Issuu

Vol. 42, Issue #4

The

December 9, 2016

Knightly News

p. 5 Netflix Good Option for Winter Break

p. 6 Finstas Vs. Instas

p. 8 Congrats Pace Athletes

Students Explore, Excel in Budapest Amy Butler

Opinion Editor Class of 2018

Photo: Merritt Ann Glass

Embarking on Nov. 19, 10 students from ninth to eleventh grades along with faculty members Jonathan Ferrell and Helen Smith travelled to Budapest, Hungary. This trek, however, was not the typical ICGL global education trip. Although the group explored the history of Budapest, they also participated in the annual Yale Model Government Europe policy simulation. Attendance at the conference requires extreme preparation in advance, including researching a given country and angling one’s paper using that country’s position. “My favorite part of the trip was definitely the model itself,” said sophomore Merritt Ann Glass. “It was very interesting to meet people from all around the world and talk about their opinions on various issues.” Model UN, including Model Government and Model Arab League, is a conference in which students are delegates that represent various countries. Students have to make speeches to their fellow delegates on their

country’s positions regarding specified topics. The model allows students to learn new information about countries that they may have never even heard of. This year Pace did exceptionally well, with many students receiving recognition. Freshman Andrew Miller was awarded the title of Outstanding Delegate for his committee. This is a high honor which very few people receive. Juniors Jeb Carter, Maggie Cushman and Anna Stone received Honorable Mention. “The students wanted to do well and they spent long hours working on their papers,” said history teacher and Model UN sponsor Ms. Smith. “This was the hardest working group I have ever worked with, and they were able to learn a lot about writing and constructing papers.” Even though the process to get ready for the conference was very time consuming, it paid off. “The students actually thanked me for making them rewrite their papers over and over again,” said Ms. Smith. Halfway through the committee, delegates were given an additional crisis. “I had to think of solutions quickly from the top of my head,” said junior Molly Richardson. “Even though it was stressful at times, it was a very

(L-R) Molly Richardson, Nicole Ortiz, Merritt Ann Glass and Anna Stone pose for a photo overlooking the Danube River in Budapest. exciting and rewarding experience.” Although students and chaperones had to spend their Thanksgiving abroad instead of with their families, the multiple enriching excursions made up for this loss. The group attended two committee sessions on

Thanksgiving but later went to a nice restaurant together in lieu of a Thanksgiving meal. Other mini trips included touring the Jewish area of Budapest and learning how it was impacted during historical periods such as the Holocaust. Another facet of Budapest’s

history is its Communist past. “It was really interesting walking around Budapest and learning about the historical events that happened there, because it applies to a lot of the ideas I am learning right now in AP European History,” said Merritt Ann.

Ambassadors Welcome Prospective Families Abby Meyerowitz Staff Writer Class of 2019

Photo: Abby Meyerowitz

The annual Pace upper school open house, held Nov. 19, encouraged prospective families from all over Atlanta to consider Pace and join its community. Hoping to gain their confidence, ambassadors worked hard to greet the families and show them around campus. With a positive attitude and constant smiles, the ambassadors were able to show the new families what the Pace community represents. “I smiled until my cheeks hurt,” said sophomore ambassador Kayla Ross. “I was hoping to give the new families a feel for the cheerful and enthusiastic Pace environment.” The open house showcased the Pace campus and special features of the Arthur M.

Junior ambassador Khaki Loughran shows off the Upper School’s Woodruff library. Blank Family Upper School. “I showed a family the study rooms and library in the Upper School,” said junior ambassador Khaki Loughran. “They were so impressed with our recently renovated campus and awesome study spaces.”

Along with meeting several teachers from different departments, families participated in tours throughout the campus. “Mrs. Wilhelmson and I talked to prospective families about Pace’s math curriculum,” said math teacher Jason Smith.

“[Senior] Prashanth Kumar and [junior] Rachel Ribner came in and talked to families about the student perspective on taking math classes at Pace.” The ambassador selection process consists of a written application along with an

interview and training session. “I was very nervous going into my interview,” said sophomore Abby Ray. “But once it started, I realized I just had to stay calm and be myself.” The ambassadors take prospective families on tours and greet them when they come to visit Pace, during the open house and throughout the admissions season. “It was so fun to show the family around Pace during their tour and tell them how much I love my school,” said sophomore Joelle Zelony.” The families are greeted by ambassadors when they walk in and get to ask questions about Pace before beginning the tour. “Meeting families and telling them about Pace is important to me,” said sophomore Andrew Ladden. “When I was new last year, it really helped me when the ambassadors answered all of my questions.”