well as give a voice to their peers. “The goal of Student Council is to be the

bridge between the ideas of the students and the teachers,” said sophomore class secretary Eve Kogon. “I decided to run for Student Council because I wanted to help make my grade get better at fundraising, and I also wanted to help my grade become more organized.”

Senior and student body vice president Brogan Smith has similar goals in mind. “I decided to run because I am a man of the people and wanted to represent everybody’s voice,” he said.

Kristi Odom went to Pace for seven years and graduated in 1998 alongside Mr. Wile. While at Pace, Ms. Odom was very busy. She participated in yearbook, math team, computer club, theater and ultimate frisbee. She discovered her love for photography while attending Pace. “I went into Pace with just a couple of passions (math and science), and came out with a huge love for photography and all things fine art,” said Ms. Odom.

Immediately following Pace, Ms. Odom enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology where she continued her photography work, helping different student publications including the Georgia Tech newspaper.

Even though she was studying electrical engineering, her photography eventually led her to work for Rollingstone.com.

After just three years at Georgia Tech, Ms. Odom moved to Australia where she got a degree in fine arts at the University of New South Wales.

According to Ms. Odom, she was initially attracted to

photography because life happens quickly and she loves being able to capture it. “There is so much beauty in the world, I love how it can be captured in these fractions of seconds,” she said.

“These moments happen so fast, but photography grabs them for us to keep forever.” One of her favorite things to photograph is emotions, both in humans as well as in wildlife.

Ms. Odom’s work has been featured in Nikon, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Times Square, Rollingstone.com and Outside Magazine. Ms. Odom is a Nikon Ambassador which is a prestigious honor, signifying that she is one of the “top visual storytellers of this era.” Only 34 photographers in the United States have this esteemed title.

“I went into Pace with the idea that I needed to be in mathematics or engineering to make a living and left Pace with an even bigger dream of being an artist traveling the world,” said Ms. Odom. “Pace made me dream bigger.”

Pace Alumni Do Great Things After Graduation Jamie Kornheiser Staff Writer Class of 2021

Kristi Odom ‘98 turned her love of photography into a highly successful career.

firm that represented athletes.

Even so, one of Mr. Silverstein’s passions has always been food and cooking. As a kid, he watched food shows and read cook books and magazines. In particular, he enjoys cooking Chinese, Singaporean, Korean and Malaysian food because that is what he grew up eating.

Eventually, Mr. Silverstein gave up his six-figure law career to open a food truck in Austin, Texas, which he named The Peached Tortilla. The business has since grown from the one food truck to include a restaurant, full service catering company and event space.

Mr. Silverstein has been featured in People magazine, and has appeared on Food Network as well as The Cooking Channel. He was also named one of the top up-and-coming chefs

by Plate Magazine in 2014. His cookbook comes out in 2019 called “The Peached Tortilla: Modern Asian Comfort Food from Tokyo to Texas.”

Photo: Eric Silverstein

Mr. Wile has been recognized as one of the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018, as well as one of SportsBusiness Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. He credits much of his success to the way Pace prepared him for his trials beyond high school. “The environment of Pace Academy is very competitive,” said Mr. Wile.

“It’s very similar to the workforce. You have to differentiate yourself and work really hard in order to be successful.”

Alumnus Eric Silverstein was born in Tokyo, Japan, where he lived for 11 years before enrolling in Pace for seventh grade.

Playing lacrosse and soccer, Mr. Silverstein had to learn to manage his time on and off the field.

“It forced me to value my time so that I could enjoy my free time,” he said. After graduating in 2000, Mr. Silverstein attended Washington University in St. Louis, eventually getting a law degree with the aim of becoming a sports agent, and working for a

Photo: Kristi Odom

Pace alumni carry knowledge and skills they learned at Pace with them as they enter college and pursue a professional career. There are many exceptional students who have graduated from Pace who go on to have tremendous success in jobs all over the world.

Graduating in 1998, Chip Wile first attended Pace as a sophomore. While at Pace, he enjoyed spending the majority of his time playing basketball and tennis. Pace’s challenging curriculum and rigorous academics led Mr. Wile to the realization that success derives from hard work. He went on to study at the University of Georgia where he graduated in 2002.

Since college, the entirety of Mr. Wile’s career has been in the motorsports industry. He spent 12 years working on race teams, ultimately deciding he wanted to move from the track to a behind-the-scenes position.

Before advancing to his current position, Mr. Wile ran Darlington Speedway in South Carolina.

Currently, Mr. Wile is the president of Daytona International Speedway which is known for being the home of the Daytona 500, arguably the most prestigious race in NASCAR. “Our team gets to put on some of North America’s largest sporting events,” he said. “It’s such a rewarding job because your hard work is seen by millions of people all over the world.”

Eric Silverstein ‘00 works on his technique for his restaurant, The Peached Tortilla.

Pace News

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 3

Five Minutes with Senior Aaron Pascaner Genna Schwarz Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

cross country team this semester, and I’m a lifeguard.

KN: What was your favorite part of cross country?

AP: I started out with a certain timed mile, and I beat that time by the end of the season.

KN: How fast was your original timed mile?

AP: Woah. We do not need to get into that, but I did beat it by four minutes. [Falls out of chair.]

KN: You OK? AP: Yeah. It’s just a metaphor for my life.

KN: Tell me more about lifeguarding. What exactly do you do?

AP: I lifeguard at the Jewish Community Center of Atlanta over summer which has been very fulfilling. I also work at the YMCA on Saturdays from 2-6 and Sundays from 8-12. It’s so fun to just sit in a chair for hours.

KN: What has inspired your personal style? In particular, the look you are wearing today.

AP: They are my grandfather’s clothes that I found in my dad’s closet. People say my hair and my clothes give off a lazy vibe.

The other opinion is that I often look like an old man. That

Photo: Genna Schwarz

Knightly News: Hey, Aaron.

Aaron Pascaner: Hello.

KN: How long have you been at Pace?

AP: I’ve been at Pace since pre first. Uh… you know. I’ve had some good experiences.

KN: What are some of those experiences?

AP: That’s a hard question. I have had the same friends my whole life, which is really special. That’s one giant experience, I guess.

KN: How long have you been creating political cartoons?

AP: Oh, wow. A very long time.

I’ve been drawing ever since I was little, but you know politics.

KN: What do you mean “but you know politics?” Can you elaborate on that?

AP: Of course, I can elaborate. I meant that I always keep up with the news in order to keep my political cartoons up to date.

KN: What news outlets do you follow?

AP: I watch CNN, Lester Holt

and MSNBC. I do not watch Fox News. They spill lies and conspiracy theories.

KN: That’s a bold statement.

What is so intriguing to you about political cartooning? What do you love about it?

AP: I like to criticize what’s happening in the world through humor, and cartooning is a good way to do that. I wouldn’t say I’m the best drawer, but it’s not really about the drawing. It’s more about the idea and the message the cartoonist is trying to convey.

KN: Are you inspired by any famous cartoonists?

AP: Eh… not really. I like to watch some stuff related to a mixture of comedy and politics.

I watch “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” and shows with a similar premise. Oh wait!

I actually just conducted an interview to help get me into college with Mike Luckovich. He’s been a political cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for the last 30 years. I really like his cartoons, and he has actually really influenced my work.

KN: What else do you do besides political cartoons?

AP: I was a part of the Pace

Senior Aaron Pascaner jokes with friends in the Seaman Family Student Commons. makes sense because the clothes are my grandfather’s. I have accepted it. It’s vintage.

KN: You also have a very unique taste in music. What would you say is your favorite genre?

AP: I love classic rock and psychedelic music. It’s pretty

outdated. It’s definitely not like the rap everyone is listening to today, but I appreciate it more.

KN: Anything else you’d like to tell me?

AP: This interview has been basically my whole life summed up, so no.

Freshman Marissa Govic Seniors Offer Makes Name for Herself Exam Tips Darren Rosing Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Marissa Govic

“Are you ready to love me, piece by piece? Are you ready to love me the way that I need?” sings freshman Marissa Govic on her hit song “Ready,” released in 2016. Given her 32 thousand followers on Instagram and hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, it’s easy to tell that the answer is “Yes!” Govic was born in New Jersey, and thereafter moved to New York, Florida and most recently, Georgia. “Georgia is definitely different than the other places I have lived but I like it a lot better here,” said Govic.

New to the Pace community this school year, Govic has already jumped into clubs and sports that Pace offers. Govic is a supportive team member of the JV cheerleading squad and loves science. “I may do track this spring, and next year I might do one of the musicals,” said Govic.

Although a seemingly ordinary Pace student, Govic leads an extraordinary double life chasing her dreams. At 13 years old, she was crowned Miss Teen Infinity International 2018. The pageant’s website states that it focuses “on bringing awareness to global issues and causes, as well as promoting charitability among today’s women and teens.” As a part of the pageant, contestants must raise money

for a cause they select and about which they feel passionately.

“Ever since I was younger, I had always done work for child hunger, volunteering at food banks and such,” said Govic.

“When the time came to choose a platform for the pageant, I just knew I had to do something for child hunger.” She raised thousands of dollars via GoFundMe pages and social media accounts.

Govic’s main love is singing, and she hopes to follow her musical

path wherever it leads her. She has recorded 10 songs, available on iTunes and Spotify, and has also filmed five official music videos. Her most recent music video for the song “Out My Mind” was released on Nov. 18 and has over 320 thousand views on YouTube.

Govic is a young artist inspired by several influential female vocalists. She was inspired to write most of her own music, and gets help from a production company in Los Angeles. “Demi Lovato is definitely my favorite artist, and I think Ariana Grande has amazing vocals,” said Govic.

In pursuit of her talent, Govic has amassed a large Instagram following through her account @marissagovic. While she loves the support, she notices the difficulty that comes with publicity. “It’s hard dealing with what people have to say,” said Govic.

“There are obviously positive comments, but there are also negative ones.”

In her rare free time, Govic enjoys traveling to Europe.

“My favorite country is probably France because I love their culture, and the food there is pretty great,” said Govic. “Since I have family in Croatia, it’s fun to go there, too.” She also loves to dance and play the piano.

Eden Kerker

Lifestyle Editor Class of 2019

A lot of freshmen think that they are prepared for exams since they had a sneak peek in middle school. But it’s a whole new ballgame in high school, so here’s some advice from the senior class.

“When you hear the word ‘exams’ people automatically think ‘stress,’ but you don’t need to stress,” said Conor Hartman. “Don’t surround yourself with people who are stressing out... Do what’s best for you, not what you think sounds best.”

“My best advice is to start studying ahead of time,” said Luisa Whitney. “It took me a couple years to find out which way of studying works best for me, so if you start early, you can rule out inefficient ways of studying earlier.”

“Take advantage of all the review sessions that are offered,” said Ania Briscoe.

“Sometimes teachers will even reveal the format of the exam or tell you what will or will not be covered on the test.”

“For the people who love to be organized, I recommend color coding,” said Blair Myers.

“You can color code it to be pretty or maybe write in red what you’re confused about, highlight in yellow for clarification and write in green what you know and are sure about.”

“Definitely start studying before the study sessions

because then you know what questions to ask,” said Patrick Thurman. “It [stinks] when you get home and then have so many questions.”

“Go to study sessions only if you need it,” said Aleks Golde. “It’s just a big waste of time if it’s not beneficial to you. But don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help, even if the teacher doesn’t teach your specific class. Like for math, if you can’t get hold of your teacher, just find someone who teaches the subject.”

“Some of my friends don’t like study groups and sessions, but I love them and encourage them,” said Jacob Sloman.

“Someone might ask a question you haven’t thought of and some questions force you to dig a little deeper into whatever you’re learning.”

“Change study spots,” said Alondra Juarez. “If you stay sitting at your desk for hours, you’re just gonna get bored. Go outside, go to the Pace library, or even sit on your bed.”

“Ask upperclassmen,” said Caroline Singleton. “Teachers can give you the standard advice, but students, especially those who have previously taken the class you’re taking, can give you advice based on personal experiences.”

“Sleep, sleep, sleep,” said Kayla Ross. “You’re not going to retain any information past 12 a.m and if you get organized and study ahead of time, then you won’t even need to stay up.

You’re not going to perform as well if you don’t get sleep, anyway. It’s fact.”

Pace News

December 14, 2018

The Knightly News - Page 4

Students Work to Further Social Justice Mary Childs Hall Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Joanne Brown

With concerns regarding diversity and inclusion being prevalent in schools across the country, Pace has recently taken a major step toward addressing these problems. From Nov. 28Dec. 1, six students traveled to Nashville to attend the National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). This year marked the 25th anniversary of this multiracial, multicultural gathering of independent school student leaders.

Parallel to NAIS’s People of Color Conference that 10 Pace faculty members attended, SDLC creates a space for students to explore challenges regarding social justice. This year’s theme was “Equitable Schools and Inclusive Communities: Harmony, Discord and the Notes in Between,” which encouraged conversation about diversity and inclusion in schools.

The SDLC conference, led by a team of trained adult facilitators, focused on selfreflection, the formation of allies and the building of communities.

Students from across the United States were able to speak with strangers and make bonds by learning about experiences different from their own.

With a maximum attendance of six students per school, Direc-

tor of Diversity and Inclusion Joanne Brown had to be selective in her choice of who would attend. The students who went are all members of the Pace Academy Board of Diversity (PABD), and therefore were perfect candidates for this conference.

Juniors Julia Kelly and Maya Kaplan, both leaders of PABD, attended in hopes of learning more about leadership. Other attendees included sophomores Noah Bennett and Jordan Benjamin, and juniors Paul-Louis Biondi and Lauren O’Sullivan.

“In our debrief on the last day of the conference, it really became clear to me that the six people that should have been there were exactly those six students,” said Mrs. Brown.

“I really care about diversity so I wanted to learn as much as I could,” said Kelly. “I believe this opportunity has helped me to learn more about being a better leader.”

Both Kelly and Kaplan claim to have taken away skills that they will be able to apply in managing PABD. “In order to become a better ally for everyone, I needed to gain a better understanding of what people are facing,” said Kelly.

In Nashville, the students had the opportunity to listen to numerous speakers from across the country. These speakers explained some of the serious issues that Americans are facing, but also ways that these problems can hopefully be solved.

“Also, when we were listen-

Pace student delegates took time from their busy schedules to learn about social justice issues and solutions. They are pictured with Dr. Rodney Glasgow (center), co-chair of SDLC. ing to the speakers, we were allowed to keep some in mind to potentially recruit them to come and speak at Pace,” said Kaplan.

Not only did the students listen to speakers, but they were also able to participate in interactive games. One activity they did was called “Spectrums.” In “Spectrums,” a facilitator read a prompt, and then the students silently moved to different locations in a room that expressed their agreeing, disagreeing or in-between emotions.

In this activity, it was important to remain honest with one’s beliefs, instead of following the majority’s stances. Therefore, people could learn from others and understand where they were coming from. “No one was judgmental,” said Benjamin.

One new experience for many students was the use of affinity group spaces. “In affinity groups, you get to spend a part of the time with people who have your shared identity,” said Mrs. Brown. With these groups, students were able to express their feelings and get affirmation that others were having a similar feeling.

Comparatively, some time was spent with intentionally diverse groups of students. “There was a cross-racial and crosscultural mix of students in these groups, which is something that is not often reflected in our independent school spaces,” said Mrs. Brown. According to the students, it was interesting to learn about the different stances that people take.

Something that stuck out to the students was how accepting the people were at SDLC. “It was a judgment-free, mature environment where everyone could share their opinions without any backlash, even if someone disagreed,” said Benjamin. The leaders want to create this type of environment, where everyone feels comfortable speaking out, at Pace.

“Sometimes it feels like there is nothing we can do to fix these problems because they just seem so huge,” said Kaplan. However, the six leaders all took something in common away from this conference: Change is possible, and through empowerment and unification, America can reach that goal.

encouraged to think outside the box there and forge our own paths, as there were no required classes and grades were optional,” said Mr. Kaufman.

“Also, very few people from my high school went to Brown, so I wanted to be unique.”

Following his undergraduate years, Mr. Kaufman worked for the government at the Environmental Protection Agency for a year. He then earned a Fulbright Scholarship and had the opportunity to teach in Oslo, Norway.

“America is a country that is very competitive in terms of sports, music and politics, but in Norway everyone gets along, which is what I like,” he said.

“Everyone spoke Norwegian, which I tried, but they also all spoke English so it was cool living both styles.”

After his adventures in Norway, Mr. Kaufman returned to America and went to law school. He soon learned that pursuing a law degree was not his passion or a job that he would love. While in law school, he simultaneously taught at a Hebrew school and took a graduate poetry class, which he found was his true passion.

Mr. Kaufman then began teaching 11th grade English in Dallas, but decided he wanted to teach more complex books and poetry. In order to do so, he

felt he needed a more advanced education, so he studied poetry at Dartmouth, where he earned his Master of Arts degree.

Many Pace students know Mr. Kaufman for his originality and creativity, seen mostly through his hobby of scrapbooking. During his undergraduate years, he studied abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, but returned with no souvenirs.

So, when he went to Norway to teach, he brought along an empty accordion binder and filled it with postcards, receipts and pictures.

When he returned, he decided to put them all in a book of his trip. “I think [scrapbooks] are very cool and uncommon,” said Mr. Kaufman. “Even though it’s not that artistic, it’s very original.” Since then, he has created scrapbooks dedicated to Texas, his trip to Europe this past summer, his first year at Pace and other themes.

He began truly enjoying writing and reading his own poetry aloud in the summer of 2012 when he took a trip overseas to Iceland. “I intended to write a novel but then I met a girl and that novel came to be a poem about her and then about Iceland,” said Mr. Kaufman.

At Dartmouth, he wrote his first book of poetry, where each poem is based on a specific letter

of the alphabet. He won the Thesis Excellence Award at Dartmouth for the most outstanding writing amongst his class.

Mr. Kaufman often tries to attend and read his poems at open mic nights and poetry events around the Atlanta area.

He performed at a poetry slam night at Java Monkey in Decatur this fall and encouraged his students to attend for extra credit.

Once a week, Mr. Kaufman veers from the discussion of the books his classes are reading and instead holds “Poetry Friday.”

He teaches his classes poems and songs from all different genres and themes, including rap, contemporary, historical and philosophical, in order to actively engage each student’s interests.

“From having students write poems to doing art projects where they grade themselves and assigning personal writing, I hope every kid at Pace understands that even if you are not a full time artist, all of us have creativity,” said Mr. Kaufman.

He encourages students to think for themselves, which is why he emphasizes a strong thesis in his writings. He does not want the students to reiterate what was said in class but instead to create their own path, originating from his days at Brown.

Bits and Pieces Form Scrapbook of Mr. Kaufman

Photo: Lee Wilson Flanked by Head of School Fred Assaf (left) and Class of 2020 Dean Grady Stevens (right), Mr. Kaufman gets ‘pied’ by students to raise money for Covenant House. non conformity within his stu-

Aman Hashim dents, steering them away from

Web Content Editor Class of 2019

Dallas, Texas native Robert Kaufman has gained popularity among the Pace community in his first two years of teaching English in the Upper School. In Mr. Kaufman’s class, he strives to bring out the creativity and

their main focus: grades. He will often take his class outside for class to enjoy the weather along with the discussion.

Mr. Kaufman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Brown University in two majors, English and religious studies. “I liked how different Brown was from my high school experience, specifically how we were

Pace News

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 5

Juul Under Fire for Vaping 'Epidemic' Charlie Hirsch

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

fied by the 40mg or 5% nicotine content of Juul pods. Suorins are cheaper, and they offer juice with 50mg of nicotine and up to 80% vegetable glycerin content, providing stronger and more “satisfying” hits.

Of the 177 upper school students responding to a recent Knightly News survey, 30.5 percent reported having used a Juul or Suorin on campus in the past 30 days. A whopping 73.9 percent of respondents report knowing someone who used a vaping device on campus in the past 30 days. “At this point, I’m almost surprised when I go to the bathroom between classes and there isn’t someone in there ripping the Juul,” said an anonymous student.

At a certain point, we must put some of the blame not on Juul Labs but on ourselves. This new wave of e-cigarette advertising uses the same tricks that Big Tobacco used 40 years ago, yet we are falling for them again.

A common myth is that there is no proof that vaping is harmful. While vaping is too new of a concept for scientists to know as many health risks as they know for cigarettes, studies already show dangerous effects.

A paper from the American

Students Work Hard Beyond Classroom Walls

Photo: Abby Meyerowitz

On top of piles of school work and extracurricular activities, many Pace students are occupied with a wide array of jobs. While earning wages, these students simultaneously gain valuable work experience that will benefit them in the future.

With a four-hour shift three days a week, senior Conor Hartman tutors preschool to elementary-aged kids in math and assists them with their homework. “My tutoring job is worth the big time commitment,” said Hartman. “I love working with little kids and this job gives me a break from my own math homework to help these kids with their simpler math concepts.”

As a stylist at a women’s fashion boutique, junior Tanner Walton embraces her job at Impeccable Pig and appreciates the valuable work insight she is getting. “Working at a boutique is a lot more tedious than you think,” said Walton. “It takes a lot of welcomes and 'can I put that in a fitting room for you?’ but it’s fun working alongside my friends.”

Having just opened in January, Burn Studios, with locations in Buckhead and Brookhaven, has gained popularity among a group of Pace seniors as a viable work location. Offering classes in cycle, kickboxing and yoga, Burn tasks its employees with checking clients in and out, set-

Seniors Howard and Carlton work their shift at Burn Studios. ting up for different classes and cleaning up after each class.

When he’s not on the baseball field, senior Darian Howard spends much of his time in the fitness studio, preparing kickboxing bags and adjusting bicycles for clients. "I like it because it's a very chill environment," said Howard. "The staff you work with is always fun and not an overwhelming amount is asked from you while you're still making decent money." His coworkers include seniors Holland Carlton, Leah Mautner, Ross Oglesby and Billy Snyder.

Among the diverse jobs held by Pace students, senior Ben Solomon’s job as a “Bird Catcher” distinguishes him from his peers. A company called "Bird," which supplies electric scooters for rental, has become increasingly popular. The Bird catchers bring the scooters back to their charging stations from wherever they were left on the streets of Atlanta.

"The first thing that drew me to the company was money," said

According to public health non-profit Truth Initiative, teens are most likely to purchase Juul pods at retail locations such as gas stations.

Heart Association reported that chemicals in several common vape flavors killed endothelial cells. When harmed, these cells that line blood vessels can have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. This is an early study out of many to come examining the dangers of vaping.

Vaping also primes the teen brain for addiction. According to the CDC, all Juul cigarettes have a high level of nicotine, with a single Juul pod containing “as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.” The CDC asserts that “nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development,” including

harming “the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.” The brain continues to develop until around the age of 25.

Numerous sources state that growing up with a nicotine addiction increases the odds of smoking cigarettes in the future, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs is more likely as well.

Even with FDA regulations, intensive studies into the harms of vaping, and an intellectual anti-substance culture like the one at Pace, it’s still likely vaping will continue in the Inman bathrooms, locker rooms and upper school bathrooms.

Students Sleep Out (Continued from p. 1)

Abby Meyerowitz Opinion Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Lee Wilson

“Why are there urinals in the Juul lounge?” has become a popular internet turn of phrase highlighting the bathroom vape culture at schools, including Pace.

Since PAX Labs released the Juul on June 1, 2015, it rapidly took over 71% of the e-cigarette market share. Now an independent company, Juul can credit a lot of their success to popularity among teenagers.

Juul‘s eye-popping $16 billion valuation might take a hit now that it’s removing its cucumber, crème brûlée, mango and fruit flavors from brick-andmortar stores and gas stations.

Juul is also shutting down its U.S.-based accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

These changes follow a crackdown by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the company’s alleged marketing and selling to teenagers. In late September, the FDA paid a surprise visit to the Juul Labs San Francisco headquarters and seized “thousands of pages

and documents,” according to CNBC. The FDA investigation was sparked by studies illustrating an increase in teenage vapers from 2.5 million to 3.5 million.

The FDA gave Juul 60 days to form anti-teen smoking initiatives, but now that their time is up, the FDA is taking the cause into their own hands.

Juul CEO Kevin Burns gave remarks following the backlash.

“Our intent was never to have youth use Juul products,” he said. “But intent is not enough, the numbers are what matter, and the numbers tell us underage use of e-cigarette products is a problem. We must solve it.”

Juul will still sell its mint and tobacco flavors in stores and all flavors online, but the FDA hopes that the lack of kid-friendly flavors in stores will deter teen vaping.

Since Juul has the largest market share, it is being used as the scapegoat for a larger and evolving vape industry. Founded in 2013, Suorin partnered with manufacturing giant Foxconn to produce the Suorin Drop and the Suorin Air, stronger alternatives to the Juul.

Suorin users often started on the Juul and used it until their nicotine fix wasn’t satis-

Solomon. "The second was convenience. It is the easiest way to make money in Atlanta and as a tech guy, I like involving myself in the technology industry as much as possible. The only thing that would make my job better is if I got paid in Bitcoin." Solomon works alongside senior Jack Thomson and together, they collect around 13 scooters per trip.

With busy schedules during the school year, many students prefer summer jobs. This past summer, senior Chase Karamanolis, along with classmates Joe Hirsch, Tase Karamanolis and Andrew Ladden, rolled ice cream at Sweet Charlie’s.

“It was a great experience to have a real job,” said Chase. “It’s hard to fit that into my yearround schedule with football and school, so working during the summer was definitely a good decision.”

Other Pace students work at Frutta Bowls, a healthy foods eatery; Play it Again, a sporting good store; the neighborhood Chick-fil-A and Six Flags.

the speakers, homelessness is equivalent to a pit. Once you fall down, the only direction from there is up.

Although they continue to struggle, the three residents have made great improvements in their lives. One is now attending college, another is moving into her first apartment, and the third has a job and is receiving help she had previously rejected. “Each one was articulate and inspirational, answering stranger’s questions with little hesitation and fear,” said senior Ania Briscoe. “They were prime examples of how homelessness can have harsh effects on the undeserving.”

Once discussion concluded, Pace participated in an activity Covenant House residents often do, attempting to repair their brain previously stunted from trauma. “I never realized that when someone experiences trauma their brain stops developing after that point,” said junior Sophie Lettes. “I can’t even imagine how difficult it would be to regain some of that brain activity.” The activity required stamina and concentration, mimicking the premise of the childhood game Simon Says.

The final excursion before going to sleep was a tour of homelessness in Atlanta. Many homeless youth spend their days on the trains, waiting until they stop at night. After getting off at a random location, they often seek out abandoned houses. The Covenant House has outreach programs for these individuals living on the streets and in these “abandos.”

Going out up to five times a

week, Covenant House employees approach people on the streets, reporting that on average it takes five confrontations before an individual seeks help. The Covenant House provides homeless youth with three options. They can either utilize their community service center which provides medical and hygiene services, their crisis shelter which allows them to stay up to 90 days or their Rights of Passage program which is a two year program for working youth or students.

The experience concluded with an outdoor sleepover. In 50 degree weather, Pace participants slept on cardboard boxes and in sleeping bags for the duration of the rainy night. This portion of the event was a time for reflection.

“The Sleep Out is one of my favorite Pace events,” said Ms. Lattouf. “It brings together students and teachers who may not know one another well and provides a framework for them to have a long-lasting connection. Furthermore, through the sleepout we are able to better understand and therefore empathize with those facing issues associated with homelessness and housing. It is a true community engagement event where we are able to come together around important issues within our city.”

Most members of the Pace community find it nearly impossible to fully grasp the hardships of youth homelessness. However, being educated on the subject and raising awareness is not. To learn more about the Covenant House of Georgia’s mission, visit www.covenanthousega.org.

December 14, 2018

Opinion

The Knightly News - Page 6

The Danger of Hyper-Partisanship: Normalizing Terror in America Darren Rosing Staff Writer Class of 2021

Illustration: Kathryn Hood

each other’s policies threaten America’s future; the real threat is the parties’ inability to work together.

In an age where relations across party lines are the furthest thing from friendly, it’s important to remember that terror affects us all. It has been exactly 10 months since the Parkland shooting. The week that followed that massacre was full of student-led walkouts and support posts across all social media platforms.

But since then, the rest of America has forgotten the names of the victims and the sadness of that day, even though the lives of the parents whose children died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will never be the same. We have become numb to terror, for shootings seem to occur daily and hatred seems

.

never-ending. Party lines use these statistics as rhetoric to gain dominance over the other group and forget the tragic loss of life the statistics represent.

People are dying – real people with families and hobbies and passions. Life is too short for politicians on both sides to refuse change on the basis of wanting complete control. Life is too short for people’s political egos to eclipse the human need to negotiate. Life is too short for your friends to become your enemies as a result of divergent political views.

I hope that my generation will defy the “massacre” title it has been given, and finally be the one to change the song.

And, if my rabbi is reading this: I belong to a united generation, where despite our differences, we are one.

Mass Shootings Since 2015 With Nine or More Deaths*

June 17, 2015 Emanuel AME Church Charleston, SC 9 dead, 1 injured

Oct. 1, 2015 Umpqua Community College Roseburg, OR 10 dead, 7 injured

Dec. 2, 2015 Inland Regional Center San Bernardino, CA 16 dead, 21 injured

Jun. 12, 2016 Pulse Nightclub Orlando, FL 49 dead, 53 injured

Oct. 1, 2017 Route 91 Harvest Music Festival Las Vegas, NV 59 dead, 851 injured

Nov. 5, 2017 Sutherland Springs Church Sutherland Springs, TX 27 dead, 20 injured

Feb. 14, 2018 Majory Stoneman Douglas High School Parkland, FL 17 dead, 17 injured

Oct. 27, 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue Pittsburgh, PA 11 dead, 7 injured

.

May 18, 2018 Santa Fe High School Santa Fe, TX 10 dead, 14 injured

Nov. 7, 2018 Borderline Bar & Grill Thousand Oaks, CA 12 dead, 21 injured

*The Knightly News staff recognizes that these are just a few of the many hundreds of mass shootings since 2015.

Graphic Illustration: Mary Childs Hall

I am Jewish, but I do not go to temple often. I only go when I’m celebrating the occasional Bar Mitzvah or Yom Kippur.

I uncharacteristically found myself sitting in the third row of my synagogue for Friday night services Nov. 2, beside my weeping mother.

On that particular Friday night, Jews across the United “The Consequences of Constant Blame” States made an effort to fill the Listening to my 49 people and compromise. When we identify rabbi boldly title seats of their injured 53. The ourselves based solely on these my generation the synagogues in LGBTQ+ comtwo titles and cram ourselves “Massacre Genera- munity around the into only one of two boxes, we honor of the 11 tion” made me real- world rose up in people who fell encourage a polarizing divide victim to the Tree ize the harsh truth of solidarity against that shakes the foundations upon the America I know: this tragedy. of Life shooting which this nation stands. an America that nor- Despite the in Pittsburgh on It is this precise divide that Oct. 27. Listening malizes terror. magnitude of this George Washington himself to my rabbi boldly terror and the feared. When the nation’s first title my generation the “Massaunity it inspired, America seems president stepped down from cre Generation” made me realize to have forgotten the 49 people office, he warned the American the harsh truth of the America I who will never live another day. people of the dangers hyper-parknow: an America that normalToday, they are just another statisanship would bring. “I was no izes terror. tistic. The shootings do not stop. party man myself,” Washington One of the first shootings I The terror does not end. wrote to Thomas Jefferson, “and vividly remember hearing about The Las Vegas shooting on the first wish of my heart was, was when James Holmes walked Oct. 1, 2017. The Texas church if parties did exist, to reconcile into a movie theater in Aurora, shooting on Nov. 5, 2017. The them.”

Colorado on July 20, 2012 and Parkland shooting on Feb. 14, Writer Lee Drutman, who killed 12 people while they were 2018. The Sante Fe shooting on is currently working on a book May 18, 2018. Recently, the Tree about the crisis of America’s watching the new Batman movof Life shooting on Oct. 27, 2018. two-party system, shared his ie. He walked into the theater The Tallahassee yoga studio dressed as the Joker, equipped fear of doom-loop partisanship shooting on Nov. 2, 2018. The with an AR-15, a shotgun and in a Vox piece published Sept. 5, Thousand Oaks bar shooting on two handguns. He killed 12 and 2017. “When division involves Nov. 7, 2018. By the time this left 58 more critically injured. purity and impurity, when it piece is published, I’m positive The news channel showed devolves into a pure contest some of the most graphic images there will be more. between ‘us’ and ‘them’ – then These acts of terror follow I had ever seen. For a long time there is no bargaining because each other like the repetitive after that shooting, I was scared there are no negotiable prinbeats of an awful song nobody to go to the movie theater – and ciples, just team loyalties,” wrote knows how to turn off. The song Drutman. “We are now deep into I still have not seen “The Dark will continue to play for as long Knight Rises.” a crisis.” as the listeners let it run. The After that summer, I entered Drutman is right. The 2016 inability for America’s politifourth grade. December came presidential election, often cal parties to compromise sadly around and everybody at my regarded as the most polarensures that the song will never Jewish day school was getting ized race in American history, end. excited for Hanukkah. I had showed the irrefutable split America today is divided pretty much forgotten about the among the American people – into two factions: Democrat and Aurora shooting, and it seemed and the hatred for the other party Republican. We point fingers at like everybody else had too. that many politicians feel. The those who do not share political On Dec. 14, 2012, the world race was between a so-called views similar to shook. The continuous repeti“racist, sexist, Today, they are our own, and we tion of these two words made it deplorable man” strip ourselves of just another statistic. and a so-called impossible for me to ever forget the one thing we The shootings do not “blasphemous, that date: Sandy Hook. Adam stop. The terror does criminal, nasty all have in comLanza killed 20 students and six not end. mon: humanity. teachers before killing himself woman.” Both of The purpose of at Sandy Hook Elementary in the candidates’ political parties is to jointly arNewtown, Connecticut. Overcharacters were slandered by rive at decisions on how Amerwhelmed with confusion and these labels, thus attacking the sadness, I still went to school the ica should be governed. Unformoral values of their supporters tunately, increased animosity following Monday. as well. This is a sad America, between political parties only April 15, 2013 marks the day where individuals are judged encourages more terror. that Dzhokhar and Tamerlan solely by the party they reprePolitical parties are essenTsarnaev killed three people and sent. tial for people to classify their injured hundreds more in the The Pew Research Center opinions, but they are potentially revealed in 2016 that “among Boston Marathon bombing. I toxic. If we are not more recepwill never forget coming inside those highly engaged in politive to other opinions, we will the house from playing tennis tics – those who say they vote never be able to put an end to the regularly and either volunteer for and seeing the look of horror continuous cycle of terror that on my parents’ faces as they or donate to campaigns – fully plagues America. watched the news.

70% of Democrats and 62% of We are so busy labeling ourOn June 12, 2016, Omar Republicans say they are afraid selves and bashing on members Saddiqui Mateen opened fire of the other party.” The study of the opposite party that we inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in outlines the fact that Demohave forgotten what it means to Orlando. This hate crime killed crats and Republicans believe

Opinion

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 7

What Stands Between the World and Me Guest Writer

What stands between the world and me? I believe that it is the culture and society in which I have been raised and the clash of opinions between myself and my peers that limit me from speaking my true mind. While I am very appreciative for the fortunate way that I have grown up, the increasing polarization in our world, especially in politics, has had a very negative effect on me in my school community.

Throughout my private high school experience, I have felt as though I am not accepted for my views and beliefs that would otherwise be accepted outside of

my specific community.

For instance, after discussing controversial articles in English class one day, three of my closest friends refused to speak to me all day because I simply expressed my opinions with which they disagreed. It was not my intention to offend any of my peers in what is supposed to be a discussion-based class, but I nonetheless received the nickname “entitled d*****bag” for stating my beliefs. I was accused of disrespecting my fellow classmates for expressing my personal view on the Brett Kavanaugh case. My classmates felt insulted that I, despite knowing they felt the opposite, spoke my mind and thus they disregarded both my opinion and feelings entirely. Why should I be silenced

simply because I think differently from my peers? I feel locked in a position where I must decide if expressing my beliefs is worth risking my friendships.

In many circumstances, discussions do not consist of right or wrong answers. To me, it feels as if my classmates view my responses as ‘wrong’ just because they differ from their own. Rather than attempting to empathize with my point of view, they view it as a personal attack, which is definitely not my intention.

I simply wish for people to be able to express their own opinions and engage in a civil conversation with others who may disagree with them without experiencing ridicule and hatred for their ideas.

shunned at Pace for expressing his political views, as well as his fears for our generation becoming more polarized and radical than it already is. The reality is that, regardless of whether it has been on his radar screen, our world has always been polarized and conflicts will arise between

groups who will undoubtedly have profound differences of opinion over everything from moral values to economic strategies for our country.

In 2018, conservatives and liberals are prepared to deploy public humiliation and other tactics to bully the other side

Faculty members argue about politics in the Woodruff Library.

Photo: Jamie Kornheiser

Andrew Ladden Class of 2019

This increased polarization of thought and inability to debate cordially threatens the future in politics as well. It seems to me that as our generation takes the reins as future leaders, America will only become more polarized and more radical.

As civil discussion becomes

abusive verbal attacks, what is supposed to be the freest country in the world will transform into one of fragility. I am truly concerned for the future our generation will bring to both politics and America. Expressing my views should not be a factor that separates me from the world.

Civil rights activists march from Selma to Montgomery in March 1965 to protest voting rights abuses against African Americans and the shooting death of Jimmy Lee Jackson at the hands of police during earlier non-violent protests.

into submission. Those on the left are accused of being sensitive “snowflakes” while those on the right angrily demand that the state and society sanction the left for the expression of political views it finds distasteful.

I wrote an article last fall for this paper covering the story of President Trump’s tactics when he demanded NFL team owners fire players who protest police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem. When my story was published, many wanted to take sides. Not surprisingly, I was in the minority of students who felt that Trump was wrong and that the players had every right to take a knee.

“Civil discourse” was not going to change anyone’s mind: this was about our flag and the American pastime of football and neither side was going to convince the other. And although everyone had opinions about the boundaries of free speech and whether they agreed with Trump calling protest-

ing football players “sons of b*****s,” nobody seemed to be particularly outraged by the fact that Colin Kaepernick was rendered unemployable by his decision to take a stand against police brutality of minorities.

This brings me back to Rosa Parks and the other civil rights activists. Back then, whether you agreed with the side on the left or the side on the right, the clashes were about things of great consequence. Hearing about high schoolers whose feelings are hurt because they feel like their opinions are not being validated sounds to me like a whole lot of nothing.

We are a generation that has grown up with more personal freedoms than any other in history. It is unfortunate that this writer, someone who seemingly has been denied nothing and deprived of nothing, feels persecuted. Maybe such feelings will give him a better appreciation for what minority groups have endured throughout history.

things that are unacceptable for a person in his position. However, if you look beyond the controversy, you can see that President Trump is, in many ways, helping more than many are led to think.

Trump is the first president to be elected in an era where the media, especially large media outlets like CNN and Fox News, basically create the White House narrative. News organizations have effectively become platforms for entertainment instead of the news.

For example, CNN allows huge talk show hosts such as Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon to broadcast their extremely negative opinions of Trump to wide audiences on air.

FOX News counters with Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham.

They use their own persuasive words to adversely or positively illustrate the President’s actions,

I do not think the main issue is the opinions of these outlets but the subjects covered during shows like the ones previously mentioned.

These news anchors will spend much of the time talking about Trump’s tweets, speeches or approval rating and how low they perceive it to be. But his approval rating in June 2018 was 45%, which was the same as President Obama’s at the same point in his first term.

A big issue that major media outlets seem to barely touch on is the job market. Unemployment is at the lowest it has been in decades, at 3.7%, and is down over 1% since Trump took office. In contrast, at this point in Obama’s term, the unemployment rate was at 9.9%.

Although Obama did have the recession to deal with, and he did an excellent job helping

the country recover from that, it is clear that Trump has not been detrimental to the job market.

The Latino and African American unemployment rate is at an all time low, with African American unemployment at 6.2% (down from 8.9% in January 2016) and Latino unemployment at 4.4% (down from 5.9% in January 2016).

Lastly, before the stock market dropped as a result of the interest rate hike, it was the highest it had been since the recession in 2008.

Trump has delivered on many campaign promises, including cutting taxes, reducing regulation and signing the new NAFTA trade deal. But many of his successes are overshadowed in the media by stories about his tweets or other drama in order to attract the viewers’ attention or boost ratings.

Republican, Democrat Divide Widens While Freedoms Are at Stake Ben Ginsberg

Social Media Editor Class of 2020

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to sit in the back, “colored section,” of a public bus. In 1961, Freedom Riders in Anniston, Alabama, seeking to protest segregated bus terminals, were beaten with clubs and firetorched by an angry white mob – and then sentenced to jail for their protests.

In 1965, civil rights activist John Lewis was beaten to within an inch of his life in Selma, Alabama for marching in support of equal voting rights.

In 1998, Matthew Shepherd was beaten, tortured and left to die in Wyoming because of his sexual orientation. In 2018, students with right-leaning, conservative views claim they have had their feelings hurt.

The writer of the above editorial talks about being

Although Flawed, Trump Has Delivered on Some Promises Zachary Howard Staff Writer Class of 2020 From the beginning of his campaign, then-candidate Donald Trump was surrounded by controversy over sexual misconduct, an alleged cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and many other questionable dealings. Now, two years into his presidency, these criticisms are still relevant and continue to grow.

Given the controversy surrounding President Trump, some have suggested that I am taking a risk by even writing on this topic. Overall, Trump is not a great person, and he does not have the morals to be the leader of the free world. He consistently tweets, says and does many

speeches or tweets.

Both Lemon and Cooper are very good at their jobs, and with a combined viewership of over two million people nightly, they are able to sway public opinion.

Left leaning networks like CNN will convince you that Trump is the devil by focusing on his tweets and controversial statements. These sources, however, do not give much insight into Trump’s actual policies and the successful implementation of his campaign promises.

Meanwhile, right leaning outlets like FOX News focus on legislative and economic wins while ignoring his missteps and effectively sanctify him. However, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Even though news outlets control the narrative, as many more people watch the news than a White House press conference,

Opinion

December 14, 2018

The Knightly News - Page 8

Students Respond

The Knightly News

Debate Continues on Extended Time

966 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327

Ben Solomon Class of 2019

(404) 262-1345 knightlynews@paceacademy.org

Guest Writer

The Woodruff Library houses a wide variety of study materials.

Photo: Kathryn Hood

In response to Charlie Hirsch’s thought-provoking article about extra time, I would like to add my two cents. Hirsch’s main point was that extra time “is a corrupt result of society trying to make everything fair.”

I could not agree more. Furthermore, I would like to point out two fundamental flaws in the implementation and execution of extra time: corrupt diagnostic practices and wealth-based disparities in access to testing.

Hirsch discovered through a Knightly News survey of upperclassmen and sophomores that 40% of the 107 students who responded have extra time.

However, the National Center for Education Statistics found that 13% of American public-school students have extra time.

Statistically speaking, only 14 of the 107 responding students at Pace should have extra time. However, 42 of the 107 responding students have extra time. Thus, Pace has an excess of extra time students approximately three times the national average.

These statistics should deeply concern members of the greater education community about the ethics, or rather lack thereof, of extra time testing.

Now let me be clear, I full-heartedly support accommodations for students with actual learning disabilities. However, the line between students with actual learning disabilities and students with “diagnosed” learning disabilities is nothing more than a few extra zeroes on a check to a psychologist.

For this reason, I believe

Hirsch’s solution of last period tests with the option to work until 4 p.m. for all is the best course of action. Not only does this method ensure an equal playing field for all students, but it also eliminates any advantage that wealth may play in the pursuit of an accelerated education.

On to the wealth component.

I believe that the most concerning issues about extra time stem from disparities in wealth. I will use a hypothetical situation to elucidate the extent of this issue.

There are two students: a student struggling from learning disabilities who comes from a financially stressed family and an ambitious student with no learning disabilities who comes from a financially stable family.

Only one of these students has extra time… the financially sound student without learning disabilities. Unfortunately, this preposterous situation is not so preposterous at elite private schools like Pace Academy.

The financially stressed student cannot afford tutors, additional workbooks, and certainly not a $3,000 trip to a psychologist. While it may be true that there are public resources available for free learning disability testing, in most cases

the wait time is years, resulting in detrimental effects to their education. On the other hand, the financially sound student can afford every tutor and additional academic resource available to them in addition to the false diagnosis of a learning impairment they do not have. You do not need a Ph.D. in rocket science to see the rampant inequality of this situation.

Now once again, let me be perfectly clear, I have absolutely no issue with accommodations for individuals who actually have learning disabilities, which are usually diagnosed in elementary school. However, the widespread corruption in the learning disability testing industry seems to coincide with the additional rigors of advanced placement and college testing beginning in high school.

In conclusion, extra time is a binary solution to a spectrumlike problem that incentivizes cheating an already broken system. Not only does extra time further the gap in access to a fair education system between the rich and poor, but extra time is also a mechanism abused by academically and financially gifted students to gain unfair advantages in the college process.

extended time.

While I can only speak from my experience, I believe that the majority of us with extended time accommodations don’t just have them to have them. We don’t spend more time on school work just for fun. Staying an extra hour on the Friday before summer is not something anyone wants to do.

There are many misconceptions regarding accommodations. The point of extended time isn’t to allow me to finish the conclusion of the essay that my regular-time peers have ripped off their desks. The point is for me to have a few extra minutes to process what the prompt even means because when I read something it never makes sense the first time.

When I hear instructions, I have trouble processing them.

I worked with an audiologist to improve my slow processing, I was tutored for years, and at my old school I had to miss a class every day to go to “Resources”

with the purpose of catching up to my peers.

When I was younger, I would watch all my friends understand concepts that went right over my head. I would tear up my papers out of frustration. Tutors and specialists help, but there is no way to completely re-train someone’s brain. People should think before questioning why others have accommodations. No one knows how other people learn.

I do believe the policy in place for standardized tests should be changed. For the ACT specifically, it is not uncommon for students who have a history of exhibiting learning differences to be denied the accommodation, while students who have recently acquired extended time are approved. In the case of standardized tests, a finicky system will not do.

For standardized tests specifically, I support Knightly News editor and senior Charlie Hirsch’s argument: every student should be given as much time

Published by students at Pace Academy Member of Georgia Scholastic Press Association

Co-Editors in Chief: Charlie Hirsch Genna Schwarz Managing Editor: Jill Rawls News Editor: Charlie Warren Opinion Editor: Abby Meyerowitz Lifestyle Editor: Eden Kerker Sports Editor: Will Zook

Staff Writers: Isabel Battista Bennett Boushka Kalissa Green Mary Childs Hall Kathryn Hood Zachary Howard Jamie Kornheiser Darren Rosing Social Media: Ben Ginsberg Faculty Adviser: Ms. Lee Wilson Tech Adviser: Mr. Matt Walker

Web Content Editor: Aman Hashim

The Knightly News Editorial Policy The Knightly News is the student-run newspaper of Pace Academy. For over 40 years it has reported the news that affects Pace, as well as the opinions of students.

The Knightly News is published by the students of Pace Academy, and approximately 500 copies are printed

by School Publications Company.

The Knightly News welcomes letters to the editor

and guest opinions, which may be edited for spelling and grammar, as well as space constraints.

Neither Knightly Newsgenerated opinion pieces nor guest opinions are reflective of the official policy of Pace Academy.

Every effort is made to publish accurate facts, but if you recognize an error or omission, please email knightlynews@paceacademy.org.

Extended Time Students Are Not to Blame Jill Rawls

Managing Editor Class of 2019

extent of their knowledge without the distraction of the clock at the front of the room.

I cannot argue with the fact that parts of the system are unfair. The students who receive it, though, are not to blame.

Photo: Jill Rawls

Have you subscribed to Time Premium? Time and a half for thousands of dollars? Around a third of Pace upper school students have, myself included.

I get asked all the time why I have extended time accommodations. I understand that it is frustrating to be on the outside of the extended time bubble, especially for students who feel that they need it. And the system does need change: every student should have the opportunity to find out whether or not they qualify, and testing for diagnoses of learning disabilities should be available for free.

Regular-time students who express their frustration through bashing the students who receive it are not solving anything, though. The system has room for improvement, but that is not the fault of the students who have

as they want. Unlimited time cannot make students smarter, but it can take away pressure, and performing under pressure only hinders capability. College Board and ACT should want students to be able to show the

Senior Alex Allen checks her watch as she struggles to finish her assignment.

Lifestyle

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 9

Get in the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Classics Bennett Boushka Staff Writer Class of 2021

#5 Directed by Larry

Roemer, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” is a holiday essential. The snowman, voiced

by Burl Ives, tells the story of a reindeer who has trouble fitting in because of his shiny, red nose.

The 1964 animated movie follows Rudolph's adventures after he leaves Santa and the other reindeer.

It is a truly uplifting story where Rudolph and the misfit toys he meets along his journey save Christmas and finally feel like they belong. The movie has many great songs, including the iconic sing along, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

#4 Director Robert Zem-

eckis delivers a classic in "The Polar Express," an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting

#3

“Christmas Vacation” follows the story of Clark Griswold, played by legendary comedian Chevy Chase, who wants to have a perfect family Christmas. As a result, Clark pesters his wife and children as he tries to make sure everything is in place, including the tree and house decorations.

However, things quickly go awry. His thick-headed cousin, Eddie, and his family show up unexpectedly and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. The slapstick humor, complemented by the dry humor of Chase, gives the audience many laughs throughout.

track of his family at the airport, he mistakenly boards a plane headed for New York City, while the rest of the McCallisters fly to Florida.

Now alone in the Big Apple, Kevin cons his way into a room at the Plaza Hotel and begins to live the dream, ordering room service and hanging in a hotel room all day. But when Kevin discovers that the Sticky Bandits, the same robbers from the first movie, are on the loose, he struggles to stop them from robbing an elderly man's toy store just before Christmas.

The funny ways Kevin McCallister stops the robbers make for laughs that are hard to forget.

Kevin’s experience being alone in New York City is one many are envious of and is a reason this film has become a Christmastime staple.

#1

The second movie in the "Home Alone" franchise, “Home Alone 2,” has the McCallister family heading to Florida for Christmas. After a young Kevin McCallister, played by actor Macaulay Culkin, loses

“Elf” is the essential movie of the holiday season.

Starring Will Ferrell, the story is about a young boy who climbs out of his crib and into Santa's sack on the night of Christmas.

When Santa gets back to the North Pole, the boy tumbles out of the sack, scaring all of Santa's workshop. They decide to keep him and name him Buddy, because that is the name of the diaper company on the diaper he is wearing.

Viewers see Buddy grow-

therefore is omitted.

#2 “Swimming” - Mac Miller

#2

Photo: Bennett Boushka

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it is that time of year to throw on some pajamas, whip up some hot chocolate and sit by the fire to watch a Christmas movie. Here are the top five movies to watch this holiday season:

young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of selfdiscovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Tom Hanks delivers an excellent performance voicing multiple roles, including the young protagonist, his father and the conductor of the titular train. No movie will get the Christmas spirit flowing like “The Polar Express.”

Freshman Lewis Todd watches "Elf" in the Inman Center. ing up as a human among elves, a classic Will Ferrell moment.

When Buddy grows up, his adoptive elf dad and Santa decide it is time to tell him that he is a human, and that his real dad lives in New York City. Buddy embarks from the North Pole on his adventure to the Big Apple.

Upon arriving and exploring the city, he walks around eating gum off the street, congratulating coffee shops that have the "Best Coffee in the World" signs and spinning around in a revolving door until he is sick.

Buddy then continues on his journey to reunite with his

biological father. Many notable funny scenes include the snowball fight, the escalator scene and jumping on the tree to put the star up. Some of the best quotes include: "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." "This place reminds me of Santa's workshop… except it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks like they want to hurt me."

"Elf" has endless laughs throughout the movie and will be sure to warm any and every viewer's heart.

this album any time, plenty of hits. Recommended song: “Rich & Sad”

two put out together is absolute fire, and this is their pinnacle.

Top 10 Rap Songs, Albums of 2018 Will Zook

Sports Editor Class of 2019 Note: This list includes albums released as of November 23, 2018. JID’s “DiCaprio 2” would have made this list, but it has not been out long enough for me to judge its longevity and

Albums: #1 “KIDS SEE GHOSTS”

- Kanye West and Kid Cudi A fully cohesive record with phenomenal production and the reemergence of Kid Cudi. Recommended song: “4th Dimension (feat. Louis Prima)”

- Every song hits. Sad to lose someone with such a bright future who was getting better with every release. Recommended song: “2009”

#3 “ASTROWORLD” - Travis Scott - The best produced album of the year. Travis puts every feature exactly where it needs to be. Recommended song: “YOSEMITE”

#4 “LIFE’S A TRIP” - Trippie Redd - Gotta love some emo rap-singing, also my favorite album cover of the year. Recommended song: “Shake it Up” #5 “Tha Carter V” - Lil Wayne - All hail king Tunechi.

Recommended song: “Dark Side of the Moon (feat. Nicki Minaj)” #6 “?” - XXXTentacion -

Photo: Reddit

The Kanye West and Kid Cudi collaboration "KIDS SEE GHOSTS" takes top spot for album of the year.

XXX was always a polarizing figure, with his legal issues and the horrific domestic violence allegations against him, but from a purely musical standpoint, his short career will go down as one of the most influential of this new wave of rap. Recommended song: “changes”

#8 “KOD” - J. Cole - KOD dis-

appointed at first, but it grew on me. Recommended song: “1985 Intro to “The Fall Off’”

#9 “Drip Season 3” - Gunna - Young Thug’s prodigy knows how to flow on a beat like few others. Recommended song: “Spending Addiction”

#10 “On the Rvn” - Young Thug - Very underrated EP, concise and to the point. Recommended song: “Sin (feat. Jaden Smith)” Songs: #1 “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” - A$AP Rocky (feat.

Skepta) - Rocky spitting over a flute instrumental? What more do you want?

#2 “Ghost Town” - Kanye

West (feat. Kid Cudi, PARTYNEXTDOOR) - If you say you don’t scream Kid Cudi’s part when you’re alone in the car, then you’re lying.

#7 “beerbongs and bentleys” #3 “Sold Out Dates” - Gunna - Post Malone - Can re-listen to

and Lil Baby - Everything these

#4 “Self Care” - Mac Miller

- Fantastic beat switch in the middle of the song, the lyrics are frighteningly eerie looking back on it after Mac’s passing.

#5 “Tribe” - Bas (feat. J. Cole) - Anyone and everyone can vibe to this. Keep an eye out for Bas in 2019, as he looks to grow as a member of J. Cole’s Dreamville Records team. #6 “Dedicate” - Lil Wayne

- Very few people can pull off internal rhyme like Wayne.

#7 “Kevin’s Heart” - J. Cole - A great song that has an even better music video. #8 “Made Men” - Migos -

Such a switch-up from typical Migos in the best way possible.

#9 “151 Rum” - J.I.D. - Fast paced and frantic, J.I.D. waits for nobody with his lightning-fast lyrics. #10 “On the Run” - Young

Thug (feat. Offset) - Thugger is solid and definitely holds up his end, but Offset steals the show with his best verse of 2018.

Sports

December 14, 2018

The Knightly News - Page 10

Pace Alumni Excel on College Gridiron

(7) while ranking second in points (54) and fourth in receptions (24). He ranks third in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game (124.6) and topped the conference in league games with 157.4 yards a contest.” Jackson received second team all-ACC honors this season.

Graduating the same year is offensive lineman Thomas, who took his career to the University of Georgia. Thomas was a

starter at UGA for all 15 games during his freshman year, which was remarkable considering Georgia made it to the national championship that season.

He was impressive from the outset, and was selected to Freshman All-America Teams

by ESPN, USA Today and the Football Writers Association of America. “At the college level, all the players will be as big as, if not bigger than you, so it is all

about being technically sound, and that was what he did,” said Coach Johnson.

“Coach Clement [Rouviere] and the weight staff allowed me to grow in strength, and Coach Kevin [Johnson] and the football staffed helped me improve my technique,” said Thomas.

“Countless workouts with Kev helped me hone in on my skill and improve my technique which I found out was very important in my position.”

This year, Thomas made the shift at the beginning of the season from right tackle to left tackle, and helped Georgia reach an 11-2 record and a spot in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. He started in all games but one due to an ankle injury.

Thomas was selected as one of three game captains in the contests against Vanderbilt, Auburn and Georgia Tech.

He also was named the SEC Offensive Line Co-Player of the Week after Georgia’s win against Kentucky.

The Stevie Wonder Dogs, the other senior team and the Wet Boiz’ biggest rival, have defeated the Wet Boiz two years in a row and are looking for a three-peat. The Dogs are led by Patrick Markwalter, as he uses his strength to drive to the hoop and get his team involved. This season, both Pace senior teams aspire to represent the Pace Class of 2019 and bring home a championship.

For the first time, the Class of 2020 has formed three teams: The Sauces, The Hoteps and The Bluehose. Already the three teams have traded an abundant amount of trash talk and “beef” amongst the players. The Sauces are led by three-point bomber and aggressive defender George Robbins. Robbins is known by his friends as a “water gun,” implying he will not miss a three

when given the chance, especially from the corner. “I know there are many teams, however, I think with my leadership we can bring home the first ever Class of 2020 championship,” said Robbins. “I try and involve the entire team and share the ball, but when it comes to the last second I take the responsibility.”

Several players on Hotep were originally on the Sauces, but after a disagreement the players broke off to form their own team. They are a much bigger and taller team compared to the Sauces. However, it appears to many that their passion is substantially less than the Sauces. Jack Robison, known as a wise playmaker, has kept his team in check and brings the winning attitude to their team.

He hopes to not only beat the Sauces but to reach his end goal

of winning the entire league.

The sophomore team, the East Atlanta Santas, is young but have experience playing together on the court and are two-time defending champions for their grade level. The strong back court of Sam Selig and Sam Webb scares many opponents as these two come down the floor ready to score.

“Our main game plan is to find Selig on the three point line and let him go to work,” said Webb. Selig and “Swebb” are often compared to Warriors guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, arguably two of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Although they have won the past two years, this year many of the Pace teams will compete regardless of grade, so the Santas may have trouble defeating the older teams.

nearing state qualifying times and that’s kind of a big part of what we are reaching for all season.”

Coach Ague’s shared his main goal for the season: “I hope that both the boys and girls have an opportunity to improve where they finished last year at the state meet. Based on what I’ve seen so far I think we have the talent to do so.”

Senior Sophia Lochan is one of the team captains. She

began swim team in sixth grade but became serious in eighth grade. Lochan swims the 200 individual medley and the 100 breast, however it can change based on the meet. As a captain, she feels it is her duty to help the team bond and form strong relationships with one another. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to keep the team unified and have a bunch of bonding opportunities,” said Lochan. “I’m really excited to see how far the team goes and how many individual state qualifiers we have.”

Charlie Kaye, who joined his first swim team at the age of four, is another captain. At the 2017 GHSA Swimming and Diving Championships, he was the A-AAA State Champion in 100 yard backstroke and the A-AAAAA State Runner-Up in 100 yard freestyle. Kaye sets an example for his teammates during meets as well as during practices.

According to Charlie Kaye, it is his responsibility “to get the team excited before and during meets, and to set a good example of work ethic during practices.”

Not only does he feel he has to lead as a captain but he also has this obligation as a senior.

“There’s always excitement for senior year,” said Kaye. “We get to lead the team.”

As a new coach this season, science teacher Melody Walter has been working hard to help the team prepare for the season. “I want them to get better in terms of times, but I also really want the team to come together as a cohesive group,” said Dr. Walter. “One of my goals is hopefully at the end of the season everyone will be able to come together as a group not just with fast times but also with supporting each other.”

The next meet for both varsity girls and varsity boys is on Jan. 8 at home against Paideia.

weight training coaches over the

Bennett Boushka offseason, improving his speed, Staff Writer strength and elusiveness.

Class of 2021 Jackson put up impressive

Photo: Fred Assaf

A number of Pace athletes now excel on the college gridiron. Two in particular, Deon Jackson and Andrew Thomas, have made huge strides since they graduated in 2017. “The last couple years have been huge for Pace football, and it has been really cool to send some of my guys to college,” said offensive line coach Kevin Johnson.

Jackson has continued his academic and athletic career at Duke University. After his athletically explosive senior year, many people in the Pace community were excited to see what he could do at Duke.

Jackson had a slow freshman year getting adjusted to the size and speed of the college players.

However, this start did not deter him from his goals. He put in the work with the football and

numbers this year for the Blue Devils. During an important match up versus ACC Coastal Division rival University of Pittsburgh, Jackson set the Duke record for all purpose yards in a game with 403 total yards.

Jackson is only the third ACC player to achieve 400 all-purpose yards in a single game.

He carried this momentum into the following week’s game against the University of Miami. On the opening drive he burst out, making a 75-yard touchdown on his way to being named ACC Player of the Week.

Jackson kept up his performance in the next game against Duke’s arch rival, the University of North Carolina, setting his career best for rushing yards in a game.

According to 247Sports, Jackson “leads Duke in rushing yards (806) and rushing touchdowns

(L-R) Alumni Deon Jackson and Andrew Thomas participate in national signing day at Pace alongside head football coach Chris Slade.

PRUMC Basketball Boasts Seven Pace Teams PRUMC 2017-18 defending

Aman Hashim champions who aim to hold Web Content Editor Class of 2019

The Pace varsity boys basketball team’s season is well underway, with a 6-3 record as of Dec. 10. For the perhaps less skilled basketball guys, a season of their own has begun: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC) Basketball.

The highly competitive season provides athletes who do not play varsity basketball for their school to show off their skills in an organized league.

The seven Pace teams consist of two senior teams, three junior teams, one sophomore team and one freshman team.

A group of senior boys comprise the Wet Boiz, the

their title. Led by dominant playmaker Max Appel, the team struggled early in the regular season last year, ending with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses.

In the playoffs, however, they turned the intensity up.

Appel had the hot hand throughout, averaging 22.4 points per game. Big man Billy Snyder bolstered the paint, nabbing 5.2 rebounds per game.

The Wet Boiz strive to pick up this season right where they left off. “We really cannot slip up this regular season because there are too many skilled teams this year,” said elite mid-range shooter Nate Robinson. “I think we got it in the bag again because we all worked super hard this offseason and have gotten stronger.”

Swimming and Diving Kicks Off to Strong Start home on Nov. 15 against Logan-

Jamie Kornheiser ville High School which both Staff Writer resulted in wins.

John Ague, head coach for Class of 2021

Photo: Ashford Little

The Pace swimming and diving team began its season strong at the North Atlanta High School Sixth Annual Kickoff Classic at Washington Park Natatorium.

The varsity girls team placed fifth of 13 teams and the varsity boys team placed seventh out of 11 teams.

Junior Erin Hood excelled, leading the girls with a first place finish in the 200 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke as well as helping the medley relay team to a state qualifying time and first place finish.

Senior Charlie Kaye also had a standout performance with state qualifying times in the 50 free, 100 butterfly and 100 free.

Both teams competed in their second meet of the season at

both varsity girls and boys, is very proud of how the team performed at their first two meets.

“I’d say we are off to a pretty good start,” said Coach Ague.

“Charlie and Erin both have some really good opportunities individually and [sophomore] Lizzy Kaye with diving. We have some other people that are

Erin Hood swims in the meet against Loganville on Nov. 15.

Sports

Vol. 44, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 11

Wrestling Grapples Through Season Charlie Warren

News Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Fred Assaf

As the cold weather drives students indoors, fierce competition this year has kept the wrestlers in practice. The Pace wrestling team has had a great start to their season, with early wins against Rockmart, Athens Christian School, Mount Vernon and Strong Rock, and hopes to build off these wins.

At the helm of the program is head coach Gus Whyte, along with assistant coach Grady Stevens. The coaching staff has high hopes for all members on the team. “It would be great to have at least four or five guys go to state,” said Coach Stevens.

“And this year I think we have the potential to do that.”

Following a productive preseason in the weight room, many of the wrestlers on the team were excited to start practices. “I was pretty happy that we did the workouts in the preseason,” said junior Blaise Reyes. “I feel like having those days of lifting has given me an edge that I can take advantage of in practices.” Reyes has made major improvements from years past, and as a junior helps lead the team in practices

and duels.

This year, the varsity team fills 12 of the 14 weight classes, with several wrestlers between the 106 lb. and 152 lb. range.

High numbers of wrestlers in the same weight classes bring a lot of depth to the team, as almost everyone has a practice partner around the same weight. This also creates more competition for varsity spots as wrestlers in each weight class challenge each other in wrestle-offs to decide who will get the starting position.

Compared to last year’s senior-heavy team, this year’s dynamic is quite different. With 11 freshmen wrestlers, some continuing their career from middle school and some starting for the first time, the team is building a strong foundation for future seasons.

Standout freshmen like Sam Howe and twins Edward and George Blaha have had terrific seasons in their respective weight classes. “Going to the duels is my favorite part about wrestling,” said Howe, “because that’s when you get to go live against other teams and show off all the new moves you have learned in practice.”

With the new freshman energy and enthusiasm flowing in practices and matches, the team

Junior Grant LeRoux looks for a pin against his opponent from Strong Rock. has become more youthful and connected. “What’s also different this year is that I think we are more unified as a team,” said Coach Stevens. “We have more guys identifying as wrestlers, which is fantastic for the program. We are more focused on technique this year compared to years past, which I think is what we need to be doing with this group of guys.”

Senior captain Ahsan Hen-

nings has done an excellent job this year of both improving his wrestling skills and keeping the freshmen in line. As one of the only two Pace wrestlers to make it to state last year, Hennings is looking to claim the title of state champion for himself.

On Nov. 21, the team traveled down the road to The Lovett School to compete in matches against Chattooga, Haralson County, Lovett and Walnut

Grove. As a team, Pace finished the day winning two out of four, putting the team in third place.

The team is 9-10 as of Dec. 10, and looks to improve on this record in upcoming duels.

On Jan. 4 and 5, the team will venture to Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School to compete in the two-day Prep Slam tournament, which hosts several different schools including numerous outof-state schools.

Five Seniors Lead Varsity Girls Basketball seniors, including Paige Flem-

Mary Childs Hall ing, Madeline Janki, Ann Staff Writer Rafeedie, Kayla Ross and Joelle Class of 2021 Zelony. These five girls have With an overall record last year of 16-9 and a second place ranking in region play, the varsity girls basketball team has high hopes for this year. With a record of 6-4 as of Dec. 10, the team has already defeated three of their region opponents, Redan High School, Towers High School and Cedar Grove.

The driving force behind the team this year is the group of determined and hard-working

stepped up to provide leadership in their final season together.

“We have been together for all of these years, so we have also gotten better as one,” said Fleming.

“We are all pretty good friends, and we work well together leading the team on and off the court.”

“The seniors all bring something different to the table,” said junior Virginia Hobbs, who has enjoyed being teammates with these girls. With the combination of skill sets from the 12th grad-

ers, the team is well-prepared for a competitive and long season.

Head coach Troy Baker has gotten to know this group well because they are the first class that he’s had the opportunity to coach for all four years of high school. As the seniors began their high school experience freshman year, Coach Baker also started his journey at Pace. “I feel really close to them and I am going to miss them when they graduate because they are such a special group of girls,” said Coach Baker.

Side by side, the girls and Coach Baker have learned from each other and strengthened the

Photo: Fred Assaf Senior Madeline Janki pulls up for a shot against St. Pius on Dec. 1 in a game that Pace won 53-23.

basketball team as a whole. “As a coach, I owe them a lot for everything they have done,” said Coach Baker. “This group here is the group that has really redefined the entire girls basketball program.”

This especially talented group consists of three girls who have committed to universities for athletics. Post player Ross heads to Boston University next year, where she will play soccer. Both point guard Zelony, who has committed to Tufts University, and shooting guard Rafeedie, who recently committed to Denison University, will continue their basketball careers in college.

Last year there were no seniors on the team, but that is not the only difference in the program. The team has also gained two new assistant coaches. John Bishop recently joined the Pace community from Jonesboro High School where he used to work alongside Coach Baker.

“Coach Bishop is very analytical and I can tell he knows what he is talking about,” said Fleming. “He also seems to work really well with Coach Baker.”

Coach Baker has known Coach Bishop for 15 years and claims that the two share a similar philosophy, which will help to create a strong dynamic for the team.

Assistant coach Kabeya Kabongo is also new to coaching the girls team, having formerly worked with the Pace boys teams exclusively. “He has always expressed interest because he loves

our program,” said Coach Baker.

Although there are changes in the team’s leadership, one consistent aspect of the basketball program is the connectivity between the players. “We have always worked to become closer in order to create a confident team,” said Hobbs. With practice every day and games multiple times each week, the group is always together, which allows them to bond.

There are also several tournaments each year where the team spends days and nights together. “I love the trips we take,” said Fleming. “This year we are going to Orlando for our Christmas tournament, which everyone is so excited for.”

Getting to play basketball in a new setting, enjoying meals with one another and spending time on long bus rides benefits the team on and off the court.

“These trips really help us to find our place on the team,” said Hobbs.

Although winning is exhilarating, the players and coaches unanimously agree on one common goal: to be the best they can possibly be and to play together as a team. “When we play our last game of the year, we just want everyone to feel like they don’t want it to be over,” said Coach Baker.

According to Fleming, the team has definitely gained more respect over the past few years.

“We want to keep that going after we leave Pace, leaving a good mark on the program,” said Fleming.

Sports

December 14, 2018

The Knightly News - Page 12

Volley Knights Say Congrats ‘Konnichiwa’ to Japan Pace Athletes!

Girls Volleyball - Class AAA State Champions

Kalissa Greene (2021) - Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association Class AAA Player of the Year, All-State MVP, All-Area First Team Ada Jane Agolli (2020) - Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team, All-Area First Team Alexandra Baker (2019) - Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team Dominique Turner (2020) - Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Honorable Mention, All-Area Second Team Lucy Ferry (2020) - All-Area Second Team Coach Anna Bush - GVCA Class AAA Coach of the Year

Photo: A5 Pure Volleyball Club (L-R) Sasha Ratliff, Kalissa Greene and Ada Jane Agolli pose in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. of the major differences we

Osaka Castle, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and the ItsukuIt’s that same feeling that I felt shima Shrine. Ratliff’s favorite while aboard the 15-hour flight sightseeing spot was the Shibuya to Japan and sleepily awakened Crossing in Tokyo because of the to find we still had seven hours flooding intersection. The trip left. was at times tedious, however, “We are excited about the with hours of riding in trains cultural aspect and getting to every day, and filled with explay Japanese teams and train periences with new foods like with Japanese coaches,” said chicken gizzards.

Coach Westbrook before the For three nights we got the journey. “It’s a great group of opportunity to stay at the Olymgirls and they can’t be more pic Training Center in Japan. It excited to be a part of this great is special to know we have now process.” been in the same rooms as some On the trip, we played five of the top athletes across the matches and also trained for world. three days. The competition After practicing with Keio level on the court was the highUniversity, we went out on the est level we have ever faced. We town with their players. Keio played against Kobe Gakuin University is considered the University, Hachioji-Jissen High equivalent of an Ivy League School, Shimokitazawa Seitoku school in Japan, and some of High School, Keio University their players could speak English Team and Bunkyo Gakuin. perfectly. We created a memoIn addition, we practiced rable and unbreakable bond with with the Senri Kinran University that team. team. Shimokitazawa Seitoku My favorite part of the trip High School is the best high was going to Mizuno’s headschool volleyball team in Japan. quarter store, and then meetThey practice 34 hours a week: ing some of the head leaders at seven hours twice a week and Mizuno. Before our game, they four hours on the other five days. surprised us with custom made ”I was really surprised about and not-yet-released volleyball how the players there practice so shoes. “I really look back and much and how their lives revolve appreciate how the trip was more completely around volleyball, as than volleyball and new shoes,” well as how they play profession- said Ratliff. “It was about ally right after high school,” said growth and understanding the Agolli. Over time, we saw that world around you.” all of the teams we played ran “Our athletes represented us the exact same defensive system in the highest possible manner,” and similar offensive systems. said Coach Westbrook. “On the Our level of play improved court and off the court, the girls each day and we finished our made us proud of their represenlast match with a last set win tation of the sport for A5 and the against Bunkyo Gakuin High United States.”

School. “Our athletes made Every player on our team steady progress in the face of now has something to take back a challenging schedule as they with them. “I learned a lot about competed throughout our stay,” volleyball and how the standards said Coach Westbrook. and lifestyles of athletes [in Off the court, our experiJapan] is so different than here, ences were life changing. We and I was truly humbled by their got to visit Japan landmarks like welcoming culture,” said Agolli.

Kalissa Greene would experience,” said Ratliff.

Staff Writer Class of 2021

What do you think of when you imagine Japan? Do you imagine sushi, a world of bright lights in Tokyo or even sumo wrestlers? Well, when I think of Japan, I think of volleyball. Over Thanksgiving break I traveled to Japan along with juniors Ada Jane Agolli and Sasha Ratliff.

We are all members of Pace Academy’s back-to-back state championship varsity volleyball team and play for A5 Pure Volleyball club year round.

A5 was formed in 2004 to create a different club experience in Georgia, and to raise the level of the sport throughout the South. It is located in Roswell, and is ranked third in the country by Triple Crown Sports for this past season. Based on the club’s performance during the past five years, however, it is ranked No. 2 nationally.

The coaching staff for the trip was led by Bob Westbrook, one of the founding members of A5. Pace’s own varsity volleyball head coach, Anna Bush, is also a founding member.

The coaching staff, which includes Gabe Aramian, Jing Hou (who at one point in his volleyball career was the best setter in the world), Scott Cioffari, Conor Lounsbury and Cassidy Cason, made sure to incorporate life lessons into their coaching of volleyball whenever they could.

We were all hand-picked by the coaching staff to join the international trip team to Japan.

The team had 16 players, and with over 500 players in the club, it was a honor to be chosen.

The idea of going to a completely foreign country for 11 days invoked a mix of emotions. “I was excited, but fearful

Water Polo - Division II State Runners Up, Best Record in Pace History (11-1)

Andrew Jenkins (2019) - Division II Player of the Year, Division II All-State First Team, Team record for most career goals with 335 Jackson Hamel (2020) - Division II All-State First Team John O’Brien (2020) - Division II All-State Second Team Blake Maner (2020) - Division III All-State Second Team Coach John Ague - Division II Co-Coach of the Year

Football - First Round Of State Playoffs

Justin Johnson (2021) - Class 5-AAA All Region Team Patrick Markwalter (2019) - Class 5-AAA All Region Team

Cross Country Girls - Placed Third at State Meet

Paula Sandoval (2020) - Finished 6th in AAA State Championship Laura Arenth (2022) - Finished 8th in AAA State Championship Laura Romig (2021) - Finished 14th in AAA State Championship

Cross Country Boys - Placed Fourth at State Meet

George Adams (2020) - Finished 10th in AAA State Championship Edward Blaha (2022) - Finished 13th in AAA State Championship

Softball - First Round of State Playoffs College Verbal Commitments:

Ada Jane Agolli (2020) - Brown University Volleyball (for fall 2020) Sam Assaf (2019) - Amherst College Men’s Lacrosse Andrew Konradt (2019) - Trinity College Men’s Lacrosse Patrick Markwalter (2019) - Auburn University Football Mitchell O’Berry (2019) - Rhodes College Baseball Ann Rafeedie (2019) - Denison University Women’s Basketball Sasha Ratliff (2020) - University of California-San Diego Volleyball (for fall 2020) Charlie Warren (2019) - The University of The South: Sewanee Men’s Lacrosse Joelle Zelony (2019) - Tufts University Women’s Basketball

What Grinds My Gears: Sports Edition Will Zook

Sports Editor Class of 2019

It’s time to revive a staple of The Knightly News as we present a special sports edition of “What Grinds My Gears.” Here’s the latest list: – The infield fly rule – 10-second runoff – Monday Night Football commentators – Having a 60-win team and getting swept by Lebron James in the Eastern Conference Finals – The Marlins pitcher that hit Ronald Acuña just because he couldn’t get him out – Yasiel Puig – Keanu Neal’s knee, Deion Jones’ foot, Ricardo Allen’s achilles, etc.

– Flopping – Superteams – People who have lots of favorite teams – Not having an MLB game for Xbox One – Referees missing obvious calls – Other things that are too painful for me to mention