Vol. 41, Issue #1
The
September 18, 2015
Knightly News
p. 3 Five Minutes with Mark Handler
p. 5 Pace Bans Student Trade
p. 8 Dr. Baker, New Athletic Director
‘Dark Knights Rise’ for Senior Year Photos: Fred Assaf
Brian Sloan
Staff Writer Class of 2017
Droplets of sweat dampen the tank top of senior Jean-Luc Brown as he shrieks at the freshmen siblings to pass an orange between their necks. These are the “Dark Knights,” and this orange-passing ritual signaled the start of a new year under the leadership of the Class of 2016. Toilet paper rained over the crowd, as DJ Kyle Duvall serenaded the crowd with his nasty beats of “Black and Yellow.” The juices were flowing on the FAC stage as a wave of enthusiasm swept over the crowd. “The whole parade was pretty savage, I felt as if I was floating over my body watching me speak,” said senior and Buckhead Landscaping heirapparent Bailey O’Sullivan. “I really fed off of the energy of the crowd, and they got me super hyped.” The Class of 2016 possesses more than just what meets the eye. The seniors, so aptly titled “Fleming’s Angels,” are a melting pot of different personalities, talents and interests. From Isdell
Seniors celebrate the start of the school year, chanting “Dark Knights Rise” as they ride into school (L) and celebrate on the stage (R). Global Scholars to local service leaders, the Class of 2016 represents Pace on both the local and global scale. Student body president and senior Mark Handler believes that his class will lead Pace into a bright future. “Although our class may have made mistakes in the past, that is not indicative of who we are,” he said. “There is no doubt in my mind that our seniors will fulfill and exceed the expectations as leaders of the school.” With a plethora of Orkin scholars and academic acco-
lades, the Class of 2016 “strives for excellence” in the classroom. For example, senior Andrew Wu has been in the process of writing a non-fiction collegiate-level book titled “Space, Time, and the Universe: A Comprehensive Guide to the Finer Points of Astronomy and Astrophysics.” The new seniors, however, are not solely academically oriented, with successes on the stage, the field and in the community. Seniors such as Tory Dancu and Ryan Duvall have grown up in the fine arts program, and these seasoned vets
are poised to assume leadership. Meanwhile, the Class of 2016 has already shown extraordinary promise as leaders in athletics. Led by senior captains Philip Elliot, Spencer Hemmingway and Anthony Trinh, the football team manhandled their opponents in the first four games of the season. Beyond the football field, the upcoming year in athletics appears to be promising. In the community, almost all service projects are led by seniors. Executive service leaders Mark Handler, Ethan Robinson, Julia
Stern and Nicole Shafer have taken over as official heads of all projects. Although many know the Class of 2016 as a fun-loving class, their dean, Brooks Fleming, believes the seniors’ true colors will show this upcoming year. “This is a different role than they are used to being in, but they will exceed all expectations,” said Mr. Fleming. “I feel like as a class they have grown and matured in many ways. I have really enjoyed being their dean and I am confident that they will rise to the challenge.”
bridge teachers and students into all facets of Pace life in order to make everyone’s experience pleasant,” explained senior and student body vice-president Mary Stuart Gray. Student Council deals with organizing fundraisers and planning events for the student body. Both student body representatives and class representatives encourage everyone to come to them with any questions, concerns, complaints or new ideas. Some of the easiest ways to participate with Student Council is to go to events like Cabaret or dances. By digging one level deeper, running for Student Council allows you to meet students in other grades and interact with people in your grade that you might not usually talk to. Teamwork is a major aspect of Student Council, and an overall great way to experience the sense of community within Pace. Pace’s Green Team, whose
mission is to promote sustainability within Pace, as well as locally and even globally, is another excellent way to involve yourself. Green Team plans and discusses its projects, such as the Green Cup Challenge, during its weekly meetings on Thursday mornings. Both those experienced with sustainability efforts and newcomers are welcomed into the club. “Students can get involved by participating in the everyday projects like composting at lunch, reading the posters and following our tips and pointers, recycling, carpooling to school, and finding little things to do at Pace or at your house just to save energy,” said senior Jake Jenkins, co-president of the Green Team. Student Advisory Board, better known as SAB, strives to educate the student body about mental health and encourage people to be open-minded. “Our
group works to create a more tolerant and a more welcoming school environment for people to feel comfortable, with a focus on students’ emotional well-being,” said senior and SAB president Tory Dancu. Tory emphasized the importance of attacking the misconception that mental illness is scarce throughout the community.
SAB hosts numerous events throughout the year such as Unplugged Day, Donut Stress, and Love Your Body Week, and hopes to include more smaller events this year. Participating is as easy as turning off your phone for a day, reading the fliers in the hallway about various issues, or coming to the monthly open meetings.
Student Leaders Dive into New Year Sarah Kitchen
Staff Writer Class of 2017
Photo: Sarah Kitchen
As a new student in the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School, one can quickly become overwhelmed with information about academics, athletics and other extra-curriculars. One of the best ways to get involved, meet new people, and improve the community is to participate in student leadership. Every group has a distinct goal to benefit the upper school students. A few examples of these groups are Student Council, Green Team, Service Leadership, Student Advisory Board (SAB), Pace Academy Board of Diversity (PABD) and Pace Academy Student Support (PASS). Three of these organizations are highlighted below. “Student Council is there to
Green Team co-president Jake Jenkins discusses ways to help the environment in a weekly club meeting.
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Pace News
September 18, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 2
RoboKnights Build in New Headquarters Photo: Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris
Staff Writer Class of 2016
Room 101 in the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School is home to a new tenant for the 2015-2016 school year. Upper school science teacher Brianna Korb now oversees the activity occurring in Pace Academy's first robotics elective class, an expansion stemming from Pace's robotics club, the RoboKnights. "The robotics course was started in large part due to the robotics club," said Mrs. Korb. "We've found that students aren't able to fully participate in the projects after school because there is not enough time." Because of these time constraints on the club, the administration decided to give students the chance to add robotics as a scheduled elective. So far, six students have joined the class and all seem to have taken a liking to the course and its material. "I really like the class," said junior Summer Brown. "My
Juniors Alex Kaye and Connor LaMastra focus on the details of their robot in Room 101. favorite thing about the class is constructing and testing the robots." The students are instructed to manufacture a mobile robot using the fundamental principles of computer science, analytical mathematics and basic physics. This concept ties into an international high school competition called FIRST Robotics, which the RoboKnights compete in annually. FIRST stands for "For
Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Currently, each student is learning the ups and downs that come with working with robotics. "In a way, robotics is similar to physics," said Mrs. Korb, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in physics. "You have to have the ability to keep trying things. Sometimes you find the correct solution, other times your
solution may be wrong. I think it's critical for students to be able to tinker around with something in order to truly learn." The robotics students are learning this first-hand with the computer programming that is essential to the construction of the robot. "As some of my students can tell you, sometimes the programming works, sometimes it doesn't," said Mrs. Korb. "By doing this, however, the students are able to truly learn how the programming works. It is a lot of instant feedback, which is positive." The course also provides the opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and passion for the subject. "The class lets them be creative in a more technical aspect," said Mrs. Korb. "The students, while using the programming, get to show their creativity by adding turns, lights and even sounds while learning angles and rotation." The students work with tires and motors which help their robot function more effectively. Senior Parkes Tesler finds peace inside a classroom echoing the sounds of functioning robots.
"The work is a lot of fun," said Parkes. "I've been a RoboKnight since the sixth grade and I enjoy the work that comes with the subject." Parkes sees robotics as definitely playing a role in his future, saying, "I want to major in mechanical engineering in college and this gives me a chance to pursue a passion while providing me necessary experience." The members of the elective course will soon shift their focus toward preparing for upcoming competitive events. The RoboKnights are vying for a high ranking in a section of FIRST called First Tech Challenge (FTC). On Sept. 12, the committee for FTC will release the competition details and requirements, both nationally and globally. Once the challenge is released, the Knights will have around six to eight weeks to prepare their competitive bots to meet the established requirements. Members of the RoboKnights hope that the newly allocated space and time designated for the elective class will generate great results for the upcoming competitions this school year.
Jonathan Rushton Staff Writer Class of 2018
Entering high school can be daunting for most freshmen, but Pace’s freshman retreat paves the way to a more comfortable beginning. “[The trip] was extremely helpful in starting high school,” said freshman Gillian Weitzner. Whether it is high up on ropes courses or sliding down the waterside, the experiences are designed to ease the transition from middle school to high school. The week before the new school year, the incoming freshman class and 16 seniors set out for northern Alabama to form a special bond with each other at Camp Skyline. Upon
arrival, students were thrown into canoeing trips, zip lines, ropes courses, and numerous team bonding activities with the seniors and camp counselors. “Jacob’s ladder was my favorite because it involved teamwork, and it was really funny when we would get stuck on a pole, hanging like a sloth,” said senior peer leader Lauren Archer. These activities allowed for the young freshmen and experienced seniors to get to know one another and form new relationships that will stick with them for the rest of the year. “I know we all had a blast meeting our peer leaders, and I am excited to spend more time with them,” said Gillian. Through this trip, the peer leaders begin to connect with the freshmen and their peer leadership partners for the year, with an eye toward making peer
leadership classes more enjoyable for the young students. The trip also provides the opportunity for the students who were new to Pace to forge friendships with the returning students. “The Skyline trip helped everyone bond with fellow students, new and old,” said freshman class president Charlie Hirsch. The peer leaders agreed that the trip helped them get to know the Class of 2019. Students from both grades reported that the team relays and color wars on the last night really capped off a great trip. “On the last night all the peer leaders, especially me, were invested in winning, and at the end we had a giant mosh pit,” said senior JeanLuc Brown. Other peer leaders have fond memories of this night, with many saying that it was their favorite part of the trip.
Photo: Caitlin Jones
Freshmen Bond in 'Bama
Freshman Gillian Weitzner and senior Mary Stuart Gray take on the ropes course. The trip has made the transition easier, with many students viewing the year ahead with excitement. “I can’t say enough
about how fun the trip was… They’re such a high energy, exciting class,” said senior Mary Stuart Gray.
Chef Mifflin To Enhance Meals at the Academy Alyse Greenbaum Staff Writer Class of 2017
space.” Chef Mifflin took an interest in culinary art at an early age thanks to his mother’s influence, and eventually came to enjoy experimenting with his own creations. He graduated with a
Photo: Alyse Greenbaum
Jeremy Mifflin, Pace’s new head chef, is cooking up ideas to incorporate into the menu that will appeal to every student and faculty member. “I want to start by keeping the menu consistent in order to make everyone comfortable, and then eventually implement a little variety,” he said. With twenty years of experience in food service under his belt, Chef Mifflin seeks to improve the nutritional quality of food at Pace and welcomes meal recommendations. He has a number of new ideas to incorportate into lunch options, saying, “I think bringing back
action stations where kitchen staff members are cooking in front of you would be a good addition to lunches. The outdoor patio seems underutilized to me, so adding those stations might be a great opportunity to fill the
Chef Mifflin prepares lunch for the Pace student body and faculty.
degree in Culinary Arts from Faulkner State and proceeded to take internships and jobs in multiple hotels and clubs, such as the Perdido Beach Resort, The Capital City Club of Atlanta and Dolce Hotel and Resorts. Chef Mifflin worked as the Food Service Director at Brandon Hall School for the past four years, so cooking for hundreds of students and faculty members engenders confidence rather than nerves. One of his favorite aspects of Pace so far is being able to provide sports teams with meals. “Knowing that I can give the sports teams nutritional meals before games is reassuring, because I know they are getting an energizing meal, rather than going somewhere like McDonald’s,” he said.
Chef Mifflin admits he has a sweet tooth, which backed his reasoning behind bringing back the soft serve machine full time. It has proven to be an extremely popular addition to the dessert options. He said that he found the machine, a gift from the Class of ‘89, sitting in the basement. Since soft serve at his previous school was highly desired by students, Chef Mifflin said that he wants to “make Pace kids happy, too.” Chef Mifflin enjoys competing in cooking competitions outside of work because they are a way to display his cutting-edge techniques and specialities. So far he has won two bronze medals and one silver, and during his time at Pace, Chef Mifflin says he will “go for gold.”
Pace News
Vol. 41, Issue #1
The Knightly News - Page 3
Five Minutes with President Mark Handler Co-Editor-in-Chief Class of 2016
KN: Hello, Mark! MH: Hey! KN: So Mark, what are you most excited about for the upcoming school year? MH: I’m most excited about just being a senior, which I know you can relate to, and all the perks that come with that. Being the kings of the school is a different way of life that we haven’t been a part of before, and the senior year is kind of a legendary year, so I hope that we can make it legendary. KN: What did you do this summer? MH: My summer consisted of a lot of Knightcard contracts, some pickup soccer thrown in there, and I went to Texas for a wedding. My brother was home, which was nice. It was a pretty low key summer. KN: Being a lifer, how are you feeling about this year at Pace being your last? MH: It’s a little bittersweet, I guess. I’ve been here my whole life so obviously Pace means a lot to me, but college is an exciting new chapter that I’m eager to get started with. I’ll definitely miss the teachers at Pace and a lot of the friendships I have.
Hopefully I can keep those fires lit, but everybody’s going to different places so it’ll probably be a little weird. I don’t know what college I’ll be at yet so I don’t know how it relates to the Pace community, but I know the Pace community is something special and it is definitely something I’ll miss. KN: How has your role changed from a class president to the president of the student body? MH: It’s a bigger leadership role for sure, because now you’re not just governing your grade but you’re governing your school, so with that comes more responsibilities. However, we [student body officers Mark, Elizabeth Hawn, Mary Stuart Gray and Prashanth Kumar] don’t get caught up in the minor details of grade conflicts as much. We instead facilitate more of a broader spectrum, so things like T-shirt sales and Spirit Week aren’t really us anymore. KN: What changes is the student council planning on? MH: We like our traditions, so as of now, not many new changes are on the schedule. We have cut down on the number of dances because of some attendance issues. On the Knightcard, we are now including not only restaurants but stores too, so make sure to pick yours up. KN: Was the senior parade
everything you expected it to be? MH: It was everything I expected and a little more. Before was not what I expected, because I was hanging out with a bunch of guys and we stayed up until 4:00 in the morning even though we had to get up two hours later to come and be crazy. There were a lot of headaches that day from screaming and lack of sleep, but it kind of makes you feel like a king. Going crazy and knowing no one can judge you is also pretty nice. KN: What are you most excited/nervous about this year? MH: I’m excited to be accepted to college, to get that monkey off my back, and for a fun second semester. I’m nervous about the first semester, though, because it’s pretty important and jam-packed with responsibilities in and outside of school. KN: When you go off to college, what is the one thing you’ll look back on and miss the most about Pace? MH: I guess I’ll probably miss the student-teacher relationships. It’s cool being a young person and being able to connect with the teachers at Pace because they’re all very cool. They’re not only teachers but your friends, too. I’ll miss that connection, being able to talk to them outside of class about random stuff. I was talking to Mr. Whyte the
Photo: Joe Loughran
Joe Loughran
Student Body President Mark Handler is prepared to lead students through another successful year at the Academy. other day about building a Ninja Warrior course at Pace. KN: That’d be pretty great, huh? If you were stranded on a desert island with one teacher from Pace, who would it be and why? MH: I would choose [long pause] Mr. Ballard or Mr. Whyte. Both are outdoorsy guys who could keep you alive while teaching you the necessities of math and science. KN: What advice would you give to freshmen as they begin their time at Pace?
MH: That’s a question that comes up in PL [Peer Leadership] a lot. I tell them to take freshmen year seriously because it is 1/4th of your GPA and you don’t want to have that regret. I also tell them to make good choices and I would tell them to be themselves. Oftentimes freshmen might try to fit someone else’s mold, but here at Pace it’s not hard to just be who you are. KN: One last question: Is the Pace boys varsity soccer team going to win state this year? MH: Of course!
Photo: Amy Butler
New Year Brings New Teachers Freshman Survival
Guide: Five Tips
Amy Butler Staff Writer Class of 2018
Each year, teachers come from near and far to apply to become a teacher at Pace Academy. This year, four new academic teachers join the Pace family: Ms. Caitlin Morris, Dr. Heather McClosky, Dr. Katie Moss and Ms. Christina Snyder. Ms. Morris previously taught in a school in Roanoke, Virginia where there were only 50 students per grade, so Pace is a big upgrade for her. While teaching in Virginia, Ms. Morris attended a conference where she met Upper School Head Mr. Gannon. Following the conference, Mr. Gannon showed interest in Ms. Morris and invited her to visit Pace. She instantly fell in love with the Upper School building and the students’ positive attitudes. Now, she teaches three different types of classes: French I, French III and Western Civilization. According to Ms. Morris, she has yet to “speak French in a history class.” Unlike Ms. Morris, Dr. McClosky is a native Atlantan and is quite familiar with Pace. Dr. McClosky attended Pace from 7th to 12th grade, and taught math and physics in the Upper School after graduating college. After going to grad school at Georgia Tech and becoming a mother of two kids, ages 7 and 4, her love of Pace has brought her back to teaching again. She says that while the facilities have
(L-R) Dr. Moss, Ms. Snyder, Dr. McClosky, and Ms. Morris get to know each other better as new faculty members. definitely changed, the atmosphere has stayed the same. The teachers have not changed either; as a high school student, Dr. McClosky had Mr. Owens for math and Ms. Smith for history. Both Dr. McClosky and Dr. Moss have kids here at Pace in the Lower School. Dr. Moss was a Pace parent before she began working here, with children currently in the 1st and 3rd grades. She previously taught English for nine years in a Fulton County public school, where the class sizes were a lot bigger than Pace’s. Last year she was a substitute teacher for Ms. Barbakow, and now she teaches part-time in the English department, with two World Literature classes and one sophomore English class. She enjoys that the students “encourage and respect one another, and are excited to see each other’s successes.”
Also transitioning from public school to private school, Ms. Snyder teaches the new Intro to Programming class and AP Computer Science course. Pace is a quarter of the size of her high school, where “everybody didn’t know everybody else,” a real contrast to the Pace community. Ms. Snyder initially worked as a teaching assistant in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech while finishing her computer science degree there, but then a friend recommended her for a job at Pace. She taught parttime at Pace last year, conducting many of her classes online through a special arrangement, and now teaches full-time. Ms. Snyder also serves as the Upper School’s associate registrar. Editor’s Note: Look for a profile of Mr. Bryan, Pace’s new theatre director, in the October issue of The Knightly News.
Zack Kaminsky
Staff Writer Class of 2016
Upon arriving in the Upper School, many freshmen are overwhelmed by the change of scenery. Confusion and panic often ensue when trying to understand the rotating schedule, and freshmen are easily lost in a maze of classrooms on different floors with new teachers. Soon, all freshmen learn their bearings, but then comes the hard part: surviving socially and academically. Here are five tips to help avoid trouble this year: 1. Develop good relationships with your teachers, because they are here to help and support you. They want you to be successful. Make sure to say “thank you” at the end of class and visit them for help during a free period or extra help hours. It will help you become more comfortable asking them questions and will make class more enjoyable if you don’t feel intimidated by them. 2. Be outgoing towards your classmates. You will be spending four years with them, so getting to know them is vital. It will make your high school experience that much better if you establish friendships and spend time with your friends when you
get the chance. Take the initiative and reach out to new people while maintaining relationships with old friends. 3. Take your work seriously. College may seem a ways off, but your freshman grades are still important. Slack off on your schoolwork freshman year, and it may come back to haunt you during the college process. Do not let it stress you out, but definitely make sure you are on top of your academics. 4. Use your free periods wisely. Homework can be a heavy burden, especially on top of extracurricular obligations. You have two free periods for a reason; while hanging out in the Inman Center may be fun, it is not always productive. Take advantage of this time, because if you don’t, you may find yourself up into the wee hours of the morning. 5. Last, but certainly not least, get involved. Pace is an incredible place with a wide array of opportunities from the arts to athletics to extracurricular activities. Take ceramics, try drama or join the band. Sign up for a sport you have never played. If you don’t consider yourself an athlete, cheer as loud as you possibly can in the fan section. Pace hands students the opportunity to pursue their interests, so it is imperative that you take advantage of all the school has to offer.
Pace News
September 18, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 4
Pace Students Say Mum-’bye’ to India Features Editor Class of 2017
“The train was definitely a cultural experience,” said junior Sari Leven, reflecting on her Global Ed trip to India this past summer. From searching for the elusive Bengal tiger in the Khana Reserve to exploring the ancient Buddhist temples of Elephanta Island, India was quite the experience for 22 of Pace’s upper school students. There aren’t many other places one can go to find an experience so different from American culture than the other side of the world. Pace students flew into Mumbai and ended in Delhi, stopping at many places on the way, including Jaipur, Agra and Jodhpur. The emphasis for the trip was primarily on photography, and the group spent most of their time taking incredible pictures
of people, interesting architecture, and other aspects of Indian culture. Most of the photos will be on display in Mr. Dorman’s India exhibit at Pace scheduled for Nov. 2-24. There are always special highlights of school trips, and this one was no exception. Though the legendary train ride was one of the most frequently talked about events, the students also experienced other tastes of India by cycling through the chaos of busy markets, riding elephants up to the doorstep of a famous palace, and sharpening their bartering skills with the local vendors at every stop. Adventure was around every corner. Girls enjoyed enshrouding themselves in vibrant silks to make saris, while boys easily found the fabled “MC Hammer pants” in all different kinds of designs. Some even learned some Hindi from their guide, Nadeesh, to help break language barriers with local citizens. Junior Michael Chen
Photo: Alexis Wilkins
This driver could use some parking tips.
Photo: Alexis Wilkins These drivers seem to have mastered the challenges of the Pace back parking lot.
Photo: France Dorman
Libby Sams
Upperclassmen girls share a smile outside of a fortress in Delhi, India. reported that his favorite part of the trip was visiting the Taj Mahal. Other crowd pleasers included the Americanized hash browns for breakfast served only at the Crowne Plaza and waking up at 3:00 a.m. for a plane flight. Some students, such as junior Avery Herman, just enjoyed spending their time in the company of their school peers.
“It honestly wasn’t a normal Global Education trip; it was India,” said Mr. DeRosa, one of the chaperones. “To me, the best part of the trip was watching the kids face the challenges of India and overcome them. They all handled them differently than each other and some embraced the culture more than others, but ultimately I was just so im-
pressed with the students.” Even if it meant getting a little too personal with cheap henna ink, this amazing mix of students came as strangers and left as best friends. Happy to be home, they fondly reminisced about the friends they made, the things they learned and the memories they’ll never forget.
New School Year Pulls In Alexis Wilkins
Social Media Editor Class of 2017
Back-to-school means backto-stress for students, teachers and parents. While all students have to manage the juggling act of classes, teachers, social life and extracurricular activities, many also have to deal with the stress of carpool. For most juniors, parking on campus is a new privilege. Almost everyone looks forward to the opportunity to drive themselves to school. However, enjoying this new privilege turned out to be a bit problematic the first day of school. Parents and students complained that the carpool line was backed up all the way past the West Paces shopping center. Bad first-day traffic occurs every
year. However, there is an easy way to avoid it: learning how to park. Below are a few tips for both new and returning drivers to help make parking swift and smooth. Know where your spot is. Find the time before school starts to scope out the parking lot and find the best way to reach your spot in the morning. Think outside the box. Sometimes it’s better to back into your spot, or maybe to pull in from a side spot. Assigned numbers for each spot make this extremely simple. Be sure to drive in the lane from which it is easiest to pull into your spot. Keep your turning radius in mind. For some, this means driving in the first carpool lane rather than the second. While this may be inconvenient, it may be best for the safety of your car. Make sure no one is blocking your spot. Give yourself enough
room to pull in with one smooth turn of the wheel. Check. Are you between the white lines? If yes, good job. If no, don’t whip it in reverse. Check your surroundings. Is anyone behind you? Is the carpool line at a good stopping point so you won’t block traffic? Once it’s convenient and safe, reverse slowly with enough room to readjust between the lines. This tip also works with pulling out at the end of the day. Never distract yourself while driving through the parking lot. Parking and pulling out both require your undivided attention to be done correctly. One of the most important tips to remember is this: breathe. Don’t stress behind the wheel. Patience is a virtue. If you find yourself stuck with carpool anxiety, try getting to school early to beat the crowd. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.”
New Dean of Students, Assistant Dean Implement Changes Photo: Chris Howard
Chris Howard Online Editor Class of 2017
Meet the new dean of students, Mr. Whyte. The beloved cross country and wrestling coach was named the successor of Mr. Hall last year, which surprised many students. “[Pace] has a comprehensive, wellwritten handbook and it’s my job to enforce it,” said Mr. Whyte. Although he is now in charge of disciplinary action, Mr. Whyte wants to remain approachable to all students. He loves to hear about your day and hopes to improve the community through preserving the honor code. This year, Mr. Whyte will be assisted by Mr. Sandoe. “Mr. Whyte and I work very well
Mr. Sandoe and Mr. Whyte are ready to excite the student body in their new roles as assistant dean and dean of students. together, and we’re excited to bring some new ideas to the discipline and the student life aspects of the Pace community,” said Mr. Sandoe. He will deal with the day-to-day violations
such as demerits and detentions, while Mr. Whyte will be in charge of larger honor council violations. This dynamic duo will tag team enforcing the honor code, and they hope to
revamp the disciplinary system. Mr. Whyte intends to make some changes with his newly anointed power: “I want to open up the student life part of my job. This position is about much more than just discipline, but students seem to only focus on the discipline portion.” Mr. Whyte recognizes the stigma surrounding his role, but hopes to change people’s perceptions about the position. Being dean of students is a large responsibility, but Mr. Whyte is ecstatic about the start of the school year. Mr. Whyte is infamous for being stretched thinly, between his numerous classes, coaching positions, and his role in the athletic department. This year, he has decreased his workload in the classroom in order to free up time for his new position.
Mr. Sandoe and Mr. Whyte are both dedicated to remaining transparent throughout the year and want to talk to every student receiving demerits about the root of the offense (unless it is a small violation such as an untucked shirt). The two have already begun cracking down on dress code violations and parking shenanigans. “I have already been given two demerits for an untucked shirt,” complained junior Ben Siegel. This enforcement of small violations is important to Mr. Whyte, and he hopes to decrease the number of dress code violations around the school. “I am excited about the school year,” said Mr. Whyte. “I want to improve the overall Pace culture through maintaining the rules that govern our community.”
Opinion
Vol. 41 Issue #1
The Knightly News
Pace Faculty Unfairly Prohibits Student Trade
966 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 (404) 262-1345 Knightlynews@paceacademy.org Published by students at Pace Academy Member of Georgia Scholastic Press Association Co-Editors-in-Chief: Dori Greenberg Joe Loughran
News Editor: Eno Reyes
Web Content Editor: Chris Howard
Faculty Adviser: Ms. Lee Wilson
Social Media Editor: Alexis Wilkins
Tech Adviser: Mr. Matt Walker
Managing Editor: Landon Goldstein Lifestyle Editor: Libby Sams Opinion Editor: Conor Pelletier
Michael Simon
Staff Writer Class of 2018
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 Florida Sun Printing. 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 News-generated 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.
When entering sophomore year, most students are 15 years old or about to turn 16. However, there exists an elite group of 10th graders who are older than their peers. These sophomores have already passed their driver’s license test and are desperately trying to find a way to drive themselves to school. One common solution is finding upperclassmen, specifically juniors, who cannot drive to school, and try to pay them to obtain their parking spaces. Unfortunately for these sophomores, several faculty members have discovered this forbidden selling of parking spots due to some poor parking skills by some of the sophomore drivers. The sophomores who have been caught driving to school have been told that if they are caught again, their driving privileges for junior year will be revoked. The matter has been brought to the attention of Ms. Riley, the dean of the sophomore class, and she had a stern conversation with them at their homeroom meeting one morning. “The buying [of parking spots] is a little unethical,” said Ms. Riley. “As a signal that you have become an upper-
classman, you get the privilege of parking on campus.” This logic has been a highly contentious issue among sophomores. Frankly, if there are upperclassmen who have no use for their parking spots, there should be no rule prohibiting the buying and selling of these parking spots. If some parking spots are going unused, it is a huge waste. Some of the sophomores who decided to buy a parking spot remarked that their parents need to be at work quite early in the morning, and other students have activities that they need to get to right after school. Since their parents have jobs, they will
have difficulty getting there if they are prohibited from driving themselves. Furthermore, Pace allows parents to pay the school for parking spots at the Pace Auction. “This is different,” said Ms. Riley. “When parents buy the auction spot, the money goes back to the school, while when students pay other students for a parking spot, it is personal trade.” In the grand scheme of things, however, this is still the same process; it involves one person paying another person to allow an underclassman to drive themselves to school and park on campus.
Photo:Michael Simon
Sports Editor: Jack Zook
Staff Writers: Amy Butler Alyse Greenbaum Jordan Harris Zack Kaminsky Sarah Kitchen Jonathan Rushton Michael Simon Brian Sloan Anna Stone Anthony Trinh Sloan Wyatt
The Knightly News - Page 5
Two unidentified students engage in the forbidden selling of parking spots.
Google Drives Pace to Technology Forefront Photo: Conor Pelletier Juniors Katie Jordan and Jack Wallace have differing opinions on switching to Google Drive.
Donald Trump ‘Photobombs’ Election Polls Miles Hsu
Guest Contributor Class of 2017
Conor Pelletier Opinion Editor Class of 2016
The world of technology is always changing. As soon as you acquire the newest iPhone, Apple announces the release date of an updated model. The same principle applies for something as basic as email. Pace is moving from the outdated FirstClass server in a switch that is expected to bring increased productivity and efficiency for all users. The biggest issue students face with the switch to Google Drive is the initial distribution of the accounts. The blank pass-
word email that many people received was only one element of the confusion, causing many to become skeptical if the switch was the right move. However, this was an error from an email blast with a mistake amongst the lists, causing portions of the email list to encounter an error. The transition is a two-year process, with the first year including unlimited data storage capabilities and the added security measures that come with using Google. The server farms for Google have over three levels of biometric security. Also, each hard drive is physically destroyed when no longer in use to prevent any possible breach in security. But the major
reason for the switch is the unlimited data storage for every Pace student. The Google Apps for Education also create a more collaborative environment, particularly because of the ability to work on the same document from separate locations at the same time, as many people now do through Google Docs. In essence, the decision came down to all of the additional features that Google provides for free, along with the possibility of expanding to email next year. Although the initial switch to Google Drive might take some getting used to, its use will improve efficiency and create a seamless way to access and turn in assignments.
Lifestyle
September 18, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 6
Renovated Snack Bar Improves Offerings Staff Writer Class of 2018
“The snack bar is the only thing stopping me from eating people,” said an anonymous student. Well, there is no need to fear cannibalism because this year the Pace snack bar has leveled up. There are plenty of new improvements, from its physical appearance to new foods. New shelves were installed to improve organization so students can get their food in no time, while condiments and utensils are now placed on the counter for convenience. Some Pace students have noticed the absent glass case and the new signs, but some changes are less obvious. For instance, there is only one drink size: the small. That’s bad news for thirsty students, but there are plenty of new snacks to cheer
them up. With the new addition of Mentos, students can now make Coke bombs (disclaimer: make these at your own peril). Also, students’ favorite bagel shop, Goldberg’s, now provides their fruit cups, tuna salad and legendary bagels. “The bagels were the best thing that ever happened to the snack bar,” said sophomore Spencer Sinclair. For those craving a delicious snack, Oreos, M&M cookies and nachos are now available. The snack bar also offers Nature Valley bars and granola bars, along with flavorful and nutritious drinks for those students who like to stay healthy. “The renovated snack bar offers new choices and a bright new look,” said Carolyn Williams, one of the snack bar moms. With all these changes, students can enjoy delicious treats that aren’t human-like whatsoever.
Photo: Anna Stone
Anna Stone
Sophomores Ibum Obu and Maggie Cushman enjoy the new options at the snack bar.
Tacos La Villa: Something to Taco ‘Bout Photo: Will Movsovitz
The tacos come topped with a spicy tomatillo sauce.
Will Movsovitz
Guest Contributor Class of 2017
Looking for authentic Mexican food, but don’t want to travel south of the border? Skip the airfare and head to Tacos La Villa, located conveniently on Cobb Parkway. I went to “the birthplace of the taco” early on a Sunday, and there was no line; however, I imagine the restaurant can get very crowded during lunch hours. The interior of the restaurant
is pretty small, and you can tell from the decorations that it used to be a Quiznos. Nevertheless, it more than makes up for this with the food. I ordered a Taco Plate, three tacos of your choice with rice and beans, and chose barbacoa (braised beef), al pastor (grilled pork), and cabeza (braised beef head). Once seated, I got to check out my surroundings. The room is decorated with photographs and some random trophies, but they contribute to the mellow attitude in the dining area. My food came out quickly, and I
loaded my tacos with toppings at the salsa bar. Most of their sauces are spicy, so if you don’t handle spice well, I would start with them on the side. My tacos were great. The braised meats were rich and flavorful, while the al pastor was heavily seasoned. Their tortillas, while small, are fluffy and take the taco to the next level. Overall, I would definitely recommend Tacos La Villa to anyone who enjoys authentic Mexican food. The atmosphere is fun, the prices are low and the tacos are the real deal.
Fantasy Football Fever Begins at the Academy Zack Kaminsky
Staff Writer Class of 2016
know what to expect,” said Phil. “I didn’t do enough research coming into the draft.” Even worse than a horrible season is something that only the heavens can control: injuries. Sometimes a player is “injuryprone” and a manager can prepare to lose him to an affliction.
In other cases, an injury can come out of nowhere and ruin a team. “Usually a losing streak happens because of a string of injuries, and it’s very frustrating,” said Ms. Stevens, a brilliant history teacher by day and avid fantasy player by night. What makes fantasy football
“Usually a losing streak happens because of a string of injuries, and it’s very frustrating,” - Ms. Stevens If an owner is lucky, the team’s star will have a breakout
so entertaining? According to sophomore Jamaree Salyer, it is the competition within the leagues, but most importantly, winning. “You really just have to be great,” said Jamaree. “Win and you will have a fun season, but lose, and you may be in for a long, unpleasant ride.”
Photo: Zack Kaminsky
For some people, fantasy football is just a fun game; for others, it’s a lifestyle. Between research, managing the team, watching games, and tons of smack talking, the life of a fantasy owner becomes very occupied. “My preparation time was about 25 hours, and throughout the season I spend about 400 hours on football,” said senior Owen Moncino.
year. But if they are unlucky, they must prepare to bring in a backup if the star gets hurt or busts. Just ask senior Philip Markwalter, whose first pick last year, Zac Stacy of the St. Louis Rams, had a disappointing performance. “It was the last pick of the first round, so I didn’t
Seniors Bailey O’Sullivan and Jake Richards battle it out in a game of Madden.
Sports
Vol. 41, Issue #1
The Knightly News - Page 7
Pace Junior Wendell Carter Jr. Thrives On National Stage Playing Summer Ball Jack Zook
Sports Editor Class of 2016
pearance at the Peach Jam Tournament here in Atlanta, facing the #2 player in the Class of 2016 and Duke-commit Jayson Tatum,
Photo: usab.com
By this time, Wendell Carter Jr. has become a well-known name around the Pace campus and the U.S. However, the #2 player in the nation (according to ESPN.com) doesn’t maintain such a high national ranking by only playing five months of the year for the Knights. This past summer, Wendell achieved success on two different teams: AAU Georgia Stars U17 team and Team USA’s U16 team. Wendell played up a year, as he competed with mostly people graduating in the Class of 2016. For the Georgia Stars, he was the only rising junior on a team with national college recruits such as Auburn-commit Jared Harper, Florida State-commit Trent Forrest and 5-star center Udoka Azubuike. During the regular season, the Stars went 14-3 with Wendell averaging 11.4 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per
game (leading the team), and 1.2 blocks per game. The Stars were able to ride Wendell’s strong play to a national championship ap-
Wendell Carter Jr. drives past multiple defenders during a 123-83 victory over Brazil in Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
playing for the St. Louis Eagles. After posting a season-high 25 points, along with 13 rebounds and eight blocks, Wendell was named Co-MVP of the tournament along with Jared Harper, who scored 36 points in the final. Wendell was also selected to the Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) All-Star Team that played in the Bahamas, which he said was his favorite tournament of the summer. Wendell also spent time traveling the world with the USA U16 Team, competing in an international FIBA Americas tournament in Bahía Blanca, Argentina. In the tournament, Wendell’s team went 5-0 and Wendell started in every game, averaging 13.1 PPG and again led his team in rebounding with 8.8 RPG. After winning the first four games by double digits, Team USA met Canada in the championship. Wendell had 11 points and 10 rebounds to help lead the red, white and blue to a 77-60 win, earning Team USA U16 a gold medal at the FIBA Ameri-
cas tournament and giving them an automatic bid for next year’s FIBA World Tournament. Also on the team is the Class of 2017’s 9th-ranked player in the country and personal friend of Wendell’s, Gary Trent Jr. from Apple Valley, Minnestota. Many rumors have surfaced of the two possibly pairing up to play together in college. “It’s just something that we talk about every now and then, but it’s nothing official, said Wendell.” For everyone interested in Wendell’s college thoughts for right now, he says, “My options are still open at the moment.” As for his upcoming Pace season as a junior, Wendell says that he and the team have one goal that stands above the rest: “[We] are looking to win state by any means necessary.” Coach Demetrius Smith agrees, but added: “My focus for our team is for each and every player to get better every day as a person and player individually every workout, in the weight room, in every drill in practice, in every game, and in the classroom.”
Photo: Gus Whyte
Students Weigh In On Race for Heisman Anthony Trinh Staff Writer Class of 2016
(From Center) Pace runners Julian Alexander, Parker Payne, Rob Warren, Max Irvine and Alec Rogers cheer on their fellow runners from an overlook at a recent cross country meet.
Cross Country Keeps Up the Pace Eno Reyes
News Editor Class of 2017
As the summer months come to an end, one thing enters the minds of 70 young upper school students: cross country season is beginning. After scores of summer runs on the grueling trails of “The River” and “Whitewater,” finally the whole team has begun practice under the guiding and loving tutelage of coaches Steve and Jolie Cunningham. Cross country, a mental sport, asks runners to overcome intense pain to shave seconds off their personal record. The cross country team runs every day after school, then relaxes with soothing yoga on Fri-
day mornings in a much needed break to end the week. “Morning yoga at the end of the week is the only thing keeping me going,” said senior Carlee Pokalsky. “I love to get loose and stretch with all my peers.” The team continued their tradition of attending Brevard Distance Runners Camp in North Carolina in late July, where an intimate group of 10 teammates learned about goal setting and team building to prepare for the long season ahead. “My favorite part about camp is getting to know all of the people from other schools,” said junior William Robbins. “For instance, I am still in contact with a few friends I made while I was there.” Headed by captains senior Alec Rogers and juniors Max Irvine and Rob Warren for the
boys, and senior Jillian Paul and junior Julia Ross for the girls, the boys took fifth place out of 17 teams at the first meet of the year, while the girls took ninth out of 14 – a solid start to their season, as the schools that placed ahead of Pace were 5 and 6A schools. Pace is currently rated second in the state, with Wesleyan in the top spot. “I am really excited about both teams this year,” said Mr. Whyte, who is an assistant coach. “Most of the boys from last year have returned and everyone is entering the season in even better shape than last year. The girls team has been reinvigorated with some talented freshmen.” The team’s next meet, the Westover Invitational, takes place on Oct. 3.
The arrival of fall means more than simply crisp weather and changing aromas and colors; rather, it signifies the beginning of college football season. The race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, annually awarded to the most outstanding player in college football, has numerous early contenders who have emerged given last year’s performances and statistics. Pace students were recently polled to identify favorite candidates, and with 77 responders, here are the results: 1. Nick Chubb, Running Back, So. (Georgia): Chubb, the hometown darling, won the poll by a landslide, receiving 54% of votes. But he’s more than just the beneficiary of a UGA bias. Thrust into action after a rash of injuries last year, he rushed for 1,547 yards and an astounding 14 touchdowns. This was without the benefit of a full offseason, as he was a freshman summer commit. Pace students seem to agree that with a year of experience under his belt, Chubb should carry much of the SEC’s Heisman Trophy hopes into the 2015 2. Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Jr. (Ohio State): Elliott led a dominant ground attack en route to two upset victories in the inaugural College Football Playoffs and an improbable na-
tional championship. He finished with 1,878 rushing yards last season, the second-most ever for an Ohio State running back. In fact, Elliott finished 2014 with three consecutive games with more than 220 yards on the ground. He expects to carry this momentum into another championship effort. His dazzling style of play earned 19% of students’ votes. 3. Trevone Boykin, Quarterback, Sr. (TCU): Lightning in a bottle epitomizes Boykin to a T: elusive, agile and electrifying. In his first year at the helm of a pass-first air raid offense, he excelled, throwing for 3,901 yards and 33 touchdowns, while also rushing for 707 yards and eight touchdowns. Boykin is spearheading a potent offense on the second-ranked team in the entire nation, according to the AP rankings. However, he only placed third with 14% of the students’ votes. 4. Cody Kessler, Quarterback, Sr. (USC): Kessler is the catalyst for a dark horse national championship contender in USC; he himself holds a similar role in the Heisman race. It’s remarkable that a USC quarterback could fly so stealthily under the radar in 2014 despite a 39:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and an incredible 3,826 yards. He received 13% of the students’ votes and for good reason. A majority of the USC offense is returning and Kessler has a good chance to break out onto the national scene.
Sports
September 18, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 8
Dr. Baker Takes on New Role as Athletic Director at the Academy Photo: Dori Greenberg
Dr. Baker consults with Coach Slade regarding upcoming football games.
Dori Greenberg
Co-Editor-in-Chief Class of 2016
Joining the Pace community from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Troy Baker has taken on the role of Pace Director of Athletics along with the job of varsity girls basketball coach. Dr. Baker moved to Atlanta in the beginning of June to begin his journey here at the Academy. “So far
I have grown to love it really quickly,” said Dr. Baker. “I feel like I am a part of the community. The people here are very welcoming. I’ve known about the reputation of the school for a while, but it’s something different to be here.” Prior to working at Pace, Dr. Baker was the Athletic Director at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. The program there was similar to Pace in that it was a small K-12 private school as well. “The transition has been
Landon Goldstein Managing Editor Class of 2017
As the 2015 football season advances, many Pace fans are hopeful that this will be the best season in the history of our prestigious academy. The season began with Pace ranked 10th in Class AA going into the opening game against rival school Lovett, ranked seventh. The prediction by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution had Pace as a 29-point underdog. But the Knights banded together and proved to be a force too strong for Lovett to handle, shutting them out 24-0 and sending a wave of optimism flowing through the home crowd at Walsh field. Although Pace won as a team, a couple of players stood out from the rest. Junior Trey Blount, with offers from Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Miami, scored Pace’s first touchdown of the season on a 52-yard punt return. Sophomore
Jamaree Salyer, ranked as the #1 offensive guard in the nation for the Class of 2018, also brought his best. Jordan Payne and Deon Jackson, both juniors, have carried the load in the backfield and done a phenomenal job on the defensive side of the ball. “We’ve done well up to this point, but we have to keep working week by week and game by game,” said sophomore quarterback Gunnor Faulk. The Knights continued their streak by beating Our Lady of Mercy 34-3 and Landmark Christian 38-30. Most recently, Pace knocked off White County on a field goal by Samuel Sloman with 8 seconds remaining to win 16-14. Leading the team this year are captains Anthony Trinh, Philip Elliot and Spencer Hemmingway (all seniors). “We think that our team has really come far from fall camp,” said Phil. “We have a lot of improvement to do, but we feel like we have a chance to do something unique this year.” Now ranked #5 in the state in Class AA, the future looks very bright for this squad.
intends to spend time perfecting their craft and skills. “One of the things that I love about Pace is that we are very intentional about improvement with our faculty, and I would like to mirror that in athletics if possible,” said Dr. Baker. Through his past experiences, it’s clear that Dr. Baker has a true passion for the game of basketball. Playing point guard through high school, he then proceeded to play his freshman year at Wittenberg University before deciding to “hang it up and just focus on school and grades and working and things like that.” Dr. Baker also has years of coaching experience, coaching basketball from grades 5-12. With regard to the upcoming basketball season, “’Excited’ is the word to sum it up,” he said. “I think that on the girls side of things, I’m just excited about getting the chance to work with the team – to be able to interact with the team and to focus on improvement, to get in to work hard to build those relationships, to represent our school, and to establish a brand of basketball for the girls team at Pace.”
Varsity Volleyball Set to Spike
All Photos: Fred Assaf
Knights Football Starts Fast at 4-0
great,” said Dr. Baker. “I spent seven years at my previous school, so obviously when you’re somewhere that long it’s always a little bittersweet [to leave], but the transition has been that much easier here because of the people. My family has transitioned well and are just happy all the way around. I don’t think it could have gone better than it has.” Three of Dr. Baker’s four kids are attending Pace this year: daughters Mckenzie (11th grade)
and Dylan (6th grade) and his son Logan (7th grade). “I love it,” he said, of being at the same school as his kids. “I don’t know how much they enjoy it.” Balancing the responsibilities of the athletic department and the girls basketball program provides a challenge for Dr. Baker. “I think one of the things that will serve us all well is that we have a great team here [in the athletic department],” he said. “I’m surrounded by an awesome team who will be there to really carry the ship and really do a great job of being self starters. Everyone around me forms such a great network and a great team so that we can rely on one another.” Dr. Baker is most nervous about not learning the school and culture before making alterations. “I think for me, some of the job is just creating a common vision and a common way of doing things,” he said. “To be a little bit more efficient and to improve communication and organization, things of that nature.” Dr. Baker also plans to do more professional development with coaches, similar to what happens with teachers. He
Sloan Wyatt
Staff Writer Class of 2018
Sir Winsalot cheers on Pace.
Jr. Trey Blount scores vs. Lovett.
QB Gunnor Faulk takes the snap.
With a slew of regional games ahead, the varsity Lady Knights are facing a challenging season. Last year a successful run in Savannah, resulting in an Elite Eight appearance, placed varsity volleyball at Pace’s center of attention. The thrilling playoff finish built up quite the anticipation for this season. After saying goodbye to six players, the Lady Knights have lost some experience. Nevertheless, Coach Anna Bush is determined that her team will once again spike their way to the top. “We’ve been competitive in all of the matches, but our win/ loss record is not going to reflect the optimism that we see going into the middle of the season,” said Coach Bush. With several new players, the Pace volleyball team features a variety of skill sets. Freshman Davis Mathis highlights the team’s strong serving and blocking, complementing junior Summer Brown’s famous hitting skills. Coach Bush expressed her pleasant surprise with the team’s dominant defense. But as the season progresses both the players and coach know that this year’s schedule guaran-
tees no easy wins. In comparison to last year, the varsity team is redeveloping the foundation of their roster with two new freshmen and three dedicated sophomores. The team is predominantly composed of solid hitters, setters and an exceptional “block in the middle” because of the team’s overall height. The roster includes standout starters such as Summer, who has already committed to Duke. Alongside sister and sophomore Nia Brown, the two combine to make an unstoppable pair. Audiences are awed by their dynamic chemistry, and coaches are pleased with their competitive sibling rivalry and dedication to the game. But the Brown sisters are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to talent, as freshman Alexandra Baker has it in spades along with junior Mckenzie Baker. Pace volleyball has already made history this season, as the Lady Knights beat Lovett for the first time ever led by co-captains senior Frances Crisler and junior Kate Bethel. At 6-8, the Volleyball team still has much to look forward to as they play into October and get ready to make a playoff push. With a little more than 20 games left, the Lady Knights should expect to keep drawing in fans throughout the the rest of the fall.