Vol. 41, Issue #2
The
October 9, 2015
Knightly News
p. 2 Retro Rewind: Ms. Helen Smith
p. 3 Five Minutes with Jessica Haidet
p. 8 Trey Blount: OverKnight Sensation
Knights Selected for Trivia Challenge Staff Writer Class of 2018
Deep in the heart of Midtown, unnamed staff members of WSB-TV placed the names of many metro area high schools in a hat the week of Aug. 31 and randomly selected 32 schools that will compete in this year’s Hi Q tournament. For the first time in three years, Pace Academy’s name was drawn, putting the Knights in this popular trivia challenge once again. For those who are unfamiliar with low-budget educational game shows, Hi Q is a “Frankenstein-like combination of ‘Team Jeopardy!’ and March Madness,” according to coach and sponsor of the Pace Hi Q squad Mr.
Smith. “Each week, schools compete against each other in an academic trivia competition, with the winners moving on in the competition,” he said. Sponsored by Ingles, each game consists of four quarters lasting around two minutes each. Teams are made up of four high school students chosen for their lightning-quick reflexes and knowledge of random facts. Since Pace has not competed in this televised competition for the past couple of years, Mr. Smith is holding a mini trivia challenge among interested students in order to equitably find four qualified team members. Seniors Jack Eichenlaub, Johnny Reece and Andrew Wu; juniors Avery Herman, Will Movsovitz, Eno Reyes and Brian Sloan; and sophomore Jackson Fuller are the qualifiers of this challenge.
“I signed up for High Q to see how many various tidbits of information I have accumulated over the years,” said Andrew. “I am also hoping to compete and succeed with my peers for Pace. If I make the team, I look forward to the experience of testing my academic and trivia knowledge in my final year of high school,” said Andrew. The questions that the group of students will be asked will draw from history, mathematics, geography and many other topics. This entertaining jeopardy show airs Sundays at 1 p.m. on WSB-TV. The Knights face the rival Lovett Lions in the first round of the bracket on Oct. 27. The matchup will air on Dec. 6. If Pace wins, the team will then face the winner of the WesleyanLumpkin County game.
Photo: Michael Simon
Michael Simon
Team coach and sponsor, Mr. Smith, poses with trivia master and junior Brian Sloan.
Pace Students Take World One Semester at a Time Sloan Wyatt
Staff Writer Class of 2018
forming everlasting friendships through multiple treks and nature-based classes. The trip culminates with an 11-day backpacking trip midsemester through the Pisgah National Forest, in which the students completely detach from the outside world. OA values the importance of unplugging; therefore, they have a strict no phone and no technology policy, which enables their kids to focus on the world around them rather than the screen in front of them. The academy provides a simple lifestyle, relating the environment to everyday studies and expanding students’ knowledge through hands-on activities. The “environmental education curriculum empowers students to find their pace in the world, realize practical sustainable solutions and create positive change,” according to OA. Pace alumni from Outdoor Academy include Sarah Lettes ‘15, who has gone on to study at Brown University. Unlike the two sophomores, Kaki sought escape to an artistic realm rather than to nature. Kaki’s passion for crafting led her to Napa Valley, California to the Oxbow School. Over the course of four months, students participate in a variety of core classes embodying Oxbow’s artistic values. The upperclassmen
divide their time between the classroom and the studio; however, the academic setting can range anywhere from the garden, to the lake or a nearby park. The school also provides a selection of electives such as gardening, yoga, hiking and kayaking. In December, the program concludes with the infa-
10-page essay, “examinations into other artists working with similar topics or media,” and artmaking is the standard; however, the topic is open-ended. Teachers challenge their students to push the boundaries with their theme and defy the status quo. The three students are expecting quite the adventure this
Photo: Outdoor Academy
As summer came to a close, students began to catch the “back to school” spirit. For most, this meant new backpacks, long to-do lists and new class schedules. But for three Pace students, this was not the case. Sophomores Molly Shapiro and Gracie Schneider, along with junior Kaki Cox, scattered multiple directions in search of a change of scenery. From North Carolina to California to Chile, the students are becoming cultured “citizens of the world” as they explore academics from a unique perspective. At the start of the school year, Molly ventured to Idaho, where she chose to study at the Alzar School. Nestled in Cascade State Park, Idaho, Alzar is a project founded by Sean and Kristin Bierle in 2004 based on the principles of “leadership training, outdoor adventure, service learning and environmental stewardship,” according to Alzar’s website. During a semester at Alzar, students spend three months in Idaho exploring the state’s natural wonders. Towards the end of October, the students jet to Chile
for a month-long trip where they partake in an immersion program alongside native Chilean students. The students practice Spanish and backpack through Chile, applying leadership skills learned in Idaho. The Alzar School is not unfamiliar to students of Pace Academy. Senior Stephanie Novellas spent her fall semester of junior year traveling with the program. Looking back, Stephanie reminisced on the homestays, noting a memorable friendship made with a Chilean girl her age. During these homestays, the students shadow the teenagers of the village, attending school with them and assisting in household chores, all while speaking the vernacular. Teachers at Alzar look to educate the “next generation of leaders,” expecting Alzar alumni to ultimately make “significant change[s] in the world.” While Molly treks through Chile, Gracie will be exploring in North Carolina while attending Outdoor Academy. OA is a semester school for 10th grade students located in Pisgah National Forest in Brevard. The program stresses the guidelines of “simple living, work ethic, curiosity, integrity, stewardship, self-reliance and gratitude,” according to the OA website. Students from all over the country meet at Eagle’s Nest Camp,
Sophomore Gracie Schneider (second from left) poses with fellow students from the Outdoor Academy in Brevard, North Carolina. mous “final project,” a collection of the students’ art, research and inquiry compiled over the semester. A combination of a
semester as they pursue their studies. They all plan to return to Pace in January for second semester.
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Pace News
October 9, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 2
Photo: Alyse Greenbaum
Retro Rewind: Ms. Helen Smith Alyse Greenbaum Staff Writer Class of 2017
Ms. Helen Smith, one of Pace Academy’s most beloved faculty members, has been teaching at Pace for over 40 years. After graduating from Cornell College in Iowa with a major in history, Ms. Smith moved to Atlanta to earn her Master’s degree in history from Emory University. She found teaching and long term substituting jobs at different schools such as Westminster while attending Emory. When Ms. Smith joined the Pace faculty in 1972, she found a niche alongside colleagues and students. “I love working with my colleagues,” said Ms. Smith. “They are so smart and interested in the world, and I also love working with students who want to improve and wish to travel and learn.” She currently teaches European history to sophomores and Comparative Politics to seniors. Ms. Smith grew up in the
Ms. Smith assists sophomore Megan Walsh. from an opportunity to learn. When asked if her teaching style has changed over the years she said, “As society changes, teaching has to change because students change. Also, technology has changed everything.” Yet in spite of change, her love of teaching and connecting with students has never wavered. “I have become much more mellow and understanding,” she said. “I give much less work. I know all that’s hard to believe, but it’s true.” That may indeed
JSU is a nationwide organization whose primary goals are to expand the knowledge of Judaism and reconnect teens with their Jewish roots. Their focus for the year is to reach out to underclassmen interested in connecting with fellow classmates regardless of religion. Hanna wants people to know that “it is not only about the free food, but also the interactive projects that establish a sense of community among the students.” Skiing trips, menorah building and other fun activities are planned for this year. Senior Claire Di Meglio is raising awareness for the Adopt a Golden Service Club. As the only leader of the club, her goal is to “get it started and running efficiently.” She wants the club to have a permanent and lasting impact on our school. The club will work on fundraising while finding loving, permanent homes for Golden Retrievers. Their overall mission is to decrease the number of stray dogs living on the streets. Claire loves all animals, especially dogs, and she felt that starting
this club was “a good opportunity and a great fit for her to help in the community some way.” Looking to spend more time outdoors, sophomores Ben Thompson and Alexander Holmann thought it would be a great idea to create a fishing club. They want to “spread the sport of fishing further into the Pace community,” says Ben. Fishing can be very relaxing, so if someone is looking to destress, they believe fishing club is a great option. Partnering with faculty member Mr. Whyte, the sophomores plan to spend their weekends at various lakes and rivers. Originally, juniors Miles Hsu and Jibril Sadiq wanted to dedicate their club to learning the language and culture of Japan. But they wanted to expand the club to more languages such as Arabic that are not taught at Pace. Students joining their newly formed Mango Languages Club will learn about an entire culture, including language and foods. Dr. Ball is their faculty sponsor because “he is the guru of Mango,” said Miles.
Knights Go Clubbin’ Amy Butler Staff Writer Class of 2018
Students were overwhelmed and feeling claustrophobic as they circled the Inman Center on that Tuesday morning of Sept. 8. The commotion and excitement was not only complete chaos, but typical of the annual Club Fair. This year, Student Council has approved 40 clubs, 18 of which are new. They include Jewish Student Union, Adopt a Golden, Fishing Club and Mango Languages Club. Hoping to show another side of the Jewish religion, sophomores Hanna Greenberg and Sloan Wyatt have chosen to start the Jewish Student Union (JSU) club. Their mission is to help teens find a sense of community through hands-on activities that focus on Jewish values. “Anyone can join, even non-Jewish people who are curious to learn more about Jewish traditions,” said Hanna.
Photo: Alexander Holmann
Ever since he was young, sophomore Ben Thompson’s favorite hobby has been fishing.
Pace, she said it’s hard to choose a favorite. Her trips range from Istanbul and China to Vienna and Budapest, which she has traveled to for thirty years. She encourages traveling for everyone, even more so to attend Model UN events, such as WAMUNK in Washington, D.C. Ms. Smith has received numerous teaching awards throughout her career, including the Walt Disney American Teacher Award in 1993, being one of 36 teachers nationwide to earn this award. She has been presented with numerous Kessler awards for Excellence in Teaching and earned Pace’s first Cum Laude Society Fellowship for Outstanding Teaching in 2003. Ms. Smith has also been named STAR (StudentTeacher Achievement Recognition) Teacher five times while teaching at Pace. Last year, the yearbook staff dedicated the 2015 Pacesetter to her. “Ms. Smith has forgotten more history than I will ever know,” said Head of Upper School Mr. Gannon.
Photo: Sari Leven
small town of Winterset, Iowa and attended school in a oneroom schoolhouse where both her mother and aunt taught, with only 15-20 kindergarten through eighth grade students. Her love of history began in high school, with Mrs. Sightsinger, her U.S. government teacher, sparking her enthusiasm for teaching. Ms. Smith believes strongly in interacting with students, to create a classroom where they feel comfortable to absorb new information and never shy away
be hard to believe for her many students who are no strangers to a heavy workload. Yet, Ms. Smith explained how there were more reading requirements for her students outside of the AP curriculum – an extra 2,000 pages of reading a semester – when she first started teaching. Ms. Smith reflected on other differences between the beginning of her career and today. “The most obvious difference is the number of students in each grade, because when I started teaching, I knew every single person in the Upper School,” she said. Although a larger number of students makes it more difficult to keep track of names, it has not hindered her ability to become close with her students and Model UN members. Another difference has been the rigor and commitment to academics. “There is no more free time, it seems, for students,” she said. “They don’t have time to read or just have fun.” Travel is invaluable in Ms. Smith’s eyes. Although she has taken many global education trips throughout her time at
Junior Sari Leven’s photo from India will be on display in the November exhibition.
Pace Showcases Photography Alexis Wilkins
Social Media Editor Class of 2017
During the month of October, Pace Academy is participating in Atlanta Celebrates Photography, or ACP. The Atlanta Journal Constitution describes ACP as “one of the most important and sophisticated public art projects in Atlanta… a powerful experience.” This year is the 17th annual festival and Pace’s 15th year hosting. “We got them even before the High Museum did,” said art teacher France Dorman. He has known co-founder of ACP, Corrine Adams, for many years and helps her promote ACP by making sure that Pace hosts an October exhibit every year. There are over 100 venues in the Metro Atlanta area this year including Pace Academy’s Fine Arts Center. During the month of Octo-
ber, Katheryn Kolb’s “Symmetries of Nature” exhibition will be on display in the FAC. Kolb’s exhibit captures landscapes and architecture in nature at many unique and aesthetically pleasing angles. She presents a rather abstract view of nature using different photography techniques. She will host an artist’s talk in the FAC from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 29. Students from the photography-based India Global Education trip from last summer will display their work in the FAC during the month of November. They have been working hard on their own and with Mr. Dorman to edit, create and print their work, which captures everyday life in India. The exhibit will include photos taken by juniors Laura Shelton, Sari Leven, Sophie Zelony, Taylor Upchurch and Libby Sams, along with seniors Haley Hartman, Lindsey Sample and Frances Crisler.
Pace News
Vol. 41, Issue #2
The Knightly News - Page 3
Dori Greenberg
Co-Editor-in-Chief Class of 2016
KN: Hey, Jessica! JH: Hey! KN: When did you start playing soccer? JH: I first started playing at Tophat when I was four. KN: Was there someone who inspired you or got you involved in the sport? JH: I think my dad was the first person who motivated me to play. He was also my coach. KN: Is there one coach over the years who has really stood out to you or been a mentor that you’ve become close with? JH: Probably my current coach Troy; he has coached me for about four years. I’ve become my best with him as my coach. He’s really helped me grow as a player. KN: What is your future plan for soccer? JH: I haven’t really decided for sure yet. If I have an opportunity I’ll probably think about [pursuing] it, especially going internationally would be something fun for a few years after college, but I’m not really sure yet. KN: Why did you choose to play at USC (Southern California) beyond Pace? JH: I fell in love with California when I was eight and so I just knew I wanted to go to one of the many schools out there. Then after all of the ones
I looked at, it was one of my favorites because they have a big focus on football and athletics and they’re the most similar to an SEC school. KN: If you were given another offer from somebody at this point would you take it, or are you set on USC? JH: I think at this point there is not another school I can see myself at, regardless of another offer. KN: What do you feel your role is on the Pace soccer team? JH: I don’t set the best example for people on the team behavior-wise, because Ron makes me run a lot. But, I think just to show that hard work at practice and outside of just Pace practice, we can all be really good and our team could really succeed. KN: How was the state championship experience? JH: It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I think it’s one of the only things that’s ever brought me to tears. I was so happy and into it. I also got to share it with everyone on the team who I was so close with, and my sister was in her last year of high school, so it was really amazing. KN: The team frequently looks to you for help, and your injury last year was definitely a setback that the entire team felt. How did you feel in that situation? JH: It was frustrating because I wanted to help our team out and we had a lot of big losses last season, but I was honestly
just looking forward to getting better and playing the next season. I think we’re all really excited to see what the season is going to be like. KN: What are your hopes and expectations for the upcoming season? JH: I think we can realistically win state again with all the new people we are going to get and who we have already. KN: When did you start at Pace? JH: I came in third grade. KN: Now that you have an offer and are essentially into college, how do you feel? Do you have ‘senioritis’ as a junior? JH: I think it is sometimes easy to feel like I’m already done and it’s already over and everything, but I do still have to maintain a certain GPA and get certain test scores, so I know that I can’t have senioritis right now and that I need to keep doing well in school. KN: How do you juggle such a tough schedule and so much soccer? Do you have any free time? JH: I do have more free time than I ever feel like I do. I spend a lot of time procrastinating and stuff; it’s sometimes tough just because I have practice pretty much every day and games pretty much every weekend, especially during the fall. But I just use my free periods well and do my homework when I can, and it works out. KN: When you have free time, how do you spend it? JH: Besides playing soccer,
Libby Sams
Lifestyle Editor Class of 2017
“I love watching an ensemble or production succeed,” said Mr. Sean Bryan. “I love watching the actors and the crew get all the glory that they get. That gives me great satisfaction as a director.” Though the Pace community wistfully said goodbye to Dr. George “Doc” Mengert last spring, the Pace family has opened their arms to Mr. Bryan as the new upper school visual and performing arts teacher. Most commonly recognized as the new drama director to theatre kids, Mr. Bryan has already jump-started his Pace career with the selection of “Legally Blonde” for this year’s Fall Musical. His last job was performing arts department chair and drama teacher at the Ransom Everglades School in Miami. Prior to working in Miami, Mr. Bryan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Fine Arts in theatre at the University of Iowa. Mr. Bryan’s ambitious plans for this year are already in motion with his new acting
Junior Jessica Haidet stands out as a soccer player and a student. I usually just hang out with my friends. KN: What’s your favorite class? JH: Probably Spanish or math this year. KN: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be? JH: Bacon. KN: Do you have a guilty pleasure? JH: Foodwise, definitely chocolate. If I have one bite of chocolate, I could have a pound of chocolate, otherwise I don’t know. I’m always watching movies. That’s how I procrastinate and spend most of my time. Like, I will be on Netflix all day instead of doing my homework. KN: If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only bring one teacher with you,
who would it be? JH: Geez, probably Mr. Whyte because he’s very outdoorsy and granola, so he could probably help us survive. KN: What’s your most embarrassing moment? JH: One time we had soccer practice in Inman, so we were playing indoor and I was like going hard and fell in front of everyone who was in there. It was really embarrassing. It’s like the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. KN: What’s something that very few people know about you? JH: I don’t think many people know that me and my sister have two horses that live like two hours away. We never see them, but yeah.
Photo: Libby Sams
Pace Welcomes Mr. Bryan
Photo: Dori Greenberg
Five Minutes with Jessica Haidet
Mr. Bryan works with junior Willie Lieberman on her acting skills. class elective and senior-directed showcase for this winter. Mr. Bryan believes a great approach to high school drama is creating as many opportunities to act, write and direct as possible. “I believe that high school is a place for you to test the waters and learn how to direct,” said Mr. Bryan. “I’d rather you do it here rather than in the future where the stakes might be a lot higher.” In addition to being a successful actor, director and teacher, Mr. Bryan along with his wife Genevieve have two children, Henry and Lucy, who are students in Pace’s Lower School. As a classic theatre enthusiast, Mr. Bryan refuses to give
a direct answer to what his favorite show is, but names a few of his favorites, which include “Once,” “Cabaret,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Death of a Salesman” and “The Glass Menagerie.” He never can pick a favorite show, saying that “each show contains a lesson, and there are so many important lessons to learn that I just can’t pick one.” Mr. Bryan had always gravitated towards theatre, and one day he gleefully realized he could make an occupation out of it. “I love being in the dark shadows in the back, watching everyone get their shining moment because that’s what it’s about,” he said. “It’s about me helping you build the ship so that you can sail it.”
Eno Reyes
News Editor Class of 2017
Look for more demographic data on Pace students at the Knightly News website: knightlife.paceacademy.org/ knightlynews.
Pace News
October 9, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 4
Chris Howard
Web Content Editor Class of 2017
The rosy African sun peeks above the lush landscape of the Okavango River Delta in eastern Botswana. Nine Pace students and four Pace faculty members awake on an island in the middle of the delta to a swarm of mosquitos, dust and chatter from the local African guides. The mokoro canoes glisten in the faint sunlight as the guides begin to gather their supplies for the sunrise cruise. Drowsily, the students clamber into their canoes as the guides use their handcrafted poles to drive the mokoros away from the discreet island through the forest of papyrus stalks. The Namibia and Botswana trip ended The Year of Water for Pace’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership. The student travelers left from the Hartsfield Jackson airport on July 17 and flew to Washington, D.C. before crossing the Atlantic with chaperones Jonathan Day, Trish Anderson, Kevin Ballard and
Jan Ballard. The 18-hour flight from D.C to Johannesburg was filled with movies, games and sleep. After passing out in a South African hotel, the next morning the Pace Academy group flew to Windheok, the capital of Namibia, to prepare for their long journey. The group got to explore the city before spending the night at a local hostel. The next morning, the group met their guides, Milner and Alfeus, and set off through the Namibian countryside. The same day, the bus broke down in between the Namibian and Botswana border, so while the students resorted to playing games for four hours, the guides tried to fix the bus. Salvation came at midnight when an open safari bus picked up the group and drove four hours in freezing cold temperatures. “My favorite part of the trip was the midnight drive,” said junior Julia Ross. “Everyone had to get in their sleeping bags and huddle together for warmth because it was so cold outside.” The trip’s first destination was the Okavango River Delta, which is the only inland river
Photo: Trish Anderson
Namibia and Botswana Trip Exceeds Expectations
Juniors Max Irvine and Brennan Murphy watch a sunset in a mokoro canoe on the Okavango River. delta in existence. The group traveled through the delta for three days in mokoros, or twoperson canoes, driven by local polers. The journey around the delta culminated in a scenic airplane ride over the whole region. “It was incredible to first experience the delta inside the canoes, and then be able to see the whole area from a plane,” said junior Ross Cefalu. After completing the delta portion of the trip, the group traveled back to Namibia and
spent three days in Etosha National Park, where elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and lions are common sights. The group took thousands of pictures of everything they saw. “I must have taken a thousand pictures myself,” said senior Jake Jenkins. “These photos will help me remember this amazing trip for the rest of my life.” The trip ended with a visit to Swakopmund, a Namibian tourist town which is heavily influenced by German culture.
Photo: Jordan Harris
Senior Cellar: Special Sanctuary for ‘16 Jordan Harris
Staff Writer Class of 2016
Inside Pace Academy’s Inman Center, adjacent to the athletics office sits a room that is home to 107 new tenants for the 2015-2016 academic year. Inside, members of the Class of 2016 can be seen crowded around televisions playing video games such as “Guitar Hero” and “Madden NFL.” Others can be found sitting on couches socializing about school, extracurricular activities or life in general. Welcome to the Senior Cellar, Class of 2016 edition. Inside the cellar sits a large red couch that faces two TVs: a 60” flat screen and a smaller, basic television. Several cases containing video games are stacked next to the TVs. While it may not seem like much, some
Seniors Bailey O’Sullivan and Spencer Hemmingway duke it out in a classic match of “Guitar Hero” in the Senior Cellar. is “DARK KN16HTS.” On one side of the cellar, there is a painting of the Joker with the famous saying, “Why So Serious?” The other side consists of a black wall painted with the Dark Knight symbol. A variety of games are popular in the entertainment center. Often, on the smaller TV, the once-again-popular game “Gui-
Thanks to funding from Student Council and the initiative of junior Taylor Upchurch and others, Pace students will be engaging in art with children in Atlanta area hospitals. Modeled after the organization Hospital Art, the Pace service project “Service Art” will focus on painting, drawing, singing, dancing and teaching photography with the children. “I teach and try to make art enjoyable for everyone, even those who are ‘bad at it,’” said Mr. Bloodworth, who serves as faculty sponsor for the project. “Hospital Art is a way to spread joy to people who are dealing with serious health concerns.” Pace Academy has partnered
with Hospital Art in the past, but due to lack of funding, the partnership ended with the graduating class of 2014. However, thanks to new funding grants to service clubs, ties are being reestablished. Taylor Upchurch gathered a group of junior girls to build and spread interest for the new service club. “By building a relationship with hospitals like Children’s [Healthcare of Atlanta] to volunteer with patients and use our resources, we are able to provide patients with a unique opportunity to create and learn from students, at no cost to the hospitals, to decorate their buildings,” said Taylor. Over 150 students signed up
“YungJayBo32” has the highest score on the “Madden MiniGame.” Others enjoy using the cellar as a place to compete in matches of Nerf basketball. “[Playing Nerf basketball] is a lot of fun,” said senior Philip Elliott. “One time I dunked on Tim [Coleman] and the whole cellar went crazy.” Others can be seen spending time on couches, talking to one another and playing foosball. Sources say that there could be some new additions to the Senior Cellar, including La-Z-Boy couches, an ice hockey table, and even Vegas-style slot machines (pending Mr. Gannon’s approval). Ultimately, the Class of 2016 is enjoying their unfortunately short time in the cellar. “It is a really fun place to make memories,” said senior Peyton Attridge, with a grin on his face. “I hope we will enjoy the rest of our time in the cellar.”
New Club ‘Service Art’ Serves a Purpose Alexis Wilkins
Social Media Editor Class of 2017
“Art is healing, art is rejuvenating, art is what makes life worth living,” said art teacher Donice Bloodworth. “Those that have never experienced art and enjoyed it in some form are some of the driest people I have ever encountered. I had a conversation with a person who said they were bad at art and didn’t think it was necessary and I realized at that moment, after reflecting for a second, that I have never seen a genuine smile on that person’s face. Not once.”
Junior Taylor Upchurch (R) gets other junior girls like Kate Bethel interested and involved in the new service club. at Club Fair. Connections with Egleston Children’s Hospital and Hugh Spalding Children’s Hospital have already been established and they plan to meet
two to four times per month. The group hopes to continue building this partnership throughout the school year.
Photo: Alexis WIlkins
of the seniors really enjoy the Senior Cellar’s entertainment center. “It’s by far the best part of the room,” said Jake Richards. “I enjoy the cellar because you can sit down and play with your friends.” When you take a look around, you may notice the impressive designs on the walls. The theme for the 2016 Seniors
tar Hero” is played. While it debuted in 2005 (the seniors were in second grade then), most of the seniors seem to really enjoy the guitar simulation series. One senior, however, stands above the rest. Spencer Hemmingway scorches any competitor who dares to put his hand on an opposing guitar. “I spent a lot of time practicing ‘Guitar Hero,’” said Spencer. “When I was little, while everyone was outside playing, I was grinding, trying to improve my game. I used to not be able to place my fingers on all of the buttons. But as my fingers got bigger, I could play every button. Now, I just dominate!” “Madden Mini-Games” are also very popular in the Cellar. These mini-games are intense, some ending in fist fights and profanity-laced tirades about Madden-related glitches and how the computer is cheating. While many claim they are the best, the game player with the username
The group took ATV rides, went sand surfing, and haggled at the local market. After a long 20-day journey, the group flew home with a new appreciation for the cultures they spent time with. “The trip was an incredible experience where we got to see first hand the impacts of water in a largely impoverished area of the world,” said Mr. Day. “We had a great group, and I am so happy I was able to travel to such an amazing place.”
Opinion
Vol. 41 Issue #2
The Knightly News
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
Managing Editor: Landon Goldstein Features Editor: Libby Sams Opinion Editor: Conor Pelletier Sports Editor: Jack Zook Online Editor: Chris Howard Social Media Editor: Alexis Wilkins
News Editor: Eno Reyes
Sarah Kitchen
Staff Writer Class of 2017
Staff Writers: Amy Butler Alyse Greenbaum Jordan Harris Zack Kaminsky Sarah Kitchen Jonathan Rushton Michael Simon Brian Sloan Anna Stone Anthony Trinh Sloan Wyatt 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 Florida Sun Printing. The Knightly News welcomes letters to the editor
Converse Cause Controversy
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.
On special occasions, students are required to trade their usual school attire for the dress uniform. The Pace student body transforms into an army of clones in khaki and white apparel. These days emphasize our unity and sense of community, not our individualism. One of our only outlets for self expression lies in our footwear. We are willing to dress alike for these days scattered throughout the year, but recently, our obedience has been called into question. Should we, or should we not, be able to wear Converse on dress uniform days? For some students, Converse are an essential part of their everyday wardrobe. They are versatile and can be worn throughout each season. The Pace handbook specifies that on dress uniform days, girls must wear leather shoes of certain colors (black, brown and bone) and are prohibited from wearing athletic-type shoes. “Converse DO NOT fall into the leather shoes category and they DO fall under the athletic shoes category,” said Dean of Students Gus Whyte.
Photo: Roxie Stricker
Co-Editors in Chief: Joe Loughran Dori Greenberg
The Knightly News - Page 5
Junior Sarah Kitchen models the uniform skirt with her Converse. Converse were originally created for athletic purposes, and even though they are no longer used as such, they are still not permitted on dress uniform days. Many students have voiced their frustration with this restriction. “I bought a pair of navy Converse specifically to match my navy senior uniform,” said senior Anna Van Zyverden. “The fact that Converse are considered athletic shoes is beyond me.” Although Mr. Whyte’s argument to this certain restriction
is valid, many students are still reluctant to obey the rule. Converse may not the best choice of footwear for these formal days, but wearing them would not hinder students from looking “nice.” Pace students’ main objection, which is compelling, is that Converse are no longer athletic shoes. They cannot be found on any court or playing field. It’s not fair for students to have to conform to the outdated views of our elders in this case.
Students Should Have More Freedom With Frees Photo: Conor Pelletier Junior Avery Herman anxiously waits to get out of school.
Conor Pelletier Opinion Editor Class of 2016
We all know the feeling. It's a Monday, you were up late Sunday night finishing your AP U.S. History and AP Spanish homework, and you have a first period free. You are grateful for having the free period, but you think to yourself: "I wish I could just sleep in right now." A similar thought occurs when you have last period free on Friday and you wonder to yourself, "Why can't I just leave right now?" These exact thoughts should turn from just a dream into reality at the Academy.
First and foremost, aside from the school's need to take attendance, there is no reason to be at Pace if you have first period free. A Pace student should be offered the choice between sleeping in or coming to Pace on time. Although Pace already has a Locke-esque, or positive, view of its students and the way they are allowed to have much freedom within the borders of the Pace campus, Pace students should be allowed to have even more freedom in their utilization of their free periods. If Pace already believes that students will use their free time productively, students should also be allowed to choose whether or not they want to come in during their
first period free. The same goes for having last period free. Although Pace already allows seniors who have last period free to leave campus, this same privilege should be extended to other classes as well. Last period frees are, typically, very unproductive and many Pace students merely oscillate between staring at their phones and the clock. If Pace students were allowed to leave when they
have last period free, they would gain better decision-making skills, as students would soon learn to know where they need to be during the day. Pace Academy students also would not have the ability to abuse this privilege. Just as if a student was present during first period free, a student would be issued demerits if they were not on time to class. Pace students would also have the ability to
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possibly go home before athletic practices and other afternoon activities. Students who live far from Pace would likely not be able utilize this alternative to sitting around mundanely staring at the clock. Nevertheless, it would positively impact the Pace community, increasing student happiness and giving students more leeway to make their own decisions.
Miles Hsu
Guest Contributor Class of 2017
Lifestyle
Vol. 41, Issue #2
The Knightly News - Page 6
Photo: straightouttacompton.com
‘Straight Outta Compton’ Rocks Box Office Zack Kaminsky
Staff Writer Class of 2016
N.W.A. became one of the most influential and controversial rap groups of the past century, going from the streets of Compton, California to the national spotlight with their explicit messages and graphic language. The group, which included rappers Eazy-E, Ice Cube and MC Ren and producers Dr. Dre and DJ Yella, took the nation by storm in the late 1980s by sharing their stories about Compton to the public. Their music addressed the issues they faced at home of gang violence, drug trafficking and worst of all, police brutality. Although gangster music was their claim to fame, that was only one dimension of the group as the movie “Straight Outta Compton” chronicles. Broken relationships, conflicts over money and untimely deaths bring the movie in many directions besides music, creating a diverse and multifaceted plot that plays to a mix
Ice Cube and Eazy-E, two N.W.A. members, pump up a crowd at a performance.
garnered most of the money and fame. Cube breaks off to do his solo act while releasing diss tracks about his former friends. Later, Dr. Dre leaves and joins Suge Knight, a rap entrepreneur, to form Death Row Records. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube gain their own respective success while Eazy struggles, creating resentment between the three. The movie also becomes a tear-jerker, providing a stark contrast to the rough and tough Compton attitude much of the movie portrays. In one scene, the group huddles around a distraught Dr. Dre, consoling him as he tells the story of his younger brother’s death. However, the most emotional part of the movie belongs to EazyE. He contracts HIV, and his deathbed scenes along with the other characters’ conversations with him were both moving and heartbreaking. It brought an emotionally powerful aspect to an exceptional plot and transforms “Straight Outta Compton” from an actionpacked biography into a deep, multidimensional film.
rap label, Eazy jumps into the recording booth and unwittingly records a breakout hit: “Boyz-nthe-Hood.” From there, the group gains clout with the help of Jerry Heller (played by Paul Giamatti) and takes off, going on a national tour and partying excessively. In addition, they have skirmishes with the police due to their music, which according to the FBI,
encouraged violence and resistance towards police. The music was a reflection of their lives in Compton, however, where racial profiling and excessive force by police were common. The film grabbed viewers with its facets such as tarnished relationships, usually due to money. Soon after their breakout as N.W.A., Ice Cube develops jealousy towards Eazy, who
for a table, with the restaurant probably half full. I was seated and noticed quickly that this was way more than just a pizza place. Crispina is a full scale Italian restaurant, offering everything from pastas to main courses. I ordered a pizza called the “Che Cazzo,” which is sauceless and topped with prosciutto and arugula, and the “Lasagna Della Nonna,” which is a traditional lasagna with Bolognese sauce. The restaurant is not large, and is filled with lots of square tables. There’s a small bar at the front of the restaurant, and the kitchen is visible from the dining room. The mood of the seating area is pretty rustic, and when the restaurant fills up it’s probably a fun environment. My food arrived after about twenty minutes and looked incredible. The lasagna was rich, and they didn’t skimp on the meat in the Bolognese sauce.
The pasta was cooked well, and I can honestly say that this was one of the best lasagnas I’ve tried. The pizza, however, fell a little bit short of my expectations. The crust had the textbook char that you look for in a Neapolitan pie, but the toppings are where this pizza went astray. Without sauce, the pizza lost any moisture to cut the saltiness of the mozzarella and prosciutto. The arugula tried its hardest to cut the salt, but I found myself reaching for the water glass quite a bit. Overall, I would definitely recommend Crispina to anyone who enjoys high quality, authentic Italian food. I will return to try some of their other intriguing menu options, but I’ll be ordering a different pizza. As an Italian restaurant Crispina is fantastic, but as a pizza place there are better options around the city.
The surprisingly salty “Che Cazzo” pizza is topped with prosciutto and arugula.
Crispina Offers High Quality Italian Food Will Movsovitz
Guest Contributor Class of 2017
When it comes to Neapolitan pizza in Atlanta, Antico Pizza is the first place that comes to mind, so when I heard that Crispina was serving quality pies, I had to give it a shot. Neapolitan pizzas are typically made with simple ingredients, like buffalo mozzarella or San Marzano tomatoes, and fired in an incredibly hot oven. These pizzas are becoming more and more popular because they’re thought to be the first types of pizza ever invented. Crispina just opened recently on Cobb Parkway in Vinings, so I decided to see how their pizza fared against the competition. I went to Crispina on a Sunday night, and there was no wait
Photos: Landon Goldstein
Landon Goldstein Managing Editor Class of 2017
Favorite Aspects of High School: Freshman Edition
Photo: Will Movsovitz
of emotions. In the beginning, the movie gives viewers a glimpse of the lives of each member of the group. Eazy-E, at the time a drug-dealer, looks for a new direction in his life. Ice Cube is a high school kid with big dreams of a rap career. Dre and DJ Yella work at a nightclub together. After Ice Cube and Dr. Dre get Eazy-E to fund their new
(L-R) Freshmen Tyler Henderson, Ann Rafeedie, Justice Jackson and Max Appel share their favorite things.
Sports
October 9, 2015
The Knightly News - Page 7
Jonathan Rushton Staff Writer Class of 2018
As the sun sets and players hear final words of encouragement from their coaches, the Walsh Field bleachers slowly fill up with students eager for another win for the PAK (Pace Academy Knights). With an increasing number of wins in football, cross country, basketball, soccer and tennis (just to name a few), students are flocking to the stands. This boost in school spirit called for a renewal of the Pace student-fan organization, otherwise known as the Knights of the Round Table (KOTRT),
founded by Miles Sheft ‘13 his senior year. Whether the students are clad in white, neon or camouflage, senior and club leader Bailey O’Sullivan is always the voice heard at the front of the Knights student section. “Our goal is to help the squad bring home the W,” said Bailey. “We know our rowdiness brings a hostile environment for the other team.” Joining Bailey at the head of the KOTRT are fellow seniors Jack Dwyer, Spencer Hemmingway and Anthony Trinh, who will lead the organization throughout the year, spanning all athletic seasons. After the buzzer sounds and the fans slowly trickle out of the stadium, many leave with
headaches, sore throats and sweaty bodies. “If you compare me to any other fans, I am the most winded fan out there,” said Bailey. While some fans may think that dedicating their nights to yelling wildly and losing their voices isn’t worthwhile, the athletes really do appreciate every chant. “While I stand on the sidelines waiting to finally get in, I’m always hype, because of the constant noise coming from the stands,” said sophomore running back Gavin Guest. The athletes plead for their fellow students to support, because a rowdy atmosphere can give the home team a major advantage. Whether or not the PAK is the greatest student section is up for debate; however, the lead-
Photo: Fred Assaf
KOTRT Sparks Pace Academy Knights
The KOTRT celebrate a Pace touchdown against the Lovett Lions. ers of the Knights of the Round Table are confident in their success and noise of the student section. “We are by far the best
student section in the state,” said Bailey. “Just look at the success of our teams, and that does the talking.”
Libby Sams
Lifestyle Editor Class of 2017
As every new school year at Pace commences, there are always new faces to meet. This year, one of these includes Pace’s newest computer specialist, Kevin Neely. Born and raised in New York, Mr. Neeley attended the State University of New York at Fredonia as a sociology major, before going on to receive a Master of Science in sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. Neely worked as a quality assurance engineer and provided inside channel support for Promethean, Inc. before coming to Pace. But there is much more to him than meets the eye. “I first jumped into a mascot suit in high school [Roy C. Ketcham HS in Wappinger Falls, New York] when the guy who was our mascot, as well as a friend of mine, could not make it to the football game and asked if I wanted to fill in,”
said Mr. Neely. “We were the Ketcham Indians. I spent the game walking among the fans, kids, cheerleaders and team just giving high-fives.” Mr. Neely began spending his free time as the mascot, but it didn’t stop there. He won a radio competition for a chance to audition his senior year to be the mascot for the new Single A baseball team, the Hudson Valley Renegades, in his town. As caller number seven, Mr. Neely met the team management, tried on the suit for Rookie the Raccoon, and got ready to give it his best shot. “The auditions consisted of all the people who also called in to show up to a local comedy club,” said Mr. Neely. “We each had three minutes to play a song of our choice and do whatever we wanted to do. Whomever the crowd liked best won the job.” Mr. Neely said that he won it by dancing to James Brown’s “I Feel Good” complete with the “jump, landing in a split and sliding up to my feet move. “It brought the house down!”
Photo: Libby Sams
IT Guy Kevin Neely Leads Double Life
After smoking the competition, Mr. Neely spent the next five summers running around the stands, concourses and base paths of the Renegade stadium, goofing on the parents and signing autographs for children. He even made personal appearances, where he attended parades, festivals, openings and other events for townships and businesses around the Hudson
Valley. “Watching sports is an exciting and wonderful experience for the whole family,” said Mr. Neely. “But there is inherently a separation between the fan or spectator in the stands and the student athletes on the field or court. The mascot can move between the field and the stands and act as the facilitator of that excitement, or at least the
embodiment of the spirit of the game.” Fortunately for Pace Academy, Mr. Neely decided not to leave his mascot legacy in his past. Now, he feels as though he has an obligation to mentor the Academy’s mascot proteges and help Sir Wins-a-lot become the best that he can be. He described his long-term ambitions as, “getting more students involved and willing to jump into the suit and help be the Spirit of Pace Academy.” Mr. Neely plans to develop entertaining skits for the knight mascot during timeouts and halftime to engage the audience directly during the game and make the whole experience that much better. With this year’s football season getting lots of notice, Sir Wins-a-lot also seems to be off to an auspicious start. One can find Mr. Neely on the first floor in the IT office during the day, and maybe even in the suit from time to time. For certain, this year’s IT department addition has proven himself already to bleed blue and white.
season, Keashawn has rushed for 126 total yards on 32 carries and one TD. He has also contributed on the defensive side of the ball with three tackles and excellent pass coverage. The coaches on the team have taken notice of the freshman's efforts. "From the first day Keashawn arrived on campus, I knew he would be able to make a contribution," said Coach Slade. "He works very hard and he is very poised for a freshman. He has given us that extra spark when needed on offense." Keashawn hasn't been overwhelmed by the challenge at all. "It's a big step forward but I know I can do it," he said. "Coach Slade, Coach Kev (Kevin Johnson Sr.) and Coach Mac, my position coach, have helped me out with the process. The seniors have also been a big help because they give me advice and support." Keashawn looks to keep hitting the hole for the
Pace Knights as they continue the season. The freshman holds high expectations for himself, for now and the future. While he strives to maintain a high grade point average, Keashawn hopes to help his teammates bring home the state championship. He also aspires to receive a letter of interest from a Division I football school. His favorite schools currently are Oregon, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn, but he wants to find the right fit. "I want to be a Division I student-athlete, playing football and studying sports medicine," he said. When he's not playing football, Keashawn enjoys playing the "Madden NFL" video game, watching film and exercising. So far, the freshman has handled the difficult transition gracefully as he continues to make a impact in the Pace community, both on and off the field.
Keashawn Perryman has been one of the bright spots in the Knights high-powered offense. Here, he scores the first touchdown of his high school career against Landmark Christian. Perryman dubbed the 15-yard score his “favorite moment of the year so far.”
Mr. Neely helps out students and staff with technology.
Jordan Harris
Staff Writer Class of 2016
The average teenager is easily overwhelmed by the responsibilities of freshman year. The amount of homework can be too much to bear. For athletes, academic obligations are paired with the challenging job of performing at a high level on their respective playing fields. The average ninth grader might see the challenges of freshman year to be a burden. But Keashawn Perryman is not the average ninth grader. "The transition to Pace hasn't really been that difficult," said Keashawn. "The classes are better because they're smaller and there is much more help available." These qualities of the Upper School are what drew the 14-year-old freshman to join the
Pace community after graduating from East Paulding Middle School in Dallas, Georgia. Keashawn said that he has really enjoyed his time as a student in the Upper School over the past two months. "The people here are really nice," he said. "At the end of the day, the teachers just want you to succeed and they are here to help you." Keashawn said that his goal is to finish this year with a solid grade point average and continue to improve as a student. "I want to get an 85 or above in all of my classes," he said. "I hope to be a high honor student some day." Keashawn was also drawn to Pace by the improvement of its football program since head coach Chris Slade took over the helm in 2013. At the start of the season, Keashawn, who plays tailback and defensive back, saw an opportunity to contribute, and so far he has taken advantage. In his first five games of the
Photo: Fred Assaf
Freshman Takes on Football, School Challenges
October 9, 2015
Sports
The Knightly News - Page 8
Lady Knights Aim High on Diamond Photo: Courtney Morrison
Anthony Trinh Staff Writer Class of 2016
On the softball diamond, the Pace Academy Lady Knights have historically flourished. This season, despite a coaching change and numerous obstacles, the team strives to uphold its legacy. Losing four key seniors from last year, including Bucknell University signee Lauren Hadley, has presented a formidable challenge for the Lady Knights. With only two current seniors, the team lacks experience, which has led to numerous growing pains and consequently a 4-15 overall record and a 3-5 record in league play. However, there is reason to be optimistic for future seasons. Senior captains Kellyann Malone and Lauren Pickman have excelled both with on-field production and much needed leadership and poise. “I can say these two ladies have fought hard for the past three years, and are continuing to work hard their senior year,” said head coach
The softball team poses at the Tigertown tournament in Adairsville, Georgia. Courtney “Coco” Morrison. “They always have so much pride and heart on the field. The younger girls are able to look up to them. I hope after this season they have grown on and off the softball field, and have learned some life lessons.” The team’s leadership has
a major impact on the younger players who hope to lead in the future. The team has replaced the production through a committee approach, which has given the inexperienced girls an opportunity to learn and improve by regularly participating in games. Sophomore Sophie
Porson is among these. “Although we are taking L’s as a team, I can really see progress,” she said. The Lady Knights participated in the Tigertown Tournament in Adairsville, Georgia, during the weekend of Sept. 11. “This multi-day, overnight event
is a longstanding tradition that promotes bonding among teammates,” said Coach Morrison. The team struggled, finishing with an 0-5 record. Despite some flashes, the Diamond Knights were unable to put a full game together. Notable performances included those by sophomore Presley Marxmiller ( 7 hits, 4 RBI), freshman Caitlin Murphy (5 hits including 2 extra base hits), junior Julia Robison (5 hits), senior Lauren Pickman (4 hits, 3 runs) and freshman Caelan Corbally (4 hits, 3 runs). Regardless of the losses, Coach Morrison has strong faith as the regular season comes to a close and beyond. “The team is coming together. There are many contributors on our team, seniors through freshmen.” The team, through this learning experience, is hoping to place high in the region tournament and eventually qualify for the state playoffs. While disappointment has marred the season thus far, the Lady Knights still have an opportunity to save face and uphold tradition as they enter the fight towards playoffs.
Brian Sloan
Staff Writer Class of 2017
Senior Brad Rubin receives the ball and makes his way towards the net. He takes one last look at the open water before him and fires away. This is the Pace Academy water polo team, a group of water-starved maniacs who spend countless hours in the Pace Natatorium. The group, headed by Coach John Ague, is attempting to complete the impossible. “Although many people do not even know what water polo is, we have a chance to make history,” said sophomore Avery Herman. “The group has progressed so much, and we really are trying to put Pace Academy water polo on the map.” The water polo team was faced with serious challenges at the beginning of the season. Losing six critical seniors who graduated in May, the squad was lacking the pivotal leadership that had helped establish the program. In addition to these struggles, Coach Ague made the bold decision to reclassify divisions, moving up to the highest tier of Atlanta metro area water
polo. “We had a record breaking year last year and we knew it would be hard to replace those seniors; however, the team has done a great job stepping up and filling the gaps,” said Coach Ague. “Moving up divisions has forced us to play the best opposition, and I am very proud of the team’s development and effort so far.” In the face of new challenges, the Pace team has excelled. Nearing the end of the season, the water polo team has a record of 5-8, including many close losses and valiant wins. At the beginning of the season, the Pace Aqua Knights battled the second place team in the state to a nail biter, barely losing in the last minutes 8-9. Although they have few games left, the Knights have drawn confidence from that effort. Featuring perennial stars in seniors Brendon Pace, Brad Rubin, Joe Loughran and Ciara Sadaka, the team has proven that they can compete against the best competition. “The rest of the season definitely should be interesting as we prepare for State,” said junior Caleb Levin. “Many people at the beginning of the season wrote us off, but now we have shown we can play against anybody.”
Photo: Fred Assaf
H2-Woah! Pace Academy Water Polo Stands Out in Pool
Trey Blount (No. 1) lines up for a play at safety with senior Anthony Trinh (No. 22) in the foreground.
Trey Blount: An OverKnight Sensation Jack Zook
Sports Editor Class of 2016
At the end of last high school football season, Trey Blount finished his sophomore year at Hillgrove High School as a talented receiver in an offense that had little passing in its scheme. With only 11 catches on the year for a total of 109 yards and one touchdown, Trey was seeking a change. Less than a year later, Trey Blount has become a star on the Pace football squad and received national attention from colleges due to his football ability and overall athleticism. Trey entered the scene almost immediately when he scored the first Pace
touchdown of the season on a 52yard punt return during the 24-0 victory against Lovett on Aug. 21. Since then, Trey has posted stellar numbers through the first six games, including 13 catches for 282 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has quickly become loved around school and on the field by classmates, fans and teammates alike. “Trey is #1 on the field and #1 in my heart,” said starting sophomore quarterback Gunnor Faulk. Seven years ago, if someone had told Trey Blount that he would be a 4-star nationally ranked football player as a junior in high school, he would not have believed you. “I had no intentions of playing football when I was eight years old,” said Trey. Trey has already received
offers to play at the Universities of Alabama, South Carolina, Miami and Georgia. Even though football has now become one of the biggest parts of his life, Trey is also interested in several other possible extracurriculars this year at Pace. “I’ve thought about taking part in acting this year,” he said, “and I’ll also run track this upcoming spring.” With four regular season games to go, Trey hopes to reach his goals for the season both as an individual and with the team. “I set goals for myself to have at least 50 catches, 1300 yards, and 15 touchdowns this year,” said Trey, “but the most important thing to me is to make a legitimate run at a state championship this year.”