Volume 44, Issue #4

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The

February 8, 2019

Knightly News

p. 4 Meet Pace’s Unsung Heroes

p. 10 Terrys Make School Rivalry Work

p. 16 Boys Basketball’s Season of ‘Firsts’

The First ‘Black Knight’: Pace Academy’s Integration Story Kalissa Greene

Staff Writer Class of 2021

principal Bob Chambers, who was in charge in Kaley's absence, conducted an interview and administered an entrance exam. Chambers then called Board of Trustees Chairman Russell Bridges to notify him that the boy had passed his entrance exam.

The board met that afternoon, and within 20 minutes they voted 13-0 in favor of admission. Mr. Gannon wrote that the board members "then spent the next three hours listing which families would stay and which families would leave to determine if the move would sink the school [financially]."

Most of the families did decide to stay, although the school had previously budgeted and hired staff for an increase in enrollment that year. That enrollment increase did not materialize, leaving the school on shaky financial footing.

Pace was also worried about “backlash and violence” from their community when integrating, according to Mr. Gannon.

He describes Atlanta private school integration as having “lots of resistance and then people suddenly thought maybe we should do this.”

Mr. Gannon’s research has helped him appreciate “how far Pace has come in our 60 years” with his long lens of history of the school. “Some of what

Photos: Pacesetter and Lisa Greene

Where were you in 1969?

Many were watching the Apollo 11 launch while others were enjoying Woodstock. In 1969, Judge Clyde L. Reese III was just 10 years old and starting sixth grade at Pace Academy.

This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Judge Reese, his cousin Marsha Reese and her cousin Alonzo Brown at Pace Academy. They were the first black students to graduate from Pace.

“There weren't any other black students there for us to interact with,” said Judge Reese.

“Except for my family, there were no other people who looked like us.” He recalls having to “get used to” the only black people on West Paces Ferry Road being maids getting on the bus at the end of the day. He remained one of only a handful of black students up to his graduation from Pace in 1976.

Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court case declaring that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional, was decided in 1954. The integration of Atlanta Public Schools began in August 1961

with the enrollment of nine black students at four all-white high schools.

Head of Upper School Michael Gannon’s 2004 Master of Arts thesis, “From White Flight to Open Admissions: The Founding and Integration of Private Schools in the City of Atlanta 1951-1967,” offers insight into Judge Reese’s integration story. It examines how Atlanta’s private schools dealt with the societal changes during this era.

Mr. Gannon chose this topic because of his observations of the complicated and slow public school integration process in Atlanta.

In terms of private schools, Westminster was founded in 1951 and Pace opened in 1958.

Although founded much earlier, in 1926, Lovett denied admission to Martin Luther King III in 1963. All three schools were marked as “segregationist white flight schools” who were “really slow and really late in the integration process,” according to Mr. Gannon.

Pace first integrated in 1966 with a kindergarten student. According to Mr. Gannon's thesis, in July 1966 while Headmaster Frank Kaley was on vacation, an application for admission was made for the young African American boy.

He arrived at the school with his parents, and high school

Judge Reese is pictured in his senior year at Pace in 1976 (left) and today in 2019 (right).

I learned informs my decision making today,” he said.

The story of Judge Reese and Pace starts with cousin Marsha Reese who lived in Atlanta with her family. Judge Reese’s father decided he would move his family from Florence, South Carolina and join his brother, Marsha’s father, in the real estate business. His family operated Brown and Reese Realty, one of the first African Americanowned residential brokerage firms in Atlanta. Young Clyde

Reese arrived in Atlanta three weeks before school started not knowing where he would go to school.

While Judge Reese’s older sister by four years was allowed to go to public school, Westlake High School in Southwest Atlanta, he was encouraged to join his cousin at Pace Academy.

“When they told me they didn’t have football, I didn't want to go,” he said.

(Continued on page 7)

Students Represent at Model Arab League Isabel Battista Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Helen Smith

(L-R) Seniors Ahsan Hennings and Devan Johnson prepare for Model Arab League 2019.

While most students were at school on Jan. 24 and 25, three freshmen, two juniors and seven seniors spent their day at The Marist School participating in 2019’s Atlanta High School Model Arab League (MAL).

With 22 countries represented, Pace was able to obtain two delegations, Morocco and Libya.

This allowed a more diverse group of students to participate, with Pace delegates from three

out of the four upper school grades.

Last year, Pace received an Honorable Mention for its Qatar delegation, and several students received Honorable Mentions and Outstanding Delegate awards for their work.

Historically, most of the students who go to MAL are students of history teacher and Model United Nations (MUN) sponsor Helen Smith’s AP Comparative Politics class; however, the addition of Pace’s second delegation allowed the opportunity for students from

(Continued on page 5)

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Pace News

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 2

Winter Showcase Deserves Standing Ovation Darren Rosing Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Laura Inman

The actors in the Upper School’s Winter Showcase, performed Jan. 24 and 26, brought laughter and warmth to otherwise chilly nights in the most astounding ways. Audience members gathered in the Fine Arts Center for opening remarks and an opening act, and then dispersed in three smaller groups across Pace’s campus for performances of multiple scenes, some of which were written and directed by Pace students.

The showcase birthed life into various corners of the school, including the FAC lobby, middle school rotunda, Inman gym and band room. The traveling audience experienced one incredible scene after another, each scene raising the bar a little higher for the following one.

The opening act was a hearty welcome from senior actresses Abby Ray and Emily Schmitt, who were equally hilarious and compelling as their characters Gil Faizon and George St. Geeland, respectively. The scene was directed by senior Davis Mathis.

The characters were inspired

by John Mulaney and Nick Kroll’s comedy, “Oh, Hello.”

(L-R): Catherine Brennan, Laura Romig, Lauren Smith, Olivia Healey, Lewis Todd and Alexander Swann perform a scene by Jon Jory called "Pressure Defense" about a boy on a girls basketball team.

The characters described their vibe as “when you hit the bottom of a tub of hummus, and your carrot can’t quite reach the bottom of the jar, so you got to use your fingers to scoop it out.”

The pair’s nervous energy and character tics directly converted into laughter and excitement for an eager audience. And despite their full-fledged accents and new personas, the actresses’ diction was still impeccable. Every word was heard, understood and loved.

On top of how obviously prepared and believable the actresses were, the thoughtful costumes

effectively helped to transport the audience into a goofy universe of the past. Stated simply, Ray and Schmitt nailed it.

The Showcase also featured two impressive student-written and directed works, an untitled piece by senior Ania Briscoe and a scene called “Disorderly Conduct” by junior Jackson Gray.

Briscoe’s work brought to life an unimaginable and quite literal breaking of the fourth wall, the imaginary barrier that separates the actors from their audience.

Actors for the scene included juniors Emerson Barrett and Matthew Quintana,

to make smarter investments

the team with the greatest virtual return on their initial investment is deemed the winner. Student club leader and senior Andrew Ladden explains that the virtual investment exercise is “not about winning or actual money, but rather about gaining experience and learning investment strategy skills.”

Junior Austin Kelly and his team learned this the hard way after a risky investment in Aurora Cannabis Inc., a Canadian-licensed marijuana production company, which became public on the New York Stock Exchange in October 2018. The company tanked within its first few days of going public and has yet to recover.

“I learned that making risky investments has the potential for big rewards but potentially even bigger losses,” said Kelly.

In these volatile times, low risk

along with sophomores Harley Ryan, Denzel Welsh and Alivia Wynn. Ryan should be proud of his priceless portrayal of the scene’s “director,” who, in some ways, resembled Pace’s own US Visual & Performing Arts Chairperson Sean Bryan.

In “Disorderly Conduct,” senior Jacob Sloman got to exhibit his wide range of theatrical talent in his role as a detective with multiple personalities, using varying accents, expressions, voices and volumes.

The scene’s other actors, who were quite effective, were juniors Harris Greenbaum, play-

ing Johnny, and Kellee Kindle as Officer Davidson. Kindle also directed and adapted to the stage a scene called “Roxanne,” with Quintana, Ryan and Wynn as actors.

Another highlight of the show was a standout performance by junior Nikki Rubin and sophomores Audrey Holton and Olivia Ullman. The trio harmonized to produce a beautiful rendition of “Schuyler Sisters” from Lin Manuel-Miranda’s popular broadway hit show “Hamilton.”

This scene is being performed at the 2019 Georgia Thespian Conference (ThesCon) Feb. 7-9, along with two other scenes from the Winter Showcase: “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell and “Proof” by David Auburn.

In “Proof,” audiences witnessed senior Raina Williams’ character’s sweet, delicate nature develop into a heartbreakingly intense personality, frayed by her anger and grief over her father’s death and a disconnect to her sister.

The scene, directed by Mr. Bryan, also featured actors Gray and Briscoe. If these acts are as compelling at ThesCon as they were at the Winter Showcase, Pace’s thespians should earn the recognition they rightfully deserve. Good luck, Troupe 4424.

Knight Capital Provides Investment Strategies Ben Ginsberg by researching and investing in

Social Media Editor Class of 2020

Photo: Charlie Hirsch

While some students prefer using the extra 30-45 minutes to sleep in on school mornings, a small group of dedicated students arrive early to sharpen their investment strategy skills at Pace’s investment club, Knight Capital.

Under the direction of math teacher and faculty adviser Keith Newman, members of Knight Capital meet every other Monday morning to learn about how to evaluate a company’s potential and assess its risks.

Mr. Newman gives valuable guidance based upon his own business experience and views Knight Capital as an opportunity to “teach students

good companies.” In addition, Knight Capital members are mentored by parents in the Pace community.

Pace parents Brad Ladden and Michael Merlin volunteer their time to share real-life experiences, while giving their expert advice on the market, investment strategies and stock analysis.

They also guide students on how to evaluate a company’s growth potential as well as present-day factors (like the tariffs imposed by the present government) that can affect the performance of a company’s stock.

Students evaluate short-term and long-term investments as well as the rewards and pitfalls associated with investing in the markets with a million-dollar online investment competition.

At the end of the school year,

Parent Michael Merlin (right) discusses stocks with (L-R) seniors Joe Hirsch, Drew Schiffer, Billy Snyder, Clay Swiecichowski and parent Brad Ladden. investments have been the most fruitful.

With big expectations but also the potential for great market swings (in both directions),

Knight Capital members hope that their newly-acquired investment skills will pay off for them in the competition – as well as in real life one day.

Students Study History, Culture in Germany Isabel Battista Staff Writer Class of 2021

Eleven seniors and three teachers said “guten tag” to Germany on Jan. 12, traveling on the Isdel Center for Global Leadership study tour to Berlin and Munich. Led by history department chair Tim Hornor, the 10-day trip zeroed in on German life and policy, especially during and after World War II. Also

chaperoning were math teachers Heather McCloskey and Jason Smith.

Students were exposed to lots of art, as well as several types of architecture. “Some moments in art history shone through intensely, but the core was Germany, specifically 20th century history,” said senior Annabelle Critz.

A student and teacher favorite was the Neuschwanstein Castle outside of Munich and the horse carriages the group took to

reach it. “It was really pretty and it was snowing a lot, which made it even prettier,” said senior Sophia Lochan.

Opened to the public weeks after the death of King Ludwig II, 1.4 million people visit the “castle of the fairytale king” each year, according to the castle’s website. The picturesque castle, surrounded by snow, allowed for the students to take in the beauty of Germany and spend time learning more about the art and architecture that

plays a major role in German culture. The group also attended a symphony by the Berlin Philharmonic and an opera in Munich.

This was just one more way for Pace students to take in the culture and life in German cities.

However, students weren’t the only ones to learn something new. “As a math teacher, I am not very into history and art, and Mr. Hornor has taught me a lot about the subjects covered on the trip, even events that I was alive

for,” said Dr. McCloskey.

When talking about Germany and the country’s involvement in World War II, the Holocaust is one of the first things that comes to mind for many. Therefore, visiting memorials and dedicating time to learning about the Holocaust were a must. “My favorite memory was walking around the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin,” said Critz. “It was such a fitting and desolate piece of experiential art that it was impossible to not be affected by it.”

Pace News

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The Knightly News - Page 3

Five Minutes with Charlie and Luisa Charlie Hirsch

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Photo: Charlie Hirsch

Knightly News: Charlie, Luisa, thanks for sitting down with me.

Luisa Whitney: Of course.

Charlie Kaye: Sure, man.

KN: Let’s get into it, shall we?

How long have you guys been dating?

CK: Four months.

LW: [noticeably perturbed] Eight months tomorrow. Charlie, if you’re going to be like that, then we aren’t going to do this. He knows it’s eight months.

KN: Oh, happy monthaversary!

How did you guys first meet?

LW: We have been at Pace together since fourth grade, but we didn’t talk to each other ‘til junior prom. [turns to Charlie] You’re like a completely different person now.

CK: Yeah, she wouldn’t talk to me for years.

LW: No, he wouldn’t talk to me. He was scared of me and wouldn’t say hi.

KN: OK, let’s agree that you both wouldn’t talk to each other.

So, why did you want to start dating?

LW: He was nice to me. He’s like the nicest guy and he’s handsome.

CK: She’s pretty. She’s talkative.

LW: We both swam and we could connect on that. I respect him for his dedication. I think it’s hot because he always wins races.

KN: How is being on the swim team as a couple?

LW: It’s lit. I always watch him and count his races. We just talk to each other. He comes over and claps for me as I finish my races.

CK: You know, it’s good, because usually, swimming is

This year’s featured Valentine’s Day couple can be found sharing the big chairs in the Seaman Family Student Commons. pretty boring, but it gives me someone to talk to.

KN: That’s sweet. Now let’s get a little deeper. When did you fall in love?

LW: I remember the exact moment. It was a month after we started dating. It was when he said he said he liked me for me, and not because of other things or just using me.

CK: Just kinda happened you know, it was just gradual. I was just thinking about it that day and was like, yeah.

KN: OK, so what’s your favorite trait about each other, like character trait?

CK: She loves me and gives me attention.

KN: Isn’t that selfish?

CK: OK, take that out.

LW: I really admire his dedication to swimming. It shows ma-

turity because he has to miss out on things with friends and with me because of it. It’s not really just his dedication to swimming that I love, it’s his dedication.

CK: [shrugs] KN: OK, Charlie, we will give you another chance at that one later. What was your first date like, and how did you ask her out?

CK: We went to Storico Fresco.

I didn’t ask her out. We just started dating, kind of, then we were like, oh, we should go to dinner. Kayla Ross’ and Joelle Zelony’s moms were next to us.

LW: [To Charlie] Do you remember what you ordered?

CK: I think it was just a salad. I would just stop eating and look at her eat and she’d get really uncomfortable.

LW: Yeah, but now when he does

it, I don’t care.

KN: Isn’t that a sign of growth?

LW: I guess. I’m not as worried about what I do around him now than I used to be. [in a high-pitched voice] Because he’s my best friend! [kisses him on cheek] KN: OK, then, which was your favorite date?

CK: We don’t go on that many dates. Like, eating dates?

KN: Um, sure.

CK: I’d say, hmm, so many good ones. [Luisa rolls eyes] Eating at Veruni.

KN: Why was it your favorite?

CK: Cuz, you know, I think we bonded very well. It’s like her favorite pizza place, and she liked the food. There was a guy behind some glass staring at me, so we left.

LW: Mine is either when we

went to Bell Street Burrito, or for our six month anniversary we went to Eclipse di Luna. I was mad at him because he was supposed to reserve Storico Fresco and he forgot, but we had a good dinner. It hurt our stomachs so bad after.

KN: Why was it your favorite even though it hurt?

LW: We were having good conversation, just getting weak (at each other).

CK: Oh, yeah, and those people next to us were on a blind date.

KN: Alright, what did you guys get each other for Christmas?

LW: He got me a True Grit and a Hydro Flask filled with (my favorite candy) Now and Laters.

CK: Her favorite candy and her favorite colors.

LW: I got him a Patagonia sweatshirt...

CK: [interrupts] and Joe Mix. LW: Ah, and a [Cincinnati Bengals running back] Joe Mixon jersey because that’s his favorite fantasy player.

KN: Before we leave, let’s play fast facts. Give me: most attractive feature, shoe size, birth date of your significant other. Go! CK: Eyes, 8.5, Jan. 5th.

LW: Smile and laugh, 12, April 19th. My grandpa likes to talk about how Charlie has smaller feet than him. It’s their little competition.

KN: Well done, guys.

LW: [To Charlie] I’m so mad at you. Find out your favorite trait about me. It hurts my feelings.

CK: OK, here goes. I like that she just makes me feel comfortable and I can just express what I’m feeling and she’s always there for me and she just makes me feel good being around her.

LW: Better than his first answer.

KN: Nailed it, Kaye. Thanks for talking to me, guys.

Students Honor MLK Jr.’s Memory At ‘No Place for Hate’ Summit Jayla Wideman Class of 2022

Guest Writer

Photo: Sara Eden

People celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in many different ways. This year, four Pace upper school students, along with Dean of Honor and Discipline Allison Riley and upper school guidance counselor Sara Eden, chose to attend the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate summit at the Atlanta Speech School on Jan. 21. Students included freshman Kate Grabowski, junior Elliot Mathis, senior Alex Allen, and myself.

We started with an extremely inspirational speaker, Terence Lester, founder of “Love Beyond Walls,” an organization started to alleviate the nation’s homeless crisis. So far, he has seen great success, and has been featured in

stories on multiple national news outlets.

He spoke about his organization, how he got where he is, and the struggles he faced pursuing certain goals. For instance, during his solo walk from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. to call attention to the homeless crisis, a driver of a truck bearing Confederate flags attempted to mow him down.

After his powerful presentation, we split into groups to go to breakout sessions. This was the most rewarding and fun part of the day. “Everybody there was really nice and open to other ideas,” said Grabowski.

We did multiple activities which inspired thought-provoking and meaningful discussion on everything from gender discrimination, racism, homophobia and transphobia. It was amazing to be in a room of (mostly) likeminded people, discussing topics in a completely safe space.

(L-R) Kate Grabowski, Elliot Mathis, Ms. Riley, Alex Allen and Jayla Wideman gather at the No Place for Hate Summit on Jan. 21.

Many people got extremely vulnerable, confessing that they wouldn’t feel comfortable doing the same at their schools,

surrounded by their peers. All discussions, even ones with slightly opposing opinions, were completely cordial and open, and

there were nearly no arguments.

“It was a really fun experience that made me feel welcomed and understood,” said Grabowski.

Pace News

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 4

Debate Team Prepares for State Francesca Vaneri

Staff Writer Class of 2020

Photo: Francesca Vaneri

While often overlooked, the debate team is historically the winningest team in Pace history, having won 39 of the past 47 state titles. Despite this impressive record, obtaining another first place win at state this year will be more difficult than in recent history.

Debaters competed in almost a dozen different tournaments first semester, including tournaments as far away as Chicago and Dallas. The competition at these tournaments was intense, and the outcomes were not what the debaters had hoped for.

“We had a disappointing start to the season,” said sophomore policy debater Madison Martin. Martin and her partner, fellow sophomore Ashley Myers, made the transition from novice level to varsity this season.

They found it hard to manage this change in difficulty at state competitions. “The varsity competition is definitely more challenging this year, and it’s been tough,” agreed Myers.

Meanwhile, debaters who went to national competitions wrestled with the various styles of debate. “The argument types and the speed are very different,” said sophomore Dylan Kaminski. “At the national level, there’s a focus on speaking as quickly as possible. At the state level, there’s more focus on presentation quality. The national level is definitely more challenging, and our team struggled because of it.”

Although the state competi-

(L-R) Sophomores Madison Martin and Ashley Myers and seniors Tyler Henderson and Ben Nottingham hold awards from past competitions. tion is one of the most important debate events of the year, debate requires year-long dedication.

One way debaters prepare for competition is through a yearround class.

“It can be stressful because most students get a break in the middle of the day in an art class, but we have another class,” said Martin. “But we need it to prepare, whether that’s by researching or debating against each other.”

In addition to debate class, debaters have weekly practices and often attend camps over the summer to further hone their skills. “Debate camp is valuable because of the experiences and lectures you get, but also because it’s a great opportunity to interact with judges and coaches,” said senior Tyler Henderson, who attended camp at the

University of Michigan over the summer with fellow seniors Ben Nottingham and Kirk Spinelli.

The Pace debate team competes in two types of debates: Lincoln-Douglas (LD), in which individuals compete, and public policy, where debaters compete as teams of two. Public policy debaters debate the same topic year-round, but they must further sharpen and work on their arguments for both sides of the issue for each tournament.

Meanwhile, Lincoln-Douglas debaters receive a new topic every month, so they must create new arguments.

Although LD and public policy both fall under the umbrella of debate, there are many differences between them. On one hand, this can make it more difficult for the team to prepare for competitions. “Since we have

Pace gear,” and enjoys going to Pace’s athletic events not only to have fun, but also to cheer on the kids that know her so well.

“I like to support the kids,” she said. “They work hard, they train… that’s the least you can do for them.”

The support she gives has not gone completely unnoticed.

She recently celebrated her 34th birthday, and all the kids in the sixth grade sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and helped her clean the cafeteria tables. The varsity boys soccer team presented her with a bouquet of roses and her favorite type of cake, showing their appreciation for her support and friendship.

A native of Atlanta, Ms. McCullough went to cosmetology school after high school and worked at several salons. Later, she worked at Gate Gourmet, and then Holy Innocents’. She has worked at Pace since 2016.

She also works at Mercedes Benz stadium doing housekeeping at the AT&T Perch. She works during Atlanta United and Falcons games, and worked for the Super Bowl on Feb. 3. Ms. McCullough also enjoys working at Mercedes Benz for concerts,

including the most recent Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and others.

Ms. McCullough has created a hobby out of making candles, jewelry and shea butter, which she gives to family and friends.

Mrs. Rodriguez grew up in El Salvador, with a big family on both her mother and father’s sides. In March, she will celebrate her one-year anniversary at Pace, and she enjoys getting to know students as well as doing different types of jobs each day.

In El Salvador, she attended Romero Albergue High School, and after high school she took a job at a hotel in housekeeping. A few years later, she moved to the U.S., where she had her two daughters, 7-year-old Janet, and Paola, who is 14.

She enjoys giving back to the community, and she and Ms. McCullough were Christmas angels to children in Vine City this past December. In her free time, she enjoys medical dramas. According to Mrs. Rodriguez, she really likes working at Pace. She can be seen with her daughters watching and supporting Pace students at football, volleyball and basketball games, and other

both LD debaters and policy debaters, the time and resources are split. We can’t all get ready together,” said Kaminski.

On the other hand, it makes the team more diverse and interesting. “Having Lincoln-Douglas debaters for the first time in a decade is one of the exciting things about the debate program this year,” said J. B. Fuqua Chair of Speech and Debate Shuntá Jordan.

Debate can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. As with any other competitive sport, debaters put hours of work into each competition, and losses are disappointing. “You can get really down after a tough loss, especially when your coaches are disappointed in you,” said Nottingham.

The team dynamic can be another stressful factor. “Some-

times there are communication and interpersonal issues,” said Henderson.

While Ms. Jordan agrees that debate can be a demanding time and mental commitment, she also thinks that students learn to manage the stress. “The most important thing here at Pace is understanding the importance of the history of the program, and knowing that we have a longstanding history of excellence in debate,” she said. “Debate can be time-consuming, but if you balance your time well, it isn’t as difficult as one would think.”

However, the state tournament won’t be easy. The debaters will be facing their toughest competition yet. “There are lots of excellent seniors in the pool this year, so it’ll definitely be a challenge,” said Henderson.

This will also be the last state tournament for Nottingham and Henderson, who are partners and are currently seeded third and fourth in the state.

With a slow start to the season, Ms. Jordan believes that there is a long way to go in terms of preparation needed for the state competition on Feb. 22.

“Although they could have done better, they’ve done fair so far,” she said. “It hasn’t been what it could be. Our chances would be better if we did more work and were more focused. I’m waiting myself to see how we do.”

Kaminski agreed, saying that “there’s more work that needs to be done.” Although the future performance of this year’s debate team is uncertain, the debaters remain optimistic for a positive outcome. “We got third last year, so hopefully this year we can get second or first,” said Nottingham.

Meet Pace Academy’s Unsung Heroes Kathryn Hood Staff Writer Class of 2021

(L-R) Norma Rodriguez and Sonya McCullough take a break from their busy day. athletic events.

For these staff members, going the extra mile in their work is instinctual. Pace Director of Maintenance Robert Wood said that they regularly help students and do extra work without being asked, such as waxing floors and attending to small details. “They actually do [something extra] all the time when we’re not here,” said Mr. Wood. “They worked

all Christmas break and New Year’s break.” Ms. McCullough confirmed this, stating that she tries to go above and beyond every day.

Described as the best workers Mr. Wood has seen in 16 years, they are essential to keep Pace going, according to Mr. Wood. “Could you imagine this place without them?” he questioned. “It would be chaos.”

Photo: Lee Wilson

Every morning, Sonya McCullough arrives at Pace Academy and prepares to make her rounds throughout the school.

She is one of the members of the cleaning staff, who often go unnoticed and unrecognized for their important work.

Ms. McCullough, along with her colleague Norma Rodriguez, work hard behind the scenes in the Upper School, the cafeteria and elsewhere on tasks that are vital to keeping the school and its students thriving. They are often at school on weekends as well, helping out with special events like the recent Lower School screening day and a book event in the Woodruff Library the following day.

Ms. McCullough is a friend to all in the Pace community.

She’s a common face at Pace’s football games, wrestling matches, and other sporting events and is friends with many of the students and their parents.

She said she “likes to rock her

Pace News

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The Knightly News - Page 5

Students Suffer from Lack of Sleep Jamie Kornheiser Staff Writer Class of 2021

hours of homework and studying for assessments.

With all of the tasks students must complete each day, sleep is lower down the list for 85% of students, according to the survey. “The students have a lot of work and a lot of responsibilities,” said Mrs. Eden. “Even with really good time management there are only 24 hours in a day, so sleep often becomes less of a priority when you feel like you can use that extra hour to study.”

The epidemic of sleeplessness is a problem with no simple solution. Some experts have suggested changing the start of the school day to a later time to allow students to get more sleep.

Although this may seem like a good idea, having school start later may just encourage some students to stay up later because they believe they will have more time to sleep in.

Other experts suggest going to bed and waking up at a regular time every day, including weekends, because it helps people get in a rhythm and makes getting up easier. However, this proves difficult for most teenagers. “Developmentally you are not naturally going to wake up at 5 a.m. and then go do stuff,” said

Photo: Jamie Kornheiser

For teenagers, the recommended amount of sleep is between eight and 10 hours.

Some students, however, are only getting about half of that.

With extracurriculars every afternoon and homework piling up, potential hours of sleep begin to disappear.

Sleep deprivation is a problem that is common among students across the nation. This lack of sleep translates directly into an inability to perform well in a classroom setting. “Less sleep equals less focus the next day,” said upper school guidance counselor Sara Eden. “If you are yawning or having trouble staying awake, you are not going to hear what the teacher is saying or be able to engage in class in the way you should.”

Not getting enough sleep also affects the way students retain information learned. “Sleep helps us remember what we learned and integrates it into our long term memory,” said upper school counselor Amelia Tuttle.

“If we are not getting enough sleep, we are not learning as much as we could.”

Through many studies and observations, doctors have concluded that the amount of sleep teenagers receive not only immediately affects grades and classroom performance, but can also create health risks. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 70 percent of students get an insufficient amount of sleep. The study concluded that these students are more susceptible to excessive drinking, smoking and depression.

The results of a Knightly News survey of Pace upper school students indicate a clear trend of students getting insufficient hours of sleep each night. Of the 130 students who responded to the survey, only about 10% get the recommended amount of sleep, and within that group, 6% are getting the bare minimum of eight hours.

The reason? One factor is likely students’ busy schedules. Students at Pace are encouraged to participate in multiple clubs and sports while also taking rigorous academic courses that require

Sophomore Laura Romig takes a nap during a free period.

Ms. Tuttle.

Another solution is to set an alarm which signals to stop doing work. “Set an alarm for 10:30 p.m. and wherever you are in your work, you stop,” said Mrs. Eden. “It does not matter what is left undone,” said Ms. Tuttle. “Go to bed and figure it out tomorrow.”

Students are suffering from sleep deprivation all over the country. Solutions are scarce

and temporary. If students do not find a way to get more sleep, the side effects and consequences will continue to burden them years later. “It’s kind of a lifelong challenge,” said Mrs. Eden. “There are always going to be lots of things pulling you in different directions, but [lack of sleep] will affect your performance, whether it’s as a student, as an athlete or on the job later.”

How Religious Is Pace? Students Photo: Charlie Hirsch (L-R) Sophomores Denzel Welsh, Jack Carson, Olivia Ullmann, Noah Prout and Dylan Kaminski discuss Judeo-Christian values and belief versus non-belief in the Woodruff Lower Library before responding to the school-wide religion survey.

Charlie Hirsch

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Religion, or lack thereof, is hardly emphasized in the Upper School. As a non-denominational private school, Pace does not engage in any religious rituals except for small prayers during Convocation, Honors Day and Baccalaureate. Even religious group announcements during morning assembly are frowned upon.

Without a religious focus, Pace is primed for enhanced ethnic diversity. So, what is the breakdown of the religious landscape in the Upper School?

A recent Knightly News survey, with about a quarter of the student body responding, reveals that 49% of students were raised Protestant, 24% Catholic, 20% Jewish and 7% “other” (Hindu,

Buddhist, Bangladeshi, Muslim, atheist).

Though that data is not completely accurate without more respondents, interesting trends can still be identified in generational discrepancies across religious sects. Twenty percent of students say they have more “differing” beliefs from their parents. Though a clear minority, this number is sustainable over time, and that difference almost always trends towards increased secularism.

According to Pew Research, 43% of American adults under age 40 say religion is very important to them, while 60% of adults ages 40 and over say the same. That 17% discrepancy resembles the 20% change in belief between Pace students and their parents. This same resemblance does not exist in the trend of total atheism.

A 2014 survey conducted on 15,738 Americans by the Austin

Institute for the Study of Family and Culture found that 13.2% called themselves atheist or agnostic. At Pace, though, that number is much higher, with 23% of students saying they “do not believe in God or a higher power.”

To put Pace’s seemingly high atheism rate into perspective, China’s population is 47% atheist with 30% more of the population saying they are not religious (2012 Gallup poll).

Pace’s numbers fall more in line with Europe’s, where an equal percentage of the population are non-believers.

More intriguing still is the difference in religiosity between Jews and Christians at Pace.

Those who were raised Christian produced a 13% atheism rate.

Catholic responders hold one extreme, with 96% of students agreeing with their parents on religion, and a full 100% believing in God. Protestants seem to be the most fluctuating students, with 29% differing from their parents in their beliefs.

So where are those extra 10 points of atheism coming from? The Jewish students.

Students with Jewish parents posted nearly a 50% atheist clip.

Surprisingly, 87% of Jews hold similar religious beliefs as their parents, highlighting the modern wave of “cultural Judaism” which contrasts with God-based Judaism.

According to Israeli publication Haaretz, Judaism is the “least religious” sect. A 2017 Pew research study found that 89% of American Jews believe in God, indicating that the Jewish non-believer rate at Pace is the most irregular statistic.

Represent at Model Arab League (Continued from Page 1) all grades to participate, two of whom signed up the week of the conference.

Many of these students had participated in MUN before.

MUN operates much the same way as MAL but is much larger in scope with a pool of 193 nations compared with MAL’s 22 League of Arab States nations.

“Model Arab League is more similar to Budapest than Tufts [Inquiry] because everyone that attends takes the conference seriously,” said senior Devan Johnson.

The prior experience that many students had, as well as Marist’s proximity to campus, allowed students to streamline their research process to the point where preparation for MAL took place solely in the week and a half leading up to the conference.

Delegates spent time preparing for the conference at home, as well as with Ms. Smith. “In researching Libya, students dealt with a failing state that didn’t have order,” said Ms. Smith, explaining that the experience “shows the impact of Western involvement in Middle Eastern countries.”

Although much of what happens at MUN and MAL conferences is based on current events

and real-life issues, delegates may take matters into their own hands and put their own spin on the crises happening around them. “Saudi Arabia had a lot of arguments with smaller countries about the refugee crisis, which was very interesting considering they are one of the leading causes of refugees in the Arab League,” said senior Ahsan Hennings, one of the five AP Comparative Politics students at the conference.

In the end, Pace students’ efforts were rewarded. The delegation of Morocco, made up of freshmen Kargil Behl, Leah Favero and Pranavh Pradeep, and seniors Aaron Pascaner and Kathryn Reisner, was awarded an Honorable Mention.

Pradeep also won an individual Honorable Mention, while Behl and Favero, along with junior India Behl from the Libyan delegation, received Outstanding Delegate awards.

For the seniors who attended the conference, it was one of their last opportunities to participate in the program, and Hennings and senior Tase Karamanolis both expressed regret that they hadn’t gotten involved with MAL and MUN earlier in their high school career.

Pace News

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 6

Students Weigh in on SAT vs. ACT Mary Childs Hall Staff Writer Class of 2021

pen. “It allows me to work at a pace where I do not feel as rushed.” According to Shippen, she likes the SAT because of the grammar section, which the ACT does not have. This section contains simple questions with material that Pace students are typically familiar with.

On the other hand, some students prefer the ACT because of the content included on it.

“Although the SAT is slower, I take the ACT because I am able to work faster through the material because it is much easier,” said junior Evan Duncan.

The questions do not Junior Emerson Barrett brushes up on her math skills before taking the SAT require as much analyti- and ACT. cal thinking as the ones on the SAT. “The ACT is a more included topics are unfamiliar order to reduce uncertainty, straightforward test with quesor confusing. However, some one should take practice tests tions that are not meant to trick people actually prefer the ACT of both the SAT and ACT to get you,” said junior Jordan Upsolely because of this portion. “I an in-depth look at each. Also, church. “I definitely prefer this like the science section because test-takers can talk to older test because it is much easier to all you have to do is just be able siblings or classmates to learn be able to work hard in order to to read and understand graphs what worked for them and what improve your score.” in order to do well,” said junior did not. Students advise that it’s The ACT contains a secSam Harris. important for each individual to tion entirely devoted to science.

Although these tests may take the time to determine which For some, the science section is cause stress and anxiety, test they feel more comfortable frightening because many of the students do have choices. In taking.

equality, as ideally each student would have the same curriculum and take the same exam, critics have recently said that it creates educational inequality, because schools with lower funds have a harder time successfully implementing AP courses.

Many students take AP courses to boost their chances of getting into college, but critics have said that so many students take AP classes, that it no longer makes a student stand out. Jack Schneider, an assistant professor of education at the University of Massachusetts stated, “The expansion of the AP program failed to promote real parity between the educational haves and have-nots... Once the AP Program reached a critical mass, it lost its functionality as a mark of distinction.”

AP classes give students a chance to go more in depth and explore new horizons in learning, but are often accompanied with hours of homework, heightened stress levels and less time for a social life. A record 1.17

million students took at least one AP course last year. The average Pace student generally takes five or six AP courses, though some students take 10 or 11.

Students most of the time take these classes thinking the higher level courses will boost their chances of getting accepted into a desired college, but many factors go into whether the AP class will help a student in the end. These recent critiques beg the question: are these demanding AP courses worth it?

Despite critics like Schneider, many, if not most, say that AP classes help distinguish one from other applicants when applying to college. It can also help you graduate from college faster, thus saving money.

Getting a 5 on an AP exam looks impressive to colleges.

It shows them you are more advanced in a subject than 8090% of other advanced students.

“I would say doing well in that class certainly boosts your chance of getting into the college of your choice, though if you don’t perform well it probably doesn’t,” said Head of Upper School Mike Gannon.

Juniors Francesca Vaneri and Payton Payne both take all offered AP courses junior year at Pace. A benefit of an AP course is that it can not only help you get into more selective colleges, but it also can help prepare you for college. “It’s important when you’re applying to colleges that you’re taking hard classes,” said Vaneri.

Mr. Gannon, who also teaches AP U.S. History, agrees.

“The other piece of the AP that matters is that there’s real money

AP Classes: A Double Edged Sword Kathryn Hood Staff Writer Class of 2021

In Washington, D.C., eight private high schools announced in June that they are dropping their Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and will have completely phased out the courses in their curriculum by 2022.

The schools released the statement: “Collectively, we believe a curriculum oriented toward collaborative, experiential and interdisciplinary learning will not only better prepare our students for college and their professional futures, but also result in more engaging programs for both students and faculty. We expect this approach will appeal to students’ innate curiosity, increase their motivation and fuel their love of learning.”

These schools are not the first to question the value of AP courses. Though the AP course was created for educational

Photo: Kathryn Hood

Junior Payton Payne studies in the Woodruff Library for her AP Biology test.

on the line,” he said. “If you earn a score on the AP exam at the level the colleges require, they’ll give you credit towards graduation.”

Though AP classes can help with college, they aren’t for everyone. “Anyone can handle an AP, but maybe some people shouldn’t take multiple AP’s,” said Payne. “They tend to stress people out who may not be able to handle that work.” The pressure of AP classes can lead to many sleepless nights, which can be harmful not only to your health, but also your performance in other classes.

When taking AP classes, it’s important to maintain a balance between the work demanded by those classes and one’s life outside of school. Class of 2019 Dean Erica Barbakow teaches AP Literature and Composition to juniors. She believes that balance is a necessary aspect of choosing how many AP courses one needs to take. “You have to think about who you are as a student in that moment,” she said.

“If you do what you’re doing at this point well, you will have many options. If you overextend yourself and take too many AP’s, you’re going to burn out before you get to college.” She adds that “if you’re not happy, and not getting enough sleep, this is not a good placement for you.”

There can definitely be downsides to AP classes. A study led by the University of San Francisco College of Education found that a high percentage of students in accelerated programs had higher levels of stress compared to the rest of the school population. Researchers

reported that the high pressure academic environment created increased levels of stress, an increase in mental health problems and reduced happiness, fewer friendships and disengagement from school. “It’s very stressful,” said Vaneri. “It’s a lot of work.

You have to learn to organize your time very well.”

Though this may seem discouraging to those want to take an AP class, this does not apply to everyone. AP courses are rigorous, and are more complex than other classes, so not being interested in the class can make it hard to complete the course work well. Mr. Gannon’s main advice is to take classes one is interested in and desires to do well in.

Pace, unlike some schools, does not try to prevent students from taking AP courses, and instead wants students to take classes they are interested in.

“If you want to take AP U.S. History, you can take AP U.S. History,” said Mr. Gannon. “You should pursue what you’re interested in pursuing.”

This was also Payne and Vaneri’s main advice. “If you enjoy a class, you might as well do it at the highest level you can,” said Vaneri. “If you like a subject and you’re pretty good at it, [the AP course] is definitely worth it.”

All advice comes down to the fact that how many and what kind of AP classes a person should take depends entirely upon the individual. Ms. Barbakow advises to talk to your dean about what you’re looking to study when you enter college, and choose classes and courses based on that.

Photo: Mary Childs Hall

For high school students, “SAT” and “ACT” are probably familiar acronyms among peers, teachers and parents. The SAT and ACT are standardized tests taken by juniors and seniors across the U.S. in advance of submitting applications to colleges. With the college process on the horizon for many, students must begin to learn about these tests in order to prepare for taking them.

First off, both the SAT and ACT measure students’ skills, like problem solving and reading comprehension, in various areas that are necessary for college success. As students apply to colleges, schools use the scores in their decision-making for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Therefore, high school students take tremendous amounts of time from their jampacked schedules to prepare in order to score highly on these tests.

All colleges accept scores from either test, meaning there is no advantage in taking one over

another. However, it is important to look further into the tests to determine which one might better suit individual strengths and weaknesses.

At a glance, the two tests are fairly similar, both including basic reading and math sections and optional essays. Also, both tests use a scoring system of rights-only, meaning the test taker is not penalized for providing incorrect answers, as only right answers are tallied.

However, the tests differ in many ways. While the SAT includes reading, writing and language, calculator math and non-calculator math portions, the ACT is composed of English, calculator math, reading and science sections.

According to many students, the major difference between the two tests is the timing. The SAT provides 65 minutes for the 52-question reading section, while the ACT allows 35 minutes for the 40-question reading section. Therefore, the SAT usually proves better for students who like to take more time with reading passages and math problems.

“I prefer the SAT because you get much more time than on the ACT,” said junior Mae Ship-

Vol. 44, Issue #4

Pace News

Photo: Georgia Courts Journal

Governor Nathan Deal (right) administers the oath of office to Judge Reese (left) on Dec. 19, 2016.

The Knightly News - Page 7

Pace’s Integration Story (Continued from Page 1)

In high school, Judge Reese But Judge Reese’s experience played every type of sport there at Pace was very good from an was, including soccer, basketeducational standpoint. “[It was] ball, baseball and track. “There a top notch education; there is no were a couple of times when I question about that,” he said. It wanted to go to public school, gave him a good start for college mainly because I wanted to play and what he did after. football and there was no footIn dark times when he ball team back then,” said Judge wanted to quit and go to a public Reese. His involvement in sports school, he is glad he stuck it meant he spent most of his time out. “Academically, it prepared at school, making “church the me for anything, and socially, only day [he] got some different I learned how to deal with all type of activity.” types of cultures Judge Reese “Academically, [Pace] different from rarely saw other prepared me for anyme,” he said. thing, and socially, I black people Socially, except when he learned how to deal with however, Judge went to church. all types of cultures difReese did not get ferent from me.” – Judge to participate in Even when Reese facing opposall of the school ing teams from events like schools like Westminster and prom because, as he put it, there Lovett, he said he “never saw were “no black girls except for anybody who was black.” [his] family and no interracial Judge Reese said that when relationships.” At the time, intergoing to games at other schools, racial dating was taboo. sometimes he would “get stuff But overall, he remembers coming back at [him] from opthe Pace community as being posing teams and their fans, bevery nice, with “no outward ing the only black person on the racial incidents at all.” He did team.” But he still truly enjoyed recall one intense situation in the sports he played and his sup- middle school, however. “One portive teammates. guy in sixth or seventh grade Beyond race, another factor called me a name and we got that separated Judge Reese from into a little scuffle,” he said. other students was money. “We Judge Reese said that the were not a financially well off faculty and administration at family,” he said. He was in an Pace treated him well. Favorenvironment where the majority ite teachers included Charles of students were rich. “We might Owens, Helen Smith, George go out after a basketball game Mengert and basketball coach and I might’ve had 10 dollars Bob Chambers. and they had 200 dollars,” he Mr. Owens taught math, said. was the baseball coach and the Judge Reese recalls students assistant basketball coach. He going to their houses on St. Siwas the only person that lived mons Island during spring break out where Judge Reese lived and or summer. They would invite sometimes he would give him their other classmates but never a ride to school. Ms. Smith’s him. “When you’re little, you history class was his favorite. “I don’t really realize why and you can't believe she is still there [at get older and you figure out that Pace teaching],” he said. ‘we’ don’t get invited to those When Judge Reese got into types of things,” he said. the professional world he said he When asked if he would was ready because he learned go back and go to Pace again, “how to be very comfortable in Judge Reese answered “no” for a diverse environment” at Pace. two reasons. “One, I wanted to For those who ever feel like an play football, he said. “And as outsider, Judge Reese advises to I look back on it, I think Pace “grind away every day and get was financially kind of a burden to the finish line because having for my family, and I didn’t even that is going to help you going realize they sacrificed a lot for forward.” me to go there.”

Judge Reese spent more than

20 years in a variety of legal positions prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeals of Georgia on Nov. 1, 2016 by Governor Nathan Deal.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University in 1980 with a major in world history and a minor in economics. In 1993, Judge Reese entered law school at the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and graduated in 1996 with a Juris Doctor degree.

Among his professional experiences, he has served as Assistant Attorney General in the Georgia Department of Law; a partner at the law firm Reese & Hopkins; and General Counsel, and later Commissioner, of the Georgia Department of Community Health, the largest health care agency in the Executive Branch in Georgia.

He also served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services. He was elected to his new term of six years on the Court of Appeals in January, giving him a “good way to end his career,” he said.

Much has changed since Judge Reese went to Pace. He is delighted to see more minority kids displayed in Pace’s magazines, a Pace football team, and a student who went to the NBA (Wendell Carter, Jr.). “Its just nice to see that, knowing where I started,” he said.

In 1969, social unrest marked the times. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been killed the year before in April 1968. The voting Rights Act was signed into law just three years prior to Dr. King's death, in August 1965.

Judge Reese said that with this backdrop, “for some reason [Pace] decided that they would integrate.” From a societal standpoint, he “commend[s] them for that.”

Still, there are no heroes in the story. “They should all be ashamed of themselves,” Mr. Gannon said. While it’s true that Pace was one of the first Atlanta private schools to integrate, he said that “no one gets a trophy for how they behaved in the era.”

Check Out Your Teachers’ Alma Maters Eden Kerker

Lifestyle Editor Class of 2019

Although a number of seniors already know where they’re going to college next year, many are still awaiting acceptances and making decisions about their next move. Teachers could be a great resource for students who are curious about their undergraduate experiences, so KN has compiled a list of where teachers received their degrees.

These teachers work in the Upper School and/or teach upper school students.

Sra. Agront-Hobbs: University of Alabama Mrs. Ambler: University of Georgia Ms. Anderson: University of Southern Africa Mr. Assaf: University of Virginia Mr. Ball: Georgia State University Dr. Ballard: University of Georgia Ms. Barbakow: University of Georgia Mr. Bloodworth: Albany State University Mrs. Brown: University of Virginia Ms. Brubaker: Hanover College Mr. Bryan: University of Kentucky Mr. Bryant: Georgia Institute of Technology Mr. Callahan: Cleveland State University Dr. Carter: Wellesley College Coach Clement: Florida State University Mrs. Conroy: University of Maryland Mr. DeRosa: Georgia Institute of Technology Mr. Dorman: University of South Florida, University of North Florida Dr. Doyle: University of Southern Mississippi Dr. Dupree: Sewanee: The University of the South Mrs. Durlin: Emory University Mrs. Eagleson: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Mrs. Eden: Princeton University Mr. Ewing: Presbyterian College Mr. Ferrell: Centenary College of Louisiana Mr. Gannon: Brown University Ms. Goodstadt: University of New Hampshire Dr. Haizlip: Ohio State University Mr. Hamburger: University of Iowa Mrs. Harris: The University of Texas at Austin Mrs. Hathorn: University of Notre Dame Mr. Hornor: University of Rochester Ms. Jordan: University of Georgia Mrs. Kann: University of Virginia

Mr. Kauffman: Brown University Mr. Knott: Kansas City Art Institute Mrs. Korb: Washington University in St. Louis Ms. Lattouf: Emory University Sra. Lewis: Vanderbilt University Ms. Marable: Florida A & M University Mr. Marsico: Berry College Mr. Matanes: Georgetown University Mr. McCallum: Sewanee: The University of the South Dr. McCloskey: Princeton University Ms. McCrary: University of Phoenix Mrs. McGurn: Butler University Ms. McNicholas: University of Georgia Mrs. Memar: Vanderbilt University Ms. Merritt: University of Georgia Dr. Moss: Purdue University Mr. Neely: State University of New York at Fredonia Mr. Newman: Guilford College Dr. Pearson: Dartmouth College Ms. Pence: Denison University Mr. Player: Furman University Dra. Pontes: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Ms. Riley: Georgetown University Ms. Robinson: BirminghamSouthern College Mr. Sargent: Georgia Institute of Technology Ms. Helen Smith: Cornell College Mr. Smith: University of Alabama Mrs. Ryann Smith: University of Florida Mr. Smentek: Wake Forest University Ms. Snyder: Georgia Institute of Technology Mr. Sokolsky: Fredonia State University Mr. Stevens: Johns Hopkins University Ms. Stevens: Swarthmore College Mrs. Tarvin: University of Alabama Ms. Teague: Georgia State University Mrs. Terry: University of Virginia Ms. Tuttle: University of Georgia Mr. Vihlen: Savannah College of Art and Design Mr. Jack Walker: University of Georgia Mr. Matt Walker: University of Rochester Mrs. Wallace: Shorter College Dr. Walter: Emory University Mrs. Washburn: Duke University Mr. Wescott: Roanoke College Mr. Whyte: Williams College Mrs. Wilhelmsen: Bowdoin College Ms. Williams: Oberlin College Ms. Wilson: Wake Forest University

Spirit Week

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 8

All Photos: Fred Assaf

Spirit Week

Freshmen: ‘Monsters, Inc.’ Jill Rawls

Managing Editor Class of 2019

While audiences generally hold low expectations for the freshman class, the class of 2022 put on an impressive show with their theme "Monsters, Inc." The freshmen are only given $500 to spend on supplies and costumes, but they did a fantastic job despite this. Their courtyard decorations, including monsters drawn in chalk were certainly on par with, if not better than, past freshman classes.

The small amount of white space on the banner did not detract from its spectacular and intricate portrayals of the lead characters in "Monsters, Inc." including Sully, Mike and Roz. The freshmen did a good job with the decor, but they did an even better job on their dance.

With more facial expressions and more complicated formations in

Sophomores: ‘Space Jam’ Aman Hashim

Web Content Editor Class of 2019

Last year, the Class of 2021 had a rocky start to their Spirit Week due to technical difficulties with the music and their dancing not being synchronized to the beats of the songs. This year, however, the sophomores bounced back as their theme, “Space Jam,” and their performance, was well liked by the audience.

Earlier in the week, the sophomores filled the cafeteria with decorations that included basketball-painted tables and “Space Jam” posters with references from the 1996 film, bringing their theme to life.

The sophomore’s banner perfectly depicted Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny and the evil “Monstars.” Everything leading up to the actual performance was typical for a sophomore class, but their dance exceeded the student body’s expectations.

The dance was filled with

flips and acrobatic stunts by Maggie Jenkins and Robert Houser that left the audience in awe.

Logan Baker played Michael Jordan in the skit, incorporating his own modern dance moves with slick basketball plays that kept the crowd dancing along.

Along with a bounce back performance from last year, the sophomores got the crowd laughing as Baker and Gus Thomas twerked.

The choreography was at its best during the dance battle, when the main characters split into two teams and took turns showing off their fresh moves. Everyone was precisely on beat and no one made a mistake. The sophomores overall performed a fairly ordinary Spirit Week as far as the types of dances, but their lead performers catapulted them to another level.

future years, the class of 2023 is sure to leave an impression on its audience. This year, the dances were well-coordinated and featured creative and fun movements.

The crowd loved Margo Kaye’s dance moves in the center of her classmates during the opening dance as she played the role of Boo. The audience also erupted as Benjamin Chern, playing Fungus, jumped from lying down into a backbend.

The colorful costumes were a nice addition to the overall good performance of the freshman class. The freshmen have a lot of potential and have already created a reputation to live up to in their coming years.

Juniors: ‘High School Musical’ Spirit Week

Vol. 44, Issue #4

A small glitch in the music didn’t stop the juniors from doing a great job this Spirit Week, even with the slightly basic theme of "High School Musical." After decorating Inman with lots of posters and lights, the juniors made Pace Academy look a bit like East High.

While some costumes resembled regular clothes and pieces of the dance’s choreography were straight from the movie version of "High School Musical," the junior class is full of good dancers and the class appeared to have put a lot of work into both their morning and afternoon dances. The afternoon performance received lots of applause

following Hayden Sample’s backflip and lots of laughter as Davis Futrell excelled at playing Ms. Darbus, which were just two of the highlights of the coordinated dances.

The juniors also did an excellent job with their first video, making even the sleepdeprived seniors laugh out loud on Friday morning. The biggest successes were the up-close shots of random bystanders’ reactions as the juniors danced through the mall, and a great reenactment of Evan Duncan being friend-zoned.

Zachary Howard Staff Writer Class of 2020

Although the juniors put good effort into their performances and video, it was their banner that made them stand out. The lead characters were painted nearly perfectly and were placed in front of a beautiful background filled with light as well as different iconic scenes from the movie.

With such an impressive banner, audiences will be eager to see what the juniors come up with next year.

Seniors: ‘Super Mario Bros.’

Most every year the senior class gives the best performance out of the four grades. Despite this regularity, the Class of 2019 has excelled way beyond every grade during their time in the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School. Although their theme, “Super Mario Bros.,” was exposed earlier than expected, they did not fail to perform at the highest level. They portrayed

The Knightly News - Page 9

the classic levels of the game accurately from Rainbow Road, to “Mario Kart,” to Bowser’s Castle, as well as a scare from Donkey Kong.

The entire dance was filled with comedic scenes, beginning with seniors Charlie Hirsch and Emily Pulver sitting down to play “Mario Bros,” then trying to rescue

Princess Peach, played by Holland Carlton, and return her back to Mario and Luigi, played by Brogan Smith and Jared Rayman, respectively. The Class of 2019 consistently has had the best choreography, thanks to the hard work and talent of senior Gillian Weitzner.

Weitzner drew tremendous

reactions from the crowd when she isolated herself from the group and did her well-known robot dance. The finale dance was one of the best, specifically because each student was on beat and their dance steps were well coordinated. For those with a birds eye view from the stands, the seniors depicted the numbers 2019 with their bodies on the dance floor. The Class of 2019 will truly be missed and it will be tough for any class competing in future Spirit Weeks to top their performances.

Valentine’s Day

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 10

The Terrys Make School Rivalry Work Mary Childs Hall Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: John Terry

Whenever someone mentions Westminster, many members of the Pace community instantly become super competitive, thinking about the rivalry between the two schools. However, this is not the case with everyone at Pace. Upper school history teacher Caitlin Terry has a more positive opinion of Pace’s backyard rival, because her husband, John Terry, works there.

The couple met at the University of Virginia while both were studying history and they have been together ever since.

They connected in an Italian Renaissance class. One day when the class ended, Mrs. Terry (then Ms. Morris), made the move to ask Dr. (then Mr.) Terry out. “I asked him if he wanted to go get coffee or a drink, and now we have been together for eight years,” said Mrs. Terry. “It’s perfect because we are just two nerds together.”

After both completing their studies, the Terrys moved down to Atlanta, where Mrs. Terry soon began her new job at Pace.

The situation worked out perfectly, as within two months of transferring south, Dr. Terry was hired at Westminster.

Unlike what many may expect it would be like to have a spouse working at a rival

(L-R) Caitlin and John Terry hike the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, combining two of their favorite hobbies: traveling and exploring the outdoors. school, the Terrys actually find it rewarding to be part of two different communities. “We are lucky only being a mile apart because we get to carpool to work each morning,” said Mrs. Terry. “It is definitely a nice way to start each day.”

According to Mrs. Terry, she also finds it fun to be able to go over to Westminster to see events that her husband leads or takes part in. “I like to watch their theatre programs and sporting events, and I also like his co-faculty members,” said Mrs. Terry. “We each have our own

professional worlds and we don’t see each other all the time, but when we do, we make sure to ask how one another’s day has been.”

The Terrys share many interests, one of which is exploring history both inside and out of the United States. “We love to travel,” said Mrs. Terry. “We are going to London for spring break which is really fun because it is just two history teachers together, and we both get really excited about the same things.

They also enjoy the outdoors and being in nature. Two years

ago, they took a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. While on a hike, Dr. Terry asked Mrs. Terry out of the blue if she wanted to get married, where she responded with yes. “There was no ring, nothing Hallmark Channel romantic about it, but that is who we are,” said Mrs. Terry.

In their free time, they also love to watch various television shows, like “Queer Eye” and “The Great British Bake Off.” “We do a lot of stuff together, but that is because we genuinely enjoy one another’s company,” said Mrs. Terry.

The aspiring rapper, professional NFL player, game designer, wealthy investor and business executive across the table from you compliments your mind and beautiful personality.

You then continue the dream date at the movies, cuddling with and resting in the arms of the strong, athletic “superhero,” as he whispers “hey, baby” in

your ear. Romantic, right? If this sounds appealing to you, then maybe consider giving senior Chilton Tolliver a chance this Valentine’s Day. The 6’0 offensive center is much more than just a football player. He is a hard worker in the training room, an avid food enthusiast and an anime lover.

“I love a female who LOVES

to watch anime,” said Tolliver.

“You can have mystery, action, fighting, comedy, storytelling and even romance. On the weekend, if I were to bring my female friends over or vice versa, I would love to watch anime with my ladies. You can call it ‘Anime ‘n Chill’ with Chil. Get it?”

In addition to his many interests, the young stud has many emotional layers to him. “I might look like a big ole mean football player, but in all reality, I am willing to make friends with literally anyone,” said Tolliver. “I could not know you one day, say hello, and the next day we could be best friends, and that’s onna deadloccs.”

Disregarding the race, shape or size of a woman, Tolliver identifies beauty as having a fun, candid personality. “I look for a girl who has a big... I’m just kidding,” he said.

After his initial facetious commentary, he revealed that the most important characteristics a woman should possess are drive and ambition.

“My female has to have all of her badges, and all of them have to be Hall of Fame,” he said. “She has to have the best build in the game, but like I said, I love all women, because all women have their own beauty. I don’t believe in an ugly female, but they have to have all of their badges and attributes upgraded, simple.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples have already begun making extravagant plans for the night, but the Terrys have different plans for the day. “We don’t do Valentine’s Day because we both think it is ridiculous,” said Mrs. Terry. “I think it can be really detrimental that there is only one day that you have to prove your love to someone by buying them a ton of stuff. It is not who either one of us are.” The Terrys plan to stay at home, cook a nice dinner, and watch Netflix together.

Rather than celebrating their relationship on one single day on Feb. 14, they express their love throughout the year. “When the feeling inspires us, we do little things for each other,” said Mrs. Terry. Sometimes, Dr. Terry will leave sweet little notes for Mrs. Terry and other times they will decide to go out for a nice dinner.

The key to their marriage seems to be the support they provide for one another. Both Terrys take time to check up on their spouse and be there if they need anything at all. If one is having a rough week, the other makes sure to be there for them.

“It is a relationship where we have both been through a lot in terms of families and professions, where we have had to support one another at different times,” said Mrs. Terry. “It is nice to have that person that you can rely on and go through life with.”

Most Eligible Bachelor: Chilton Tolliver Genna Schwarz Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Imagine this: you’re sitting across from Pace Academy’s most eligible bachelor while eating the Cheesecake Factory’s delicate Oreo Dream Extreme.

Photo: Genna Schwarz

Chilton Tolliver is surrounded by Pace fan girls who are begging him to be their Valentine.

If you are interested in getting to know the most eligible bachelor better, listen to the song “Digits” by Young Thug.

Tolliver’s obsession with Young Thug, also known as King Slime, Thugger Thugger or Jeffery, led him to conclude that “Digits” is the most accurate song to describe his life.

“It’s my theme song because I am always chasing and securing the bag, and in 2019, we got to run up them digits and run up that money,” he said.

Tolliver is not just looking to help out ladies with his caring and outgoing personality, but also help the men of the Academy win over their crushes. “I really do not like giving away free sauce,” he said. “However, I think I could help some of y’all boys out with the pickup line, ‘is your name Wi-Fi? Because I’m really feeling a connection.’”

“Get females, get money,” the phrase Chilton Tolliver lives by, will surely lead him to achieve all his future successes.

“Let’s face it, in the next 10 years I am going to be rich,” he said. “Females, if you want that rich type of lifestyle, you’d better hop on me now before it’s too late and that’s on the deadloccs.

I am happy, hard working and currently living my best life, so if you want an awesome friend that will care for you, you know who to look for, simple.”

Valentine’s Day

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The Knightly News - Page 11

Most Eligible Bachelorette: Bay Brickley Abby Meyerowitz Opinion Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Abby Meyerowitz

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s date? Well, you’re in luck. Senior Bay Brickley has been crowned Pace Academy’s most eligible bachelorette and she’s looking to find her dream man this Valentine’s holiday.

Characterized by her dazzling freckles and candid speech, Brickley is the perfect match for any lucky Pace bachelor.

After spending last Valentine’s Day by herself, Brickley is ready to be swept off her feet by her knight in shining armor.

“Last year on Valentine’s Day, I went to the movies and finished a large bag of popcorn all by myself,” said Brickley. “This year, I hope my luck will change.”

Among other qualities, Brickley is looking for a man with ocean blue eyes, hair with the perfect flow and a great

sense of humor. “A diamondshaped jawline, round nose and toned body wouldn’t hurt as well,” she said.

If you are planning the perfect date for Brickley, consider the local landfill. “The landfill is just a beautiful spot for a picnic,” said Brickley. “The gorgeous view and fresh smells reminds me just how amazing nature truly is.”

A crime investigation fanatic, Brickley spends her free time listening to the police scanner she keeps in her room. When she’s not following criminal activity, Brickley enjoys racing her sister down the street on electric scooters. “It gives me a real adrenaline rush,” she said. “I’m all about adventure, and scooter rides are a great way to relieve stress from the school week.”

As a girl with many hobbies, Brickley also plays tennis in her free time for the Pace girls team. Looking for a mysterious, adventurous and athletic date for Valentine’s Day this year? Bay

Brickley poses with a few of her possible suitors: (L-R) junior Jimbo Smith and seniors Jared Rayman, Patrick Thurman and Lane Goldman.

Brickley is your girl.

For those interested in learning more about the prized bachelorette, the tune to her life is “Everyday We Lit” by YFN Lucci and PnB Rock. “I just feel like this song speaks to me

on a more personal level,” said Brickley. “It reminds me to enjoy each day and to always keep a positive attitude.” When asked to describe herself in one word, Brickley claimed she was either “weird” or “honest.”

Headed to Sewanee: The University of the South this fall, Brickley won’t be around much longer. Pace Academy men, don’t waste your opportunity to sweep Brickley off her feet this Valentine’s Day while she’s still single.

Me Love," released in 1987, is a timeless ‘80s rom com. The film stars teenaged Dempsey who pays a popular girl to date him.

In exchange for a one-month fake relationship with Cindy, played by Amanda Peterson, Dempsey's character Ronald pays Cindy with his lawnmowing money so she can buy a $1,000 suede suit. Ronald becomes a materialistic egomaniac who needs to learn that popularity is not all it's made out to be.

"10 Things I Hate About You," released in 1999, is a teenage love story set in high school.

But what makes it a timeless rom com is the mature performances from Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona and Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford. Kat, an angsty teenage girl who doesn't pay attention to societal expectations, is set up with Patrick and that’s when the drama unfolds. If anything, it’s worth a watch just for the

iconic public display of affection on a football field to the tune of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson share a special chemistry in their movie, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Released in 2003, this rom com is a witty movie with a bunch of playful tricks and deception where McConaughey and Hudson perfectly portray their flirtatious roles.

Hudson plays a writer at a women’s magazine who is struggling to write an article when she comes upon the idea to get a man to break up with her after only 10 days by using "what not to do" girlfriend tactics.

In contrast, McConaughey’s character Benjamin Barry, trying to prove he can make any woman fall in love with him, ends up dating Hudson's character, Andie Anderson and

repeatedly resists the urge to break up with her. Ironically, with missions that totally oppose one another, the two drive each other crazy until they ultimately fall in love.

Julia Roberts steals the show in the rom com classic "Pretty Woman." In the 1990 ragsto-riches story, Roberts plays Vivian Ward, a sex worker who struggles to separate her work life and her personal life.

Richard Gere, who plays Edward Lewis, is a wealthy, successful businessman who could have any woman he wants, yet stays committed to Ward.

Through their blooming relationship, Ward makes you laugh along with her, sympathize with her, and cheer for her, especially in the iconic scene when she is questioned by a snoopy shop assistant who doesn't take her seriously because of how she's dressed.

Enjoy Timeless Rom Coms on Feb. 14 Eden Kerker

Lifestyle Editor Class of 2019

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to revisit your favorite romantic comedies, or enjoy a classic you’ve not seen before.

Below are a few favorites: "Crazy Stupid Love" is more comedy than romance, but with such a stacked cast, there’s no way you can't laugh. Steve Carell’s character, Cal Weaver, becomes a newly single man as he splits up with his wife Emily, played by Julianne Moore. As he reenters the dating scene, he enlists the help of womanizer Jacob Palmer, played by Ryan Gosling.

Through the many twists and turns, more stars like Emma Stone, Analeigh Tipton, and even Joey King, make this movie the funny and wildly entertain-

ing movie that it is.

With the exposure from her new movie "Bird Box," Sandra Bullock has gained increased attention in the celebrity world, but before she was Malorie Hayes, she was Margaret Tate, a driven editor-in-chief in "The Proposal." The 2009 love story springs from an arranged agreement rather than an emotional connection.

In order to avoid deportation to Canada, she insists that her employee, Andrew Paxton played by Ryan Reynolds, marry her. However, as they take a trip to visit Andrew’s family in Alaska, they both discover their attraction to one another. Betty White's performance as Andrew’s lovable, raunchy grandma is enough to watch the movie alone.

Whether you are a fan of Grey’s Anatomy and love Patrick Dempsey or not, "Can't Buy

What’s Your Favorite Part of Valentine’s Day? Abby Meyerowitz Opinion Editor Class of 2019

(L-R) Freshman Kargil Behl, sophomore Sara Kirkman, junior Mbiti Williams and senior Holland Carlton look forward to Feb. 14.

Lifestyle

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 12

2018 a Great Year for TV Shows Genna Schwarz Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

More than 5 billion television shows aired in 2018, according to TV Guide. Statista reported that over the past decade, the number of scripted original TV series has doubled. Despite the massive influx of television offerings this past year, a few iconic series rose above the others in their level of quality and appeal.

Netflix, Hulu, ABC, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO and many other subscription networks have become a primary source of television for many.

According to Forbes, Netflix accounted for 19 of the 20 most watched shows of 2018.

While a number of popular

series have been airing for many years, a couple of shows created just this past year gained tremendous attention. Here are some of the best of 2018.

"The Haunting of Hill House": Set in 1992, this Netflix original is a mind bending horror story about a traumatized family who is haunted by the death of their mother and the events that occurred in their childhood home. Based on Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House,” this 10-episode series is the book's second adaptation on screen.

Instead of mimicking the cliché jump-scare TV shows, Director Mike Flanagan has created a psychological thriller that has had a major impact. Flashing between past and present, the show's utilization of foreshadowing and plot twists creates an

exhilarating, intricate story that is not only sure to haunt, but also provoke the mind of its audience.

According to Business Insider, the show had over 32 million "average demand expressions" last year.

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel": This Amazon Prime Video series has aired two seasons thus far about Miriam "Midge" Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan. Her seemingly perfect life takes a drastic turn when she discovers her remarkable stand-up comedy skills.

Set in New York City in the 1950s, the comedy series has already won 11 major awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.

"You": The Lifetime

Photo: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Facebook “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” wins Critic’s Choice Awards, including Best Comedy Series, on Jan. 13.

show "You" follows the life of bookstore manager Joe Stans, played by Penn Badgley, after he becomes infatuated with an aspiring female writer, Beck. His seemingly innocent crush quickly transforms into obsession. Joe begins to exhibit extreme stalker behavior and manipulation. With the goal of protecting and loving Beck, Joe eliminates anything that gets in his way.

The romanticization of the stalker and the love of Joe by the audience created controversy after the release of the show on Netflix.

"You can romanticize elements of his character, but if you romanticize his entire outlook on life, then that might be an issue," actress Shay Mitchell told Refinery29. "I can see it, when somebody really cares a lot [and] they just look into certain aspects of your life, but I do think there is a fine line with that."

The first season is filled with suspense and the cliffhanger at the end hints that there will be a second season.

"The Final Table": For all of the cooking show fanatics, "The Final Table" does not disappoint. The dramatic reality cooking competition stars 12 pairs of chefs from around the world preparing different nations’ dishes, including dishes from Mexico, Spain, England, Japan, India and the U.S. The two remaining teams split up, with the finalists competing as individuals to create distinctive signature dishes for the judges. The chefs face off in an attempt to join the nine chefs at the "final table." The first season is available on Netflix.

"The Handmaid’s Tale": Based on Margaret Atwood's

book "The Handmaid's Tale," this Hulu Original series features the life of Offred, portrayed by Elisabeth Moss, living in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Although fictional, this chilling and suspenseful series highlights some of the many extreme views present in the United States today.

After only two seasons, the show has already won 19 awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series-Drama and Writers Guild of America Award for Television: New Series.

"Queer Eye": Netflix brought back the iconic makeover show "Queer Eye" with a new Fab Five, more than a decade after the original series went off the air. Originally filmed in New York City, the rebooted show is now set in Georgia.

Food and wine specialist Antoni Porowski, interior designer Bobby Berk, grooming consultant Jonathan Van Ness, fashion designer Tan France and culture expert Karamo Brown seek to understand and transform the lifestyles of men and women who possess markedly different life experiences and belief systems than themselves.

The reality television show has already won three awards after just one year of production.

Awards include the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program, the TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Reality and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program.

21 Savage Shows Growth in "i am < i was" Will Zook

Sports Editor Class of 2019

and four brothers, one of whom was gunned down in a drug deal gone wrong.

Others like the Post Maloneassisted “all my friends” and “monster” featuring Childish Gambino dive into the struggles that come with the meteoric rise to stardom, such as the moral corruption money can cause and the difficulty of deciphering who he can trust and who is backing him for their own personal benefit.

Although Savage allows for a closer look into his inner thoughts, he still dedicates time to the ruthless attitude that he is known for. “gun smoke” and “asmr” give Savage the chance to retake his crown as one of the most malicious rappers in the game at the moment, and announces that anyone who gets in his way will bear the full consequences.

The latter of these two songs also sees Savage return to his viral whisper-rap style, a technique that was instantly memed after his first attempt on the song “Don’t Come Out the House” from “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES.” “can’t leave without it” with the inseparable

Photo: Flickr

Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known by the stage name 21 Savage, released his sophomore album “i am > i was” on Dec. 21, 2018, a followup to his debut “Issa Album” from July 2017. In collaboration with well known producers such as Metro Boomin, Southside, Wheezy and FKi 1st, 21 Savage crafts an album that builds off of his previous reputation as a man not to be messed with, while also disclosing a more impassioned artist, less familiar to the public.

Although spending over a year between album releases, 21 Savage never shied away from the spotlight. Hailing from Dekalb County, Savage’s 2018 consisted mostly of guest verses on commercially successful albums such as Metro Boomin’s “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES,” Quavo’s solo project “QUAVO HUNCHO,” and Meek Mill’s most recent release, “Championships.” “i am > i was” features guest verses from high profile

artists including J. Cole, Childish Gambino, Post Malone, Lil Baby and others. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, Savage’s first No. 1 album of his career, and stayed there for another week before being overtaken by A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s “Hoodie SZN.” Often categorized as a monotonous trap rapper, Savage builds off of his solid 2018 features with his most sonically diverse release yet, rebranding himself as a man of more musical assortment than what may be expected on the surface.

The hard, murderous exterior displayed on his breakout EP “Savage Mode” has slowly disintegrated over the past few years to show a man that has had to battle adversity to get to where he is today. And, as the title of this album indicates, he is a better man for it.

Savage divides his album into two broad categories: life before becoming famous, and life after becoming famous.

Songs such as “a lot” featuring J. Cole and “letter 2 my momma” describe some of the hardships he faced being raised by a single mother with six sisters

21 Savage released his sophomore album, "i am > i was," just as 2018 was coming to a close. duo of Gunna and Lil Baby see the three taking turns flexing everything from guns to cars over a menacing instrumental by CuBeatz.

Varying vocal inflections and flows, as well as a wider variety of material, all combine to create 21 Savage’s most

complete project to date. Savage stands out from a crop of Atlanta rappers who focus on the material aspects of rap. He's a man who has the capacity to shift his focus to a more personal and emotional subject, while still being able to turn around and flex on anyone who challenges him.

Lifestyle

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The Knightly News - Page 13

High Museum Kusama Exhibit Captivates

Photo: Bennett Boushka The lights flash different colors in Infinity Room, Love Forever.

also expressed this in her writing, in 1969 publishing her own magazine titled “Kusama Presents an Orgy of Nudity, Love, Sex & Beauty."

The “Love Forever” room is hexagonal in shape and mirrored on all sides. Love Forever features two peepholes that invite visitors to peer in and see both themselves and another participant repeated into infinity. She created Love Forever while experimenting with new technology, and she viewed her work as a “machine for animation.” For the artist, the concept of Love Forever stood for civil rights, sexual liberation, the antiwar movement and the activist groups of the 1960s.

In 1996, Kusama began creating a series of installations incorporating polka-dotted balloons. The most famous of these works is “Love Transformed into Polka Dots," a room where balloons hang from the ceiling and occupy the floor, disrupting the viewer’s path. Visitors can enter the mirrored room through a door that leads inside a large balloon.

The other option is to peer through a peephole to see an image of an infinite number of pink polka dot balloons. The work engages visitors on contrasting scales: the tiny micro-space seen through the peephole and the macro life-sized space that envelops the viewer within the installation. The two different ways to see the balloons with polka dots shows her view that there is more than one way to view love.

In "Infinity Mirrored Room – Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity," golden lanterns flicker, creating a shimmering pattern of light that contrasts with the seemingly endless void of the mirrored black space. For Kusama, obliteration is a reflection on the experience of death and the potential of the afterlife.

The imagery in this work recalls the Japanese tradition of toro nagashi, a ceremony in which paper lanterns known as cochin float down a river to guide ancestral spirits back to their resting places on the final night of the summer obon festivals.

Photo: Morgan Boushka

The first room is “The Souls of Millions of Light Years Staff Writer Away,” which produces a repetiClass of 2021 tive illusion through the use of lights and mirrors. Similar in appearance to stars in the galaxy, If you have been looking hundreds of LED lights hang at your Instagram stories the and flicker in a rhythmic patpast couple of months, you tern that seems to suspend both have probably seen pictures space and time. This room is my from a unique art exhibit. Yayoi personal favorite; it gives one the Kusama's "Infinity Mirrors" illusion of traveling through the runs through Feb. 17 at Atlanta’s galaxy as a person in a fictional High Museum. The wildly popu- story. lar exhibit has traveled across In the 1960’s, Kusama began the county, earning sewing thousands of immense praise. stuffed fabric tubers Over 9,000 and grafting them people per day to furniture and “I have never put visited Kusamyself into any sort of found objects to ma's exhibit in create her Accumold, and I have lived mulation sculp2014, earning her the title of only in the realm of free- tures, but she most popular dom” – Yayoi Kusama found this work mentally and artist of the physically taxing, year by the Art so she utilized mirrors Newspaper. Within three days of tickets goto achieve repetition. ing on sale at the High Museum, The breakthrough of using all 92 days were sold out. The mirrors for repetition was very exhibit is known as the “‘Hamimportant to her career beilton’ of the art world” because cause it allowed her to increase of its popularity. In order to not productivity tenfold. The room completely shut out people who casts the visitor as the subject of couldn't get tickets in advance, the work, a feature that the artist the High has been selling 100 demonstrated through a protickets per day that are first vocative series of self-portraits come first serve. in which she used her body to The exhibit is set up so that activate the space. there are seven different rooms.

"Phalli’s Field," a second In the waiting lobbies are some room in the exhibition, is repof her other minor works and resentative of the way Kusama facts and pictures about the used sexuality to express herself story of her life. Extensive backnot only in her artworks but in ground information and analyher life. She was a firm believer sis of Kusama's work, some of in love forever, and in the 1960’s which is shared in this story, was performed wedding ceremonies provided in the form of placards for gay couples long before same throughout the rooms. sex marriage was legal. Kusama

Bennett Boushka

Yayoi's pumpkins illuminate yellow with black dots.

The ceremony often commemorates the victims of the atomic bombs. Mesmerizing and intimate, Kusama’s poetic installation highlights the impermanence of life and the certitude of death. The room truly makes the viewer feel as if they are attending the ceremony in Japan on a hot night.

Coming from a family that cultivated and sold plant seeds for a living, Kusama saw a pumpkin for the first time during a childhood visit to a seed-harvesting farm with her grandfather. Nestled into the landscape between fields of zinnia, periwinkle and nasturtium flowers, she spotted an unusually shaped gourd the size of a man’s head. The artist was attracted to the pumpkin for its “charming and winsome form,” celebrating its lumpy, unpretentious, organic shape.

The pumpkin motif first appeared in some of Kusama’s drawings from the late 1940s and has repeatedly shown up in her paintings, sculptures, drawings and installations. The glowing pumpkins, modeled after the Japanese kabocha squash, are married with Kusama’s signature polka dot pattern within an infinitely repeating space. She showed her famous pumpkins though the exhibition's room entitled, "All My Eternal Love for the Pumpkins."

The last room of the exhibit gets everyone involved by having the audience as a whole create the room. This room is called "The Obliteration Room," and it starts out completely white, including the furniture. Attendees

each get a sheet of paper with four stickers to stick around the room. The room is now covered in colorful dots.

Kusama writes fiction and poetry and has won prominent awards in Japan for these works.

Her interest in sexuality led her to encourage her followers to use nudity to express themselves, and in the late 1960s she scandalized the New York streets by leading bands of naked people covered in polka dots.

New York was not the only place; she organized similar events in places across the United States and Europe. Her biggest attempt at using sexuality was the “nude revolution” she tried to start in Japan, but authorities and a conservative culture led to her getting arrested many times and the revolution failed.

Kusama recently partnered with luxury retailer Louis Vuitton on a collection of colorful handbags, dresses and shoes speckled with the artist’s iconic polka dots. Kusama's great artistic accomplishments earned her a spot on Time magazine's “100 Most Influential People” list of 2016.

She opened the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo last year.

The museum itself is a work of art, with the stairs having windows and the rest being white, making the whole building look like never-ending stairs. She claimed it was one of her greatest accomplishments to have her own museum. Kusama is now 89 years old and still makes art in her Toyko studio daily.

particular, it is the fresh, handmade pizza that sets Antico apart from all others. Cooking in the traditional Italian style, with ingredients imported from Italy in order to maximize authenticity, the Antico chefs are able to create a flavor rarely seen in most pizzerias.

Antico offers several options for topping combinations, as well as an option to create your own pizza, with any toppings you so desire. I decided to get the "Dia Vola" style pizza which was topped with spicy hams and peppers, as well as several dollops of fresh mozzarella cheese.

I highly recommend this style pizza if you have not already

tried it, but I warn you that the peppers can be quite hot. Every pizza made in the brick ovens has a perfect ratio of dough to sauce to cheese, creating the perfect dish that rewards the taste buds.

An evening out at Antico could not be complete without a short walk across the street to Caffe Antico. The small cafe offers several flavors of phenomenal Italian gelato that will, without a doubt, satisfy your sweet tooth. If you have not already taken a trip down to Giovanni's Little Italia, I highly recommend a visit as Antico Napoletana houses some of the best pizza I have ever had.

Antico Napoletana: Atlanta's Best Pizzeria Charlie Warren News Editor Class of 2019

While some students at Pace Academy might be satisfied with mediocre pizza like Domino’s or Papa John's, other students crave a pizza more delicious. For those who fall in the second category, look no further than Antico Pizza Napoletana, as I, along with several other food critics, have determined it to be the best pizza restaurant in Atlanta.

This local, family style restaurant is just one of several that make up Atlanta’s "Little Italia." The idea of offering a

taste of authentic Italian eats was brought to life by Giovanni Di Palma in 2009 and has been expanding ever since. Thus far, Giovanni’s Little Italia includes the restaurants Antico Pizza, Gio’s Chicken Italiano & Maccheroni, Caffe Antico and Bar Amalfi, all of which produce delicious Italian classics. Antico has gained so much popularity that it also has a satellite location inside the Atlanta Braves' Suntrust Park, offering baseball fans a slice of Italian heaven.

While the tucked away corner of Antico is usually packed with people admiring the interesting murals and art along the brick walls, the inside re-

mains the site of all the activity.

The ambiance is quite unique, as the dining takes place right next to the three brick ovens used to cook the pizza. The entire kitchen is situated in front of several communal benches where customers sit alongside each other as they eat, enjoying a show as their pizzas are made just a few feet away. This is just one of the unique components that makes this lively Italian eatery the perfect location for any kind of outing, from family dinners to romantic dates.

However, as it is with any pizza restaurant, the food makes or breaks the establishment. And while the atmosphere is quite

Opinion

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 14

Despite Controversy, PDC Can Be Fun

The Knightly News 966 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 (404) 262-1345 knightlynews@paceacademy.org

Charlie Warren News Editor Class of 2019

(L-R) Seniors Joelle Zelony, Ann Rafeedie and Madeline Janki enjoy the picture party before PDC.

Photo: Madeline Janki

The annual Pre-Debutante Cotillion (PDC) is a formal dance in which students from mostly Buckhead schools come together to eat, dance and enjoy the night. This event has been an Atlanta tradition for 46 years and shows no signs of slowing down. PDC dances are held for each of the four grades. As the girls are invited to their respective grade’s dance, they can ask a boy from any grade to be their date.

From my recollection as a ninth grader, the freshman PDC dance was one of the major events of the year. However, stress surrounding the event boiled up among the class. As the night of the dance approached, the girls experienced most of the anxiety, as they decided who their date would be and how they would ask them, what dress and shoes they would wear, and planned for nail and hair appointments.

Because there are very few formal dances in middle school, most freshmen had little experience with this kind of event and ended up over-hyping the whole thing. However, as years pass and students gain some experience with what PDC is like, the whole event becomes less and less meaningful. The dances are quite fun, but the history of the Pre-Debutante Cotillion generates some controversy.

The tradition of the debutante ball is a custom that started as early as the 1600s, as young

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

girls of noble birth were presented to the court for the first time as women eligible for marriage, showing them off to the king and queen of the day. These extravagant cotillion balls are continued in some form today in the United States but have become less significant internationally.

The idea of the pre-debutante cotillion was introduced to Atlanta as a way to prepare interested high school girls for their eventual debutante season in college. And while there are some key differences between the PDC dances and the actual debutante balls, similarities include the costs involved with these events and the atmosphere of snobbishness that comes with them.

Since the original cotillion balls were for the noble-born members of high society, it only makes sense that these current balls still embody a sense of upper-class pretension. This tone has carried over to the PDC dances, as invitations to these dances are sent out to an exclusive group of high school

girls. Usually, only girls that attend a private school in the heart of Buckhead receive invitations, while girls from public schools are left out.

Similar to how debutante balls are a huge expense for the family of the deb and can cost thousands of dollars, the PDC dances are also expensive for the girls. They are compelled to pay a fee for attending for both themselves and their dates, which can cost them hundreds of dollars, adding to the costs of buying a dress and shoes, and hair appointments.

But while the idea of a pre-debutante cotillion conveys the notion of a slightly archaic ceremony, the dances themselves are fun ways to socialize with people in your grade from different private schools. There are very few opportunities, other than PDC, in which students from so many different schools meet and converse, which is a positive. While it is worth having a conversation about the future of PDC, for now, just enjoy the food and music, and dance.

generally men, who would paint their faces and bodies black, paint their lips to make them seem large, bright pink, and primate-like, and make a mockery of traditionally black music.

There’s a lot to unpack there.

Many probably saw blackface as just a game, a silly costume that was used to have fun, but it affected black people in America back then and affects black people now. Oftentimes, they would portray the black man as a sexual deviant, which led to an obsession with protecting white women from the “evil black man.”

They portrayed all black people as silly and fun-loving, with too few brain cells to make complicated decisions. Not only are these stereotypes horribly offensive, but the sexual deviant stereotype in question has literally killed black men for ages.

One such victim was named Emmett Till.

Emmett Till was a 14-yearold black boy from Chicago visiting his uncle in Mississippi for the summer of 1955. A white woman named Carolyn Bryant

accused him of wolf-whistling at her and being sexually threatening towards her while she worked the counter at a shop.

Her male relatives then found Till, beat him with various objects, mutilated him, then shot him in the head and dumped his body into a river. He was completely unrecognizable when he was finally found.

His mother had an open-casket funeral for him, so that she could show the entire world what they did to her son. People were lined up outside of the church to show their support and love for her. You can look up pictures of his body, but even cleaned up for the service, they are incredibly graphic, and you should be sure to carefully consider whether or not you have the stomach for it.

Till was only one such victim of this stereotype, on a list of countless others.

Now, how is this connected to white women wearing dark foundation and posing as black girls online, you ask?

White women were generally the cause of these hideous lynchings, wittingly or not. So,

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 Web Content Editor: Aman Hashim

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

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.

There’s No Place for Blackface in Modern Society Photo: Twitter (account since deleted)

In the wake of a trend of “blackfishing,” a term coined by the internet that is used in reference to Caucasian women masquerading as black people, I find it necessary to address the issue of blackface. Just recently, a female Oklahoma University sophomore posted a video to Snapchat where she had painted her face and hands black and used a racial slur.

The video was shared on Twitter on Jan. 18 and went viral, leading the University of Oklahoma president to condemn her actions. Though many may see blackface as harmless, it has dark roots, stretching all the way back to the 1800s.

A minstrel is defined

by Merriam-Webster as a “member of a band of entertainers with blackened faces who performed songs and music ostensibly of black American origin.” Basically, these were white people,

The most recent instances of blackfishing appear on multiple social media platforms. for them to darken their faces, purposefully enlarge their lips to imitate those of black women, and wear hairstyles that are important to black culture, such as cornrows, box braids, etc., it completely disrespects the history of minstrelsy and lynching in America, which cannot be tolerated.

All in all, it all circles back to a trend of ignorance. People are

completely ignorant of more than the basic truths of what it was truly like for black people in the past, and so they do these things (generally) not out of hatred or aggression, but because they don’t know better.

However, it’s important for people to understand that what’s a joke to you has a dark history that includes the killing and persecution of innocent people.

Sports

Vol. 44, Issue #4

The Knightly News - Page 15

Kaye Siblings Poised to Expand State Titles Bennett Boushka

Staff Writer Class of 2021

50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard backstroke. Charlie won the 100 yard backstroke 1A-3A state championship last year, and placed second in the 100 yard freestyle. Charlie hopes to defend his state title and win the 100 yard freestyle this year, which would earn him a total of three state championships in his high school career.

Lizzy also had an impressive state meet last year, earning the 1-3A state diving championship as a freshman. Her exceptional diving performance earned her a spot on the National Interscholastic Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American team.

With the help of the Kaye siblings, the Pace swim team has high aspirations for the state meet on Feb. 7-9 at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center.

Photos: Ashford Little

Since the late fall, the Pace swim team has dedicated both time and hard work to achieve their set goals for the season.

The team did not let the twoweek-long winter break slow them down, as they defeated both Walker and Paideia in their first meet back.

While the group has proven successful as a team, many Aqua Knights have shone individually as well. In particular, the Kaye siblings, senior Charlie Kaye and sophomore Elizabeth Kaye, have crushed the 2018-2019 season, breaking records and winning many events.

Charlie earned the Iron Knight award, given to a swimmer who has a state time in every individual event, proving his diversity in many events from the 50 yard freestyle to the 500 yard freestyle. He finished the meet on Jan. 8 with a win in the 500 yard freestyle, earning him a state qualifying time even though he is considered a sprinter.

At the same meet, Elizabeth, known by the nickname Lizzy, broke her own school record in the six and 11 dives. In the 11 dive, Lizzy became the first girl from Pace to earn a perfect 10 out of 10 from the judges. Lizzy now owns all the Pace diving records from middle to high school.

Charlie also beat his own school and meet records in the

Lizzy (top) and Charlie (bottom) Kaye go into the state meet this week as defending state champions and look to earn new awards.

Gymnasts Prepare for Upcoming Season Jill Rawls

Managing Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Jill Rawls Coach Cunningham helps junior Hayden Sample with her routine on the bars.

While small, the girls gymnastics team is filled with talented athletes who anticipate a great season. The eight girls, seven of whom are veterans to the team, started training Jan. 8.

“Coach really gets us into shape,” said sophomore Eve Kogon. “Even though sometimes I am so sore I can’t walk, it is all worth it when we see how much stronger we have gotten by the time of our first meet.”

Even in the midst of pain and soreness after hard workouts, the team’s morale remains high as the girls are a close-knit group.

Pace physical education chairperson and head gymnas-

tics coach Steve Cunningham has 38 years of experience working with Pace’s team, coaching the first varsity team in 1982.

This year, he is excited by the team’s dynamic. “I really like the makeup of our team,” said Coach Cunningham. “The girls are a hard-working group but we also have fun at the same time.”

Additionally, Coach Cunningham is pleased that this year marks the beginning of a new classification system, putting Pace in the A-5A division, meaning the team will no longer compete against the huge teams from the 6A and 7A divisions.

Last year, sophomores Maggie Jenkins and Casey Shoulberg, along with junior Hayden Sample, qualified for the state preliminary meet by scoring at least an 8.5 out of 10 three times on an event. “It was amazing to

get to see the top gymnasts in the region compete,” said Jenkins about her experience. “A lot of the girls there are club gymnasts, so they do some pretty crazy skills. We were proud of how we did, though.”

This year, Coach Cunningham and all the gymnasts hope that the team will qualify as a whole by finishing the regular season ranked as one of the top eight teams in the division.

The team has a good shot at qualifying with the new dual classification system and the girls’ efforts.

The first competition isn’t until March 15, so the team members have plenty of time to prepare routines and master their various exercises in order to be fully ready for the beginning of the season.

Wendell Carter, Jr. Continues to Make Pace Proud Ben Ginsberg

Social Media Editor Class of 2020

December was a tougher month for Wendell where he averaged 3.6 fouls and 23.4 minutes in eight December games – a full two minutes less than he averaged in November, when he ended with a career-high 28 points against the Detroit Pistons.

Regardless of the December dip, Wendell was enjoying an impressive rookie campaign, putting up 10.3 points, seven rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a night over 44 games – numbers that put him top eight or better among rookies in all three categories.

On Jan. 16, Wendell suffered a potentially season-ending thumb injury in the Bulls’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

NBA.com recently reported that doctors have determined that he will need surgery, resulting in a recovery that is expected to take 8-12 weeks – appearing to bring an early end to Wendell’s first season of NBA play.

Regardless of where that path of surgery and recovery takes him, it seems certain that Wen-

Photo: Wendell Carter Jr. Twitter

In June, Pace Academy’s very own Wendell Carter, Jr., Class of 2017, began his career in the National Basketball Association with the Chicago Bulls following a standout freshman year at Duke University. The Bulls selected Wendell seventh overall in the NBA draft, making him the first ever professional basketball player from Pace.

Wendell did not make the trip to Chicago alone; his parents moved to Chicago with him.

They moved there in order to maintain the close and supportive role that they have played for the last 19 years of Wendell’s life. Wendell has long credited his parents as the reason for his success.

In a recent article in “The Undefeated,” Wendell’s mother Kylia Carter explained their decision to accompany Wendell to Chicago, saying, “every other

19-year-old kid lives at home with their momma, so why do we become ‘helicopter parents’ because our kid’s a millionaire and we still want him at home with us?”

That traditional parenting seems to have served Wendell well. While at Pace, Mrs. Carter was a frequent attendee at school events and was also encouraging of Wendell’s participation in all aspects of the Pace community – not just the basketball program.

Students who knew Wendell while he was at Pace remember his prominent role in the school play, as well as his blog in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

Wendell has also made a point, despite his newfound fame, of returning to Pace Academy’s Keeping Pace summer program to spend time with the participants and counselors and talk about his journey.

At the beginning of the NBA season, Wendell came into his own quickly for the Bulls, performing both offensively and defensively.

Wendell Carter, Jr. was selected seventh overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. dell will continue his journey with humility and grace, guided by the love and support of family

– including his extended family of supporters at this high school alma mater.

Sports

February 8, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 16

Boys Basketball Excels in Season of ‘Firsts’ Zachary Howard Staff Writer Class of 2020

Photo: Fred Assaf

This basketball season marks some new beginnings for the Pace Knights. This is the first season without 6’7 forward Isaiah Kelly, who now plays for Yale University as a freshman.

Kelly and Wendell Carter Jr., who graduated in 2017 and is now a Chicago Bull, were both key to Pace’s dominance in recent years.

This year also is the maiden season for new head boys basketball coach Sharman White.

Coach White has an extensive list of coaching accolades, being named National High School Coach of the year by the NHCSA in 2016 and winning the 2013-2014 USA Today Coach of the Year award. In addition, he helps coach some of the best players in the country as a member of the USA Basketball coaching staff.

“With the arrival of Coach

Junior Ben Crawford drives into the paint against rival Lovett.

Ben is one of the many young contributors that have helped the team thrive.

White, the entire culture around the team changed,” said junior Sam Adams. “The team has an added desire to work even harder and to succeed because of what he brings to the table

and how great of a coach he is. I think that this is evident in our play, as, even though we have only one senior, we can continue to play and compete at a high level.”

Boys Lacrosse Looks to Repeat Successful Season

Will Zook

Sports Editor Class of 2019

Following a successful season last year where the team finished with a record of 13-6, including big wins against St. Pius X, Whitefield and Lovett, the 2019 lacrosse Knights look to develop a new crop of players.

This year’s team will face the daunting task of filling the shoes of multiple key contributors from last year’s team, including All-American Ryan Hofstetter ‘18 and All-State Honorable Mention Joseph Adams ‘18.

Eleventh grade dean Grady Stevens returns for his fifth season as head coach of the varsity program. He is joined by ninth grade dean Ben Ewing,

10th grade chemistry teacher Matthew Smentek and goalie coach Nick Verrelli, as well as Bryan Cole and Shayne Jackson, members of the National League Lacrosse team Georgia Swarm.

Hailing from Maryland University, Cole was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NLL Draft, while Jackson, an alumnus of Limestone College, led the Swarm during the 201718 season with 52 assists on the season.

One of the strengths of this year’s team is the relationship between the seniors, who have been working with one another as they figure out how to become leaders on and off of the field. “I think the senior leadership has been great,” said Coach Stevens.

“There’s so many of the seniors that are playing, and each guy has been playing their role well.”

ling the paint for the Knights and allowing other players to flourish around him. Lately Middleton has been sidelined with a foot injury, and Watkins and sophomore Justin Johnson have seamlessly involved themselves in the offense more often.

“A lot of young players have stepped up this season, and it has been huge for the success of the team,” said junior Ben Crawford.

“Even though they may lack the experience of Myles, they still contribute to and influence the game in major ways.”

Whatever the formula is for the Knights, it’s working. In his first year with the team, Coach White has led the boys to a 18-7 regular season record and a huge win over Cedar Grove in region play.

Durr, Watkins and freshman Josh Reed were named to the 5-AAA All Region Team. With a 9-3 region record, Pace began the region tournament as second seed behind Cedar Grove. With the tournament ending today, the Knights are poised to make a strong run in the state playoffs.

Photo: Fred Assaf

Photo: Fred Assaf Senior Brogan Smith advances the ball down the field during last year’s win vs. Lovett.

Every senior has played since freshman year, allowing for a natural chemistry to take shape as the years progressed.

Senior captain Sam Assaf, currently committed to play lacrosse at Amherst College, looks forward to being able to lead a relatively inexperienced team and hopes to build a strong bond between players. “Our defense has played together for a few years now, so we will look to build off of that strong foundation in order to strengthen the rest of the team throughout the course of the season,” said Assaf.

The offensive side of the ball features new faces, including sophomores Steven Morrisroe and Evan Karetsos, both of whom have been working hard in the offseason in order to be ready when their numbers are called.

“Personally, I’ve worked hard to become a more versatile offensive threat to help alleviate some of the pressure off of our midfielders,” said Karetsos.

This team will need multiple underclassmen to take a big step forward this year if they hope to be in contention come May. The team will look to capitalize on its strengths defensively and at the faceoff X, where senior and Sewanee lacrosse commit Charlie Warren will look to build off of his junior campaign, one in which he finished with an All-State Honorable Mention. Success in the faceoff game leads to more offensive possessions and in turn more chances to score.

The Knights begin their season on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., a home game against AAAAA classification Kell High School.

Myles Todd is the lone senior, and one of only two players (along with junior Reign Watkins) who remain from the team that won back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017.

With so many younger players, the team’s dynamic is starting from scratch.

However, Todd shoulders the responsibility of leadership extremely well. “I understand that I am the only senior on the team, and a lot of responsibility falls to me as I have the most experience,” said Todd. “That is extremely important to me, because understanding what to do and when to do it is how you win games.”

On the court, however, the team’s underclassmen have what it takes to be successful. Sophomore Madison Durr is new to Pace but has stepped right into his role on the varsity team, leading a lot of the offensive plays. Aside him is sophomore and big man Cole Middleton.

Middleton was on the team as a freshman, but he has really stepped up this season, control-

Sophomore Kalissa Greene (center) saves a tight pass during the area championship against Wesminster on Oct. 5.

Kalissa Greene Earns National Acclaim Jamie Kornheiser Staff Writer Class of 2021 Sophomore Kalissa Greene was recently named to PrepVolleyball.com’s 2019 16s Club Preseason All-Americans, making her the top sophomore setter in the country.

Last year, Greene was also named to PrepVolleyball.com's Frosh 59 List and was honored as a member of the U15 First Team - PrepVolleyball.com Club All-Americans. This past season, Greene was named AllArea Most Valuable Player.

Greene has played varsity volleyball her freshman and sophomore years at Pace, and was an integral part of the team's back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018.

Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Anna Bush gets to coach Greene and watch her grow as a

player and as a person. “Kalissa being named one of the top setters in the country, it's very deserving," said Coach Bush.

"Her intelligence and knowing when to set a certain player and knowing when she can attack and when she just needs to keep things simple, she understands all of that. And that's something that you really can't coach.”

"Not only is Greene an incredible player but she is also a great person,” Coach Bush continued. “She is one of those kids that if she sits at the table everybody wants to sit next to her.”

Greene plays for A5 Volleyball Club, one of the top five volleyball clubs in the country.

She is constantly in the gym, whether she is working on technique or strength conditioning.

Even with all the accomplishments and praise, Greene says she still “plan[s] on working harder and having an even better season this year.”