Vol. 40, Issue 1

Vol. 40, Issue #1

The

September 19, 2014

Knightly News

p. 2 Isdell Center Adds Global Perspective

p. 4 Five Minutes with Sarah Lettes

p. 7 Dra. Pontes Works World Cup

Pace Revels in Newly Opened Building, Field Julia Beck

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2015

Photo: Lee Wilson

Students and teachers agree that Pace has never looked better than it does now. With the newly opened Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School and Walsh Field at the Pace Academy Athletics Complex at Riverview Rd., Pace now has facilities of a vastly higher caliber. “I have always hoped that the quality of [the facilities] would reflect the quality of the experience at Pace, and I think we finally nailed that,” said Head of School Mr. Assaf.

These recent projects are impressive not only for their quality but also their scale. At 75,000 square feet, the new upper school building is nearly twice as big as the old one, and the addition of Walsh Field has created twice as much space for sports teams to practice and play on.

Most would agree that the new building has too many advantages to adequately describe.

The areas most raved about are the common areas such as the Seaman Family Student Commons and the multi-level Woodruff Library. “The most

Mr. Gannon, Ms. Smith and Mr. Owens cut the ribbon to open the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School. important space, besides the The functionality of the com- me most happy is to walk around classrooms with functioning mons areas, however, was not a and see students using the buildtechnology, is the common fluke. Mr. Assaf and Mr. Ganing the way it was designed and space,” said Upper School Head non, along with a variety of other really taking advantage of it,” Mr. Gannon. “It’s been interestfaculty members and trustees, said Mr. Assaf. ing to see how the new building took numerous tours of other reAlthough the new building has evolved organically, with the cently updated high schools and is without a doubt a positive upstairs library reading room colleges to get advice and learn change for Pace, it will take being quiet, and the Student from their mistakes in order to some adjusting to. “I like how Commons becoming more of a give Pace the best space poswe are more centralized, all loud work space.” sible. “The thing that has made under one roof, but I miss being

crowded enough to run into everyone every day,” said English teacher Mr. Carson, who has worked at Pace long enough to understand the school’s ups and downs. The solution to this new challenge is to be more “intentional about how we build community,” according to Mr. Gannon, because while community was forced upon Pace in the old, tight building, now it is “easier to hide.” This potential problem does bring new meaning to the new Knight Cup Challenge and other Pace events like football games and their importance in Pace life. The timing of the new Walsh Field, then, could not be better.

“I think having new, better facilities helps both our student athletes and our fans,” said Mr. Assaf. “It raises spirit.” Because of strong momentum from the Aim High Campaign, Walsh Field was able to be built using the original plans for the athletic complex at Riverview Rd. that had been left unfinished due to lack of enough funding in the economic downturn in 2009. The real advantage to the new field is the convenience it creates

Continued on p. 2

Class of 2015 ‘Rises Up’ For Senior Year Staff Writer Class of 2017

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 8:17 a.m. A disturbance occurs in the FAC as the Class of 2015 storms into senior year with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement. It was clear that the year was going to be special when Graham “GBO” Hurley rose up and hit that “Nae Nae,” accompanied by the sweet jams of senior DJ Dizzy Dean Papastrat. “I think they’re awesome,” said Señora AgrontHobbs of the seniors. “They did a great job, very tasteful. It set a great mood for the day. In my book, it was muy bien!”

This group is a mixing pot of different personalities, talents, and interests. From Isdell Global Scholars to peer leaders, the Class of 2015 is serving Pace well at the academic level as well as on the global stage.

Student body president and lo-

cal icon, senior Matt “T-Nasty” Tanenblatt, is hoping that this class “will ‘Rise Up’ and accept the challenges set before them.”

Even so, this year is not without some slight controversy.

Sophomore Will Campbell boldly questioned the entire school system, asking if “the new seniors even felt like seniors.” “I don’t really know the seniors, but they kinda scare me because they are so big,” said debate superstar, sophomore Jake Movsovitz. “I guess I’m just really small.” Although some of the underclassmen are not that familiar with the seniors yet, there is no doubt they will get to know them over time through various Pace programs.

From the sports field to the FAC stage, the impact of the seniors is felt school-wide. “The senior class is one of the most well liked, well rounded and well intentioned classes to have passed through Pace,” said class dean Tricia Anderson. “I think they are awesome and that they

Photo: Lee Wilson

Brian Sloan

Seniors react on the first day of school after freshman Graham Hurley hits the “Nae Nae.” are going to be great leaders.”

Along with a new year and new seniors, there are other changes taking place in 2014-2015. This is the first senior class that will pass through the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School, which will be an adventure that

will have its share of surprising and exciting moments. In addition, the Knight Cup, a new competition that divides the school into four houses, has been introduced.

Even with so much change, faculty and students seem to

have no doubt that the Class of 2015 will handle it with the poise and character that they have always shown. The 2014-2015 school year comes with many unknowns, but it is certain that these seniors will make this year one to remember.

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Pace News

September 19, 2014

The Knightly News - Page 2

New Isdell Center Adds Global Perspective Julia Beck

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2015

Photo: Julia Beck

The Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School is not the only addition to the Academy this year with the launch of the new Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), thanks to a generous donation from the Isdell Family Foundation. Conceptualized by Head of School Mr. Assaf and Mr. Neville Isdell himself, the purpose of the new center is to provide students in grades prefirst through 12th new ways to learn about the world outside the classroom, giving them a global perspective and embodying Pace’s mission of creating global citizens.

Twelfth grade dean Tricia Anderson is the new head of the ICGL, a perfect fit with her previous role as director of Global Education, which the ICGL now encompasses. “The goal of ICGL is to provide the resources and opportunities for Pace students to develop the leadership skills, the cultural competency, the global mindedness and the international expertise to be able to go out into the world and make a positive difference,” said Ms. Anderson.

The concept for the ICGL came about through a series of conversations between Mr. Assaf and Mr. Isdell, former chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, former Pace parent and current Pace grandparent.

The two discussed Mr. Isdell’s

Mr. Fishman holds up a Fiji water bottle, sharing what started him on the path to explore water globally. role as the head of an international company, how he has not only had to understand business but also the culture and politics of every country that Coca-Cola serves. “That is really challenging work,” said Mr. Assaf. “So [Mr. Isdell] asked, as a school leader, how I am getting children ready to do his job... because in the future they will have to live and work in this kind of global economy, and that’s a big idea.”

For the Upper School, this means the ICGL will work to create real-world opportunities, such as internships, service learning and innovation projects,

to engage students in the areas that interest them most. The ICGL will also bring speakers to the Upper School, the first having been Mr. Charles Fishman, who wrote the book “The Big Thirst” that many faculty members read and discussed over the summer.

The ICGL will also impact the Upper School by helping to create more Global Education trips for students. Global Education is now even more accessible to students thanks to a Parents’ Club fund that will pay for the airfare for every student for one trip during their time in the Up-

per School.

The ICGL programs will differ across the Lower, Middle and Upper schools, but the whole school has the same central theme for the year: water. A group of faculty worked together to decide on the water theme because of its innate simplicity and importance, and also because it is currently one of the most significant global issues. Four students will be very involved in this theme, the winners of the Isdell Global Leaders Award.

This year’s winners, sophomores Julia Ross and Christopher Howard, junior Alec Rogers

Hidden Gems Abound in New Building Eno Reyes Staff Writer Class of 2017

New Building, Field Continued from p. 1

Photo: Eno Reyes

There is no doubt that countless hours of planning and hard work were put into making the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School one of the greatest additions ever to the Pace campus.

With all the hoopla around the new Upper School’s more prominent features, some of the more interesting elements may have been overlooked.

While it’s easy to appreciate the dramatic features like the new Correll Richards Family Student Terrace or Seaman Family Student Commons, some of the smaller aspects of the Upper School truly define it as a “Pace Academy” building. Here is a list of the top seven hidden gems you may have missed in the new Upper School.

7. Swords in the Stair Railings – Arguably the coolest and least functional item on the list, swords can be found in the railings of the stairs throughout the building. These swords are easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. They add a certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes the Upper School feel less like a school, and more like a home – with swords.

6. Wider Steps – One addition that probably won’t be

appreciated as much as it’s worth is the wideness of the steps.

The new steps that guide your sweet feet to your classes are 30% wider than official Georgia fire code regulations, leading to a much more comfortable high school experience.

5. Pull-down electrical sockets – Science teachers around the high school rejoice!

Their prayers have been answered, with electrical sockets that pull from the ceiling. “The new pull-down sockets are awesome,” said Dr. Pearson. “They are really helpful in keeping our class organized during labs.”

4. Full Campus PA System – With the new Upper School comes new advances in the technological infrastructure, specifically a campus-wide PA system that is making its first appearance at Pace. You can be anywhere on the Pace campus and hear the sweet sounds of the Upper School’s bells chiming in the distance, meaning there’s no excuse to show up late to class.

3. Gas powered back-up generator – This one is hard to notice since most Pace students won’t find themselves running around the lower levels of the campus, but one of the most important features of the new Upper School is that the entire school is able to run on a gaspowered back-up generator in an emergency. A controversial

and senior Sarah Lettes, will do an independent study on water with Mr. Day, Mr. Ballard and Ms. Anderson, involving actual class time as well as in-depth field study, according to Ms. Anderson. The field study trips include a trip down the Chattahoochee River in the fall, a trip down the Rio del Norte in Colorado in the spring and a global leadership study tour to Namibia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

“The goal of these trips is to take something away that we can share with people,” said Sarah.

“We are going to learn to see all aspects of problems, and all the different problems there are, having to do with water.”

The ICGL is simply the newest opportunity for Pace students to learn and think critically outside the classroom. “Teachers are trying to find new ways to teach us and engage us... to look at problems in new ways and see what we can actually do about them,” said Sarah. “That is pretty incredible, especially for a high school.”

This new addition to Pace is sure to have a huge effect on all students at Pace. “My hope is that [the ICGL] really does add this unique characteristic to what the Pace education is,” said Mr. Assaf. “In the short term, it might develop more knowledge and understanding about global issues. In the long term, I really see our students becoming global leaders and having more travel, partnership and engagement on the global scale.”

Mr. Canfield likes the many swords in the stairway railings. decision as many upper school students actually enjoyed the infrequent blackouts of old, it will nevertheless save immeasurable amounts of unsaved data and is a necessary addition to creating a state-of-the-art school.

2. Green Screen Room – At the bottom of the Upper School lie many wonderful rooms, where creativity runs wildly like gazelles in an open plain.

On the first floor there exists a

room full of pure imagination with walls made of an iridescent green that shine in the eyes of Mr. Walker, videography teacher and computer wiz. The green screen allows the students to create amazing special effects and backdrops in videos for a wide range of purposes, and it has allowed Mr. Walker’s videography class to create next-level videos.

1. Sammy Lettes’ Sock Game – Enough said.

for all of the coaches who have to organize games and practices around each other. In addition, the track team actually has a track to practice on now. The improvements to the Riverview complex “raise the level of professionalism” of sports at Pace, said Mr. Carson. It seems fitting that community events, even those including the lower schoolers, parents and teachers, should have a nice field to meet at and cheer on Pace teams.

It took a huge community effort to complete these two projects in time for the new school year. Generous benefactors, including the Walsh family, were necessary to complete the new field, and Mr. Pair, a trustee who managed the building of the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School, put in many hours to ensure that everything would be completed on time.

“This has been a school that for 60-plus years has been committed to academics and the classroom first,” said Mr. Gannon. “No one who has ever graduated from a Pace class, from 1954 to now, will tell you anything other than this is a school that values the classroom.

We finally have a facility that expresses that value in a really tangible way.”

Pace News

Vol. 40, Issue #1

The Knightly News - Page 3

Students 'Book-it' for Woodruff Library Landon Goldstein Staff Writer Class of 2017

Photo: Landon Goldstein

Students and faculty of the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School can thank Mrs. Jane Woodruff and her family for the creation of the new library. Their donation granted Pace with one of its finest areas. “The library might be my favorite part of the new building,” said Head of School Mr. Assaf. “It is a beautiful space.”

The new Woodruff Library, located on the second and third floors of the Upper School, provides new ways for students to study, collaborate and find information. “This library belongs to the students and teachers, and is here for them to get their work done,” said head librarian Mr. Ball, who says that the Woodruff library is set up to allow all types of students to work in an inviting new environment.

The two floors consist of both a quiet and a not-so-quiet area for students and teachers to work.

Students are able to study silently on the third floor, a peaceful and inviting space.

This floor features a fireplace with surrounding lounge chairs for reading. The third floor also has long tables with lamps and outlets for studying or doing homework. On the east side are collaboration rooms for working in groups or on projects. These rooms are separate so students using them do not disturb the quiet area.

The lower floor is a place where students can collaborate in groups without distracting anyone. It is furnished with circular tables to allow easy group communication and also 10 computers and a printer. One of the greatest aspects of the new library, say many students, are the bouncy chairs located at each computer.

The library also features many new resources for students

(Left) Senior Olivia O’Connell studies in the reading room, the quiet area of the new Woodruff Library.

to obtain the information they need. The library has a collection of 23,000 physical books as well as a wide variety of online resources, which can be easily accessed by either checking out a laptop on the third floor or using the desktop computers on

Mrs. Moseley Honored To Lead Lower School

the second.

With the addition of library assistant Mr. Hamburger, the library is now open until 7:00 at night. This permits students who need to stay late to study in a comfortable environment without being interrupted by

Welcome New Faculty Grace Francour

Features Editor Class of 2015

Jordan Harris

Staff Writer Class of 2016

Dori Greenberg

It’s hard to describe the degree of dedication to education that the new head of the Pace Lower School, Mrs. Syreeta Moseley, has. “I feel honored to be in this position because I believe it is a great responsibility to oversee the ins and outs of a school,” she said. “There are so many people that are in a school, and I have a responsibility to all of them.” Mrs. Moseley’s passion for aiding students in their education and her keen ability to develop relationships with parents and faculty make her a perfect fit for her new position.

A native of Rockford, Ill., Mrs. Moseley can relate to experiences in her past that have shaped her to be an educator. “In high school, I was always the one to help my friends with their homework assignments,” she said. “They always wanted my notes to take down when they didn’t go to class. I have always enjoyed helping my friends learn.” Mrs. Moseley’s focus on her own studies was a huge reason for her success as a student.

Her academic excellence propelled her to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. During her undergraduate years, Mrs. Moseley already had a career path in mind. “Originally, I thought I wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “All of my awards and accomplishments were in the sciences and math.” She aspired to be a pediatrician and she reached out to other physicians to find out more about the job.

Mrs. Moseley’s main interest in pediatrics was the opportunity to develop relationships with children and their families. But social connections didn’t play a

Pace welcomed seven new teachers and a head coach to the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School this year. The word “welcoming” comes up often when asking the teachers to describe their experience so far at Pace, among others such as “supportive,” “exciting” and “energetic.” This issue, The Knightly News features four of the new teachers, with a story about the remaining teachers and coach to appear in the October issue.

Familiar with Atlanta, English teacher Mrs. Emily Washburn has earned degrees from Emory and Georgia State University, as well as from Duke and Vanderbilt. She also worked as an attorney for Judge Stan Birch in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Coming from teaching at large private school Woodward Academy, Mrs. Washburn has noticed some differences between Woodward and the smaller Pace community already.

“There is a sense of engagement and commitment to doing the best work you can,” she said.

“I love how the students really seem to care about the work they are turning in. They participate and engage in the class.”

Although Ms. Stephanie Harrell was coach of the opposing team, First Presbyterian Day School, at the varsity girls soccer state championship, there are no hard feelings. “Everyone is really polite and friendly,” said Ms. Harrell, who is now teaching Analytical Chemistry and AP Psychology, “Everyone says thank you when they leave my class and I think it’s just really

Staff Writer Class of 2016

Photo: Jordan Harris Mrs. Moseley seeks to establish lasting connections. large role in the job, according to the physicians that she consulted. “It really got me thinking,” said Mrs. Moseley. “What could I do in life that would allow me to work with children, support them in their lives and establish relationships with them and their families?”

Mrs. Moseley discovered a learning disabilities program at Northwestern that focuses on the study of children and methods of educating them. “I was fascinated with this program because I got to study the brain of a child and how it functions and develops,” said Mrs. Moseley. “The information that we gathered was used to review and study how we teach children.”

After receiving her Masters degree from the University of Arizona, Mrs. Moseley went on to work at the Atlanta Speech School for the next 16 years.

During her time there, she worked as a third grade teacher for 10 years and then a learning specialist for a neighboring program called the Rollins Center.

There, she helped implement

a new reading curriculum that provided support for students to reach literacy goals.

Mrs. Moseley left the Atlanta Speech School to come to Pace.

“I felt this opportunity at Pace was just the next step for me,” she said. “I held multiple positions at Atlanta Speech School and I had many responsibilities such as mentoring teachers, introducing a new curriculum and meeting people outside of the school for academic purposes. The skills I have acquired and experiences I have had were great preparation for this role.”

Since becoming the lower school head, Mrs. Moseley says her favorite aspect of Pace is the “sense of community.”

Mrs. Moseley comes home to her husband, Craig, her 10-yearold daughter, Raina ‘22, and her four-year-old son, Coleson. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, dancing and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to having a wonderful time while guiding the Lower School through a successful academic year.

rowdy kids.

“In order for a library to be great, it needs the right resources in the right formats, and an engaged staff,” said Mr. Ball. “Ms. Teague and I are here to make sure that happens.”

nice.”

Although Mrs. Ryann Smith is new to the Pace faculty, she has been involved in the Pace community for some time now, working as a substitute teacher before coming to Pace full time as academic coach in the Sheft Family Academic Resource Center. Her husband, Coach Demetrius Smith, has also worked at Pace for many years. “I am just trying to develop my own identity at Pace aside from being ‘Coach Smith’s Wife,’” said Mrs. Smith.

She previously worked in the special education department at Northwestern Middle School in Alpharetta, was a stay-at-home mom, and even an event planner.

One of her favorite aspects of Pace so far is that “teachers are given the creativity to develop their own curriculum. This is so beneficial to students because part of being a teacher is applying your own experiences and creativity to your lessons.”

Having to make perhaps the biggest adjustment, Mr. Joe Sandoe comes from Pennsylvania, where he taught at Elco for four years. Elco is in a very rural area, surrounded by farm fields, unlike Atlanta. “The traffic is horrendous, very frustrating here,” said Mr. Sandoe about Atlanta. “Back there, the only traffic you’d run into was if you got stuck behind an Amish buggy.”

Mr. Sandoe is teaching Computational Chemistry at Pace. Like many other new faculty members, Mr. Sandoe felt welcomed into the Pace community.

“People have been very nice, showing me the ropes,” he said.

“My first impression is WOW, for a few reasons: obviously the facilities and the new building, but also the people here. It’s such a tight-knit community.

Even though you’re in a big city you still get that small town feel because everyone knows each other.”

Pace News

September 19, 2014

The Knightly News - Page 4

Pace Students Explore the World Photo: Tim Hornor

Andy Bainton

Staff Writer Class of 2016

While some Pace students were involved with internships or camps this summer, other students traveled the world with Pace faculty members. Global Education Director Ms. Anderson and former Pace faculty Kevin and Jenni Coale flew to South Africa with 13 lucky students, setting out to perform community service and learn about a unique country. Upon reaching South Africa, the Pace crew visited the highest bungee jump from a bridge in the world.

While the teachers were too afraid to jump, almost all of the students took the leap: an astonishing 709 feet.

After the exhilarating bungee jump, the group trekked two days on the beautiful Dolphin Trail overlooking the Indian Ocean. "It was tiring, but the

Students on the Cambridge Global Education trip explored world economics with esteemed professors. view made it more than worth Cape Town. Students learned that helps children living in it," said junior Morgan Kelly. Af- about political and social compli- poverty, Pace students played ter a brief opportunity to interact cations caused by Apartheid and with the children, hung out and with ostriches, it was time to fly the impact Nelson Mandela had played soccer with kids of all to Cape Town, where students on the South African people, and ages. The group also donated and teachers alike explored traveled to the infamous Robben bags of grocery items to families shops and restaurants along the Island, his prison for 18 years. in the townships. Before heading biggest waterfront in the world.

After learning about the home, the group went on safari.

Although the group enjoyed country's history, it was time Another group of seven Pace the sightseeing and adventures, to give back to the community. students traveled to England. the trip’s focus shifted towards Through Afrika Tukkun, a These scholars began their academics after they reached South African service agency journey by sightseeing and view-

Alexis Wilkins Staff Writer Class of 2017

One hundred and nineteen freshmen made their way into the Upper School this school year. Ms. Riley, the new freshman dean, recently completed her role as dean of the Class of 2014, and now has four years with the Class of 2018. “I heard they are very enthusiastic, generally a good group of kids, and excited to learn,” said Ms. Riley.

As the freshman dean, Ms. Riley tries to be available as much as possible to help her students turn their interests into goals. “I hope they will grow and develop as critical thinkers," said Ms. Riley, "and leave Pace well-rounded, thoughtful, independent, and ready to be adults in this world."

The Class of 2018 started their school year with a retreat at Camp Skyline in Alabama.

The peer leaders organized this retreat along with Mr. Callahan and Mrs. Eden. “There was a lot of planning that went into it," said peer leader Elijah Holifield.

Almost all of the freshman class attended the retreat, building strong bonds between both returning and incoming students The peer leaders engaged the kids in games such as relay races

and freeze dance tag before they found out their groups. Different from past years, the peer leaders are keeping their groups from the retreat for the rest of the year.

“I really like how the chemistry of my group has already been established,” said Larine. All of the groups were given T-shirts and doughnuts before they participated in other activities to get to know each other, like telling each other their favorite celebrities. “As an icebreaker, we all contributed in giving each other celebrity nicknames and lookalikes," said Elijah. "[Freshman] Marc Mitchell’s celebrity lookalike is Freddie from 'iCarly.'”

The goal of peer leadership is to give the kids someone to talk to and help them make a smooth transition into high school. “I feel like it’s really helpful to have somewhere you can say things to get off your chest, to have people you can confide in,” said freshman Jeb Carter, whose peer leaders are Corinne Orr and Elijah, group name “Kimye.”

The groups plan to continue bonding throughout the year, both in and out of school. “I’ve wanted to be a peer leader since I was a freshman,” said Larine.

“My advice for the kids is to take advantage of the opportunity to make friends with people you might not get to know otherwise.”

Photo: Sara Eden Freshmen engaged in many fun, messy activities on the retreat.

Five Minutes with Sarah Lettes Photo: Dean Papastrat

Class of 2018 Ready for New School Year

ing some museums in London.

"My favorite part of London was the Double Decker Bus tour because we were able to experience the beauty of the city while also learning about its historical significance," said senior Larine Hamied. Students visited the London Eye, British Museum, and other landmarks before traveling to Cambridge.

According to trip leader Mr. Hornor, the sixth year of this perennial trip was enjoyable and inspirational for Pace students, mostly thanks to interactions with Cambridge professors.

Their professors know a thing or two about money, and taught lessons to Pace kids about what to do with money when they get it. Teachers discussed subjects such as investment, business strategies, and the powerful role of money in society. Senior Matt Tanenblatt said that he loved Cambridge because of its beautiful campus and intellectually inspiring professors.

Dean Papastrat

Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2015 Knightly News: How long have you been at Pace?

Sarah Lettes: I've been at Pace since sixth grade.

KN: Do you still really enjoy Pace?

SL: Yeah, I love Pace. I think it's probably one of the best schools in the whole country. Not an exaggeration.

KN: So you spent a semester abroad. What was that like?

SL: It was awesome. It was cool to try something new for a semester. To be with different people and try new things, branch out of my comfort zone and learn new skills. When I came back to Pace, I was a different person and I could appreciate Pace even more.

KN: Where was that?

SL: In Western Carolina.

KN: What was it called?

SL: The Outdoor Academy. A lot of people call it the Wilderness School.

KN: Would you recommend for others to go to it?

SL: Yeah, I think its good if you want to try something out of school and you want to challenge yourself to learn in a different way. I know a lot of people who would want to go, but they're very into sports, which totally makes sense.

KN: With your experiences, do you find that Pace is still challenging for you?

SL: Yeah, it's so hard. Going away was challenging in different ways, but Pace has helped me grow a lot each year I've attended.

KN: What are your funniest moments from Pace?

SL: (silence) KN: What about funny experiences at the Outdoor Academy?

SL: One time I got in a bet to eat a handful of dirt from the

Senior Sarah Lettes wants everyone to join the Green Team. garden so someone would do two of my dinner cleanups. But I got caught, and one of the adults turned around and saw my mouth completely black from the dirt. I only ate enough to get one dinner cleanup done for me.

KN: (Laughs) That's funny.

KN: So talk about composting.

You brought it to Pace and that's exciting.

SL: Yeah! It's awesome. After I came back from LA, I really wanted to find some way to make Pace greener. I thought about it for a while, and talked to Mr. Day. Finally, in January, I thought about composting.

Mr. Day helped me a lot, and it’s been a lot of steps and a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm really excited that it got started. I'm most excited about the Green Team which everyone should sign up for – please write that. It's going to be really fun.

KN: OK, what exactly is this Green Team?

SL: It's a team of awesome people and they're going to educate Pace about composting and other sustainable stuff. We'll do a lot of fun projects with the Lower, Middle and Upper School. It's a party every week.

KN: It's a party? OK, I will keep that in mind.

KN: Are you a peer leader?

SL: No.

KN: Are you a service leader?

SL: No. KN: Okay, so the Green Team is your thing.

SL: Yes, and I'm on Student Council, Dean.

KN: Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. So have you enjoyed being on Student Council this year?

SL: Yeah! It's awesome. I was on Student Council in ninth grade and now I'm back. I feel like I'm a better leader than I was before, and I've learned a lot of good lessons since then. Its really fun, and the group is very good.

We are going to make this year awesome.

KN: That's what I like to hear.

How does it feel to be a senior?

You're at the top of the food chain now.

SL: It's pretty great. I've only used my seniority about twice.

I've used it to get into the bathroom once and to get the first shower. Those are the only times I've used it besides when I shove people down in the hallway. So I don't really use it too often.

KN: Do you have any advice for freshmen coming up and future seniors?

SL: Yeah, I'd definitely say get involved as much as you can; you will meet a lot of new people and it will make everything more fun. Also, join the Green Team!

Opinion

Vol. 40 Issue #1

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: Josh Blank Features Editor: Grace Francour Opinion Editor: Conor Pelletier Sports Editor: Joe Loughran Online Editor: Mark Handler

Staff Writers: Andy Bainton Landon Goldstein Dori Greenberg Jordan Harris Christopher Howard Zack Kaminsky Sean Murtaugh Eno Reyes Libby Sams Brian Sloan Alexis Wilkins Jack Zook 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

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.

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Heavy Workload, Athletics A Tough Balancing Act Photo: Conor Pelletier

Co-Editors in Chief: Julia Beck Dean Papastrat

The Knightly News - Page 5

Junior Xori Johnson completes his homework in the ARC. completing their daily assignments while also maintaining Conor Pelletier their responsibilities to their Opinion Editor respective sports teams. With Class of 2016 hours devoted to homework and sports, it’s easy for student athletes to lose hours of sleep, Recently, collegiate student which are essential for recovery athletes have gained national atfrom conditioning, practices tention surrounding the issue of and games. This loss of sleep is whether or not student athletes increased depending on how far should be paid for earning their a student lives from school, with respective universities millions daily commutes ranging from of dollars of profit. However, minutes to hours. Although the very little attention has been curriculum and workload at Pace given to high school athletes and is difficult, student athletes must their struggle to find a balance take it upon themselves to work between their athletic commitin the classroom as much as they ments and everyday academic work on the field. workload, especially at Pace So what is Pace doing to Academy. help its student athletes? Pace Pace has a rigorous curhas done a fantastic job giving riculum and, depending on the its student athletes the resources course, heavy homework loads, to complete assignments before which create an enormous practices and games. However, struggle for student athletes in it is difficult to give student ath-

letes the motivation to do their homework before a practice or game rather than hang out with their friends.

The most substantial resource Pace provides is the Sheft Family Academic Resource Center. The ARC, headed by Mr. Callahan, offers students a place to work with tutors and an academic coach who help them complete their assignments and keep an itinerary for their daily workload.

In addition, team coaches often schedule their own study halls to encourage students to complete homework before games and otherwise be productive. Every day, student athletes continue to find a balance between schoolwork and their obligations on the field, and Pace provides the support to help them succeed both on and off the field.

Upper School Students Prefer Food for Thought Online Editor Class of 2016

The Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School is undoubtedly the grandest addition ever made to Pace Academy. It not only inspires a creative spark, but it surrounds each and every student with a sense of security. This homelike environment provides a comfortable yet progressive state of mind. Learning rigorous subject matter will certainly be viewed as more appealing in such an atmosphere.

As everybody who has

Mark Handler Online Editor Class of 2016

journeyed through Pace’s curriculum knows, it is challenging.

It is not easy to be excited for an advanced math class or to be thrilled about dissecting a pig in AP Biology. But now, if you are ever feeling down, you can always just gaze at your surroundings. Look around and you will remember what a privilege this school is. All privileges tend to come with constraints, however.

At Pace, the no food/no drink policy (with the exception of water) is not popular with students.

Many students prefer to bring their own snacks to school that the snack bar does not offer, as well as their own drinks.

I do not see why we cannot currently bring food and drink inside the building if it is going to happen at some point regardless. Why wait? Students are hungry. Food, as studies have proven, actually stimulates the brain. It has also been proven that snacking throughout the day is more healthy than eating several large meals.

A common argument is that food, if left out, will attract pests such as roaches and rodents.

With a new school and proper care, this is easily avoidable. In my opinion, this is an overreaction. Such a fantastic school deserves a healthy environment

Students could not drink the specially-labeled, commemorative Coca-Colas inside the building on the opening day of school. where kids can enjoy themselves apart from academics. Snacks can only lead to positive benefits. Being intelligent, respectful Pace students, we tend to pick

Photo: Pace Communications

Mark Handler

up most of our trash, and the high school is filled with new recycling bins and trash cans anyway. So this begs the question, is food worth the thought?

Faculty, Staff Share Their First Impressions

(L-R): Mr. Ball, Mr. Smith, Ms. Anderson and Mr. Hattori weigh in on the new Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School.

Photo: Mark Handler

Lifestyle

Vol. 40, Issue #1

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Chick-a-Biddy Serves Best Chicken Around Managing Editor Class of 2015

Chick-a-Biddy, across from the AMC movie theatre in Atlantic Station, serves the best chicken in town. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a welcoming staff along with an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, and the decor is contemporary, with vibrant colors.

The enticing menu is filled with a variety of chicken dishes and a few non-chicken items. I ordered the chicken and waffles along with Brussels sprouts and french fries, while seniors Harris Quiner and Kate Mullally ordered the chicken tender

basket and the chicken sandwich.

“It was some of the best chicken I’ve ever had,” said Harris. “The breading on the chicken was the perfect amount, providing great flavor and a decent crunch, and the fries were delicious.”

Kate agreed that the food was great, and thoroughly enjoyed her beverage as well. “This is the best Arnold Palmer I’ve ever had,” she said. The chicken sandwich, similar in look to one that you would find at Chick-FilA, tasted as good, if not better than, Chick-Fil-A’s.

My dish, the chicken and waffles, was extremely flavorful. The waffle was topped with three chicken tenders along with butter and homemade maple syrup. The combination of sweet syrup, crunchy/salty chicken,

and waffle fit together perfectly and was delicious. The Brussels sprouts were also an excellent side choice because of their fantastic preparation and seasoning.

Along with fries and Brussels sprouts, other options for sides include macaroni and cheese, cole slaw and broccoli salad.

One downside to the restaurant is the service. Servers don’t check the tables enough, and they often take a while to bring items to you. Also, when we sat down to our table, neither silverware nor napkins were at the table, and we had to ask for them when our food came. Otherwise, Chick-a-Biddy was impressive and I’d highly recommend it to chicken lovers or healthy eaters, as their slogan reads, “farm fresh chicken and sides.”

Illustration: Landon Goldstein

Willy’s Favored by Students Landon Goldstein Staff Writer Class of 2017

In a poll of 104 upper school students, Willy’s was clearly the favorite.

Pace upper school students revealed their true nature recently when responding to a simple question: “Which restaurant is the best – Chipotle, Willy’s or Moe’s?” Some voted quickly, while others pondered the question. Many students were fond of Willy’s, and did not even consider the other options. Willy’s received almost double the votes of second place Chipotle.

Willy’s is conveniently located on the corner of the West Paces Ferry shopping center,

Photo: Josh Blank

Josh Blank

Senior Harris Quiner dives into the creamy macaroni and cheese. allowing easy accessibility for students. However, its popularity leads to extremely long lines, sometimes taking up to 25 minutes. The food is fresh and the chips are right out of the oven.

Nachos are the most popular item, as they can be customized like a burrito. Some students are deeply obsessed with Willy’s, and would not think of going to Chipotle or Moe’s. “Chipotle is a nice place… for peasants,” said junior Mick “Shady” Assaf.

However, many students are very fond of Chipotle. The food is extremely fresh, and everything is made daily. Chipotle is known for their famous burrito bowl, a bowl filled with the ingredients of a burrito without the tortilla. Chipotle also

serves the mythical Quesarrito, a classic Chipotle burrito with a quesadilla on the outside. “I love Chipotle because the ingredients are fresher,” said sophomore Jake Movsovitz. Even though Chipotle charges extra for chips, it remains the main contender against Willy’s.

Moe’s, on the other hand, does not even compete. Many people find the ingredients old and the chips stale. However, the ability to order Moe’s on the app Mobile Waiters enables orders to be delivered to your doorstep. In addition, the lines are normally short, and numerous locations provide quick access. But overall, Willy’s is the sure winner, with its countless options and great-tasting food.

Three Looks with the Levens Students Love Libby Sams Staff Writer Class of 2017

This year, Pace Academy is seeing three-for fashion as The Knightly News’ “Three Looks” features the Upper School’s trendiest triplets. Describing their look as a “wear what I feel” and “go with the flow” style, David, Scott and Zack Leven push the envelope of freshman fashion quota. “I’m a trend enhancer

more than a trend setter,” said football player Scott.

Shopping at either Marshall’s or Wal-Mart, David, Scott and Zack thank their mom for serving as their style inspiration and always buying their clothes. Not only are the triplets fashionistas, but they are partiers as well. All three brothers agree to dress to impress on necessary occasions, like Bar Mitzvahs, but never be caught dead in a bow tie.

While both David and Scott advise that sometimes being

more subtle in clothing choices is preferred, daring Zack frequently lets loose with new styles to compete for the title as the most fashionable triplet. “He’s a trendsetter, but sometimes he can be too bold and go a little overboard,” said David.

Keep an eye out for David, Scott and Zack sporting their signature salmon polos or football uniform, in Scott’s case, for they certainly have potential to be Pace’s newest fashionable trio!

Photo: Libby Sams

(L-R) Scott, David and Zack Leven model their trendiest outfits.

Music Midtown Grace Francour

Features Editor Class of 2015

Right as students settle into the tedious routine of school, one of Atlanta’s most attended and anticipated events, Music Midtown, arrives. Just in time to break the monotony and rejuvenate the student body, it will begin Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. and last two days, with Saturday beginning at Noon. It is expected to draw a crowd of music lovers estimated at 100,000 to Piedmont Park for its 14th year and will feature more than 23 artists from a variety of genres, which is sure to please everyone.

The festival promises to meet the high expectations set by years prior, offering more performances and an extended venue, with the 10th Street Meadow and Oak Hill included in the setup this year. Featuring two more performances than last year, the festival brings huge headliners such as rap genius Eminem, Jack White, Atlanta natives Zac Brown Band, John Mayer (who gained his fame in

Atlanta), Lana del Rey, Lorde, Iggy Azalea and Bastille.

“I’m really excited to see Eminem because his daughter’s name is Haley, so we have a connection that masses of people can’t come between,” said junior Haley Hartman. “I also know every single word to every single one of his songs.” Fitz and the Tantrums, twenty one pilots, B.o.B, and Magic Man are among the many other artists who will perform.

Music Midtown is a place where high school students from all over Atlanta gather to socialize and listen to good music. It is impossible to walk through the crowd and not see a familiar face or two – or two hundred. “You always run into people you know from all grades, and it’s so cool that we get to be outside for a concert... it’s a different experience,” said senior Anna Hoffman. Some students might even spot a faculty member or two.

Music Midtown offers not only great entertainment, but also a different atmosphere than most concerts. The large outdoor area and large variety of bands means a large and often eclectic crowd full of energy.

Sports

September 19, 2014

The Knightly News - Page 7

Dra. Pontes Works World Cup

Softball Not So Soft

Joe Loughran Sports Editor Class of 2016

Sean Murtaugh Staff Writer Class of 2016

Photo: Dra. Pontes

While many Pace students spent their summer watching the biggest soccer tournament on the planet, the World Cup, Dra. Paula Pontes was in Brazil working as a volunteer at the games in her hometown of Belo Horizonte, at the stadium Mineirão.

Dra. Pontes worked at six games for a total of 13 days, seeing countries play such as England, Belgium, Argentina, Germany and Brazil, and including the infamous semifinal between Brazil and Germany where Germany won in a 7-1 onslaught.

While working at the World Cup may seem like a fun and easy thing to do, the application process is long and arduous. “I had to go online a year before the tournament to the FIFA website to sign up for it,” said Dra. Pontes. “You have courses and testing that you do online on FIFA history, World Cup history and the city’s history. Then you do language tests (I did Spanish and English), and then you do a Skype interview.” Dra. Pontes also worked at last summer’s Confederations Cup, another global soccer tournament that was also in Brazil, so she was no stranger to working in such an environment.

However, Dra. Pontes found the World Cup tournament to be a different experience. “I already thought that the Confederations Cup was big and fun, but the World Cup was an entirely dif-

Dra. Pontes spent 13 days working in Brazil at the World Cup this summer. ferent world, she said. “It was so much more fun because of the kinds of people that came over from other nations, not just the teams that came over, as there were a lot more teams, but the tourists that came from all over the world even if their team wasn’t playing. All of the operations were bigger, ticketing was more complicated and there were way more VIP guests. Everything was bigger and a lot more important because we felt the whole world was now watching.”

Dra. Pontes worked in two different areas during her summer stay in Brazil. The first was as a translator for the FIFA director of ticketing, as the director did not speak Portuguese. This task usually started around four hours before kickoff.

After her job as a translator was completed, Dra. Pontes went to

the VIP area to work, where she catered to guests’ various needs.

She learned vast amounts of protocol about how to deal with different guests in the VIP area, as world politics made seating arrangements and titles very important.

The Mineirão stadium is in Dra. Pontes’ hometown of Belo Horizonte. She stayed at her mother-in-law’s house, which was just two blocks from the stadium and made walking to work a breeze. Dra. Pontes was able to witness some of the best soccer players on the planet in action in the games in Belo Horizonte.

The first game she worked was Belgium-Algeria, which Belgium came back from 0-1 to win, 2-1. The next match saw the world’s best player, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, break Iranian hearts with a goal from outside

the box in stoppage time.

After a draw between Costa Rica and England, the Estadio Mineirão played host to a thrilling win for Brazil over Chile by penalty kicks in the Round of 16, the first round of the World Cup playoff stage. Unfortunately, the last game at the Estadio Mineirão was the semi-final between Germany and Brazil, in which Germany thrashed a Neymarless Brazil 7-1.

Dra. Pontes’ classroom at Pace displays a wide range of World Cup gear, from signs and cups to stuffed animals and buttons and badges. “I love the mascot, who is indigenous to Brazil, and all of my cups,” she said. “I didn’t realize that when you go buy drinks that the cups (with the date and teams playing in each match) were special for each match.”

Rock with the White, Roll with the New Libby Sams Staff Writer Class of 2017

Alexis Wilkins Staff Writer Class of 2017

Freshman QB Gunnor Faulk searches for a receiver downfield.

Salyer and Jaden Steagall, and junior Timothy Coleman. Gunnor recalled how he made the decision to come to Pace to learn and hit the field, saying that his trainers were influential in his decision. He concluded that Pace would give him a better education.

Playing defensive end as a freshman, Realus joins the Upper School as another valuable addition. “I love the people, the classes… just the whole cam-

pus,” he said. Realus is content with his decision to attend Pace and is pleased that junior Mick Assaf reached out to him via Instagram. As the school year progresses, both Gunnor and Realus agree that coming to Pace to achieve excellence has been the right decision so far.

While the support and popularity for football in the Pace community grows, some are looking ahead to the basketball season. Sophomore Wendell

Photo: Jean-Marc Porson

Photo: Libby Sams

With Pace Academy’s rise to Class AA, students of the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School now include about 15 new student athletes competing in four different sports. Not only are these athletes here to play, the new students bring an impressive ambition for their classroom education as well.

“First and foremost, the kids are all pretty willing to learn academically as well as on the field,” said head football coach Chris Slade. “They want to be here... and want to get better as students and be someone in the Pace community.”

Even though Pace considers all sports equal in importance, the varsity football team has been fortunate to incorporate many of the new athletes this year. They include: freshmen Tony Addison, Delvalo Baitey, Herbert Doucet, Gunnor Faulk, Realus “Booman” George, Scott Leven, Justin Morris, Jamaree

Carter will be a new face on the varsity team. Standing 6’10 and ranked fifteenth in the nation

by ESPN, Wendell is a power forward literally reaching for the stars. He said that his mom chose Pace as the school for him to attend, and so far he appreciates her decision. “You get more attention in education at Pace… better teachers and afterschool,” he said. With a drive for discipline in sports as well as academics, Wendell foreshadows a great basketball season ahead for the Pace community.

Pace’s varsity volleyball and softball teams acquired a total of four new student athletes. Freshmen Presley Marxmiller, Rachel Ribner and Sloan Wyatt joined the softball team and are already making an impact. Many students (and coaches) are thrilled to welcome freshman Nia Brown to the varsity volleyball team, where she plays alongside her sister, sophomore Summer Brown. Skilled as a right-handed outside player, she has competed in the A5 South Volleyball Club.

“They [Pace Academy’s new athletes] bring attitude and desire to win,” said senior Kevin Johnson, quarterback, who has committed to James Madison University for next school year.

“We expect to win many games this year.”

The Diamond Knights started relatively early this year, playing their first game on Aug. 8, almost two weeks before school started. By the time students entered the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School on the first day of school, the team was already 5-1, not dropping a beat this year with their transition from 1A to 2A. “It’s definitely a big step up for the whole team, but I think we’re ready to take on some bigger schools and really compete with them,” said sophomore Laura Shelton. “Although it will be more challenging, we will improve as a team.”

Now that school is in full swing, however, the girls have been struggling a little bit, with an overall record of 9-9 at press time, including close losses to Strong Rock and Landmark Christian. The girls are 1-3 in region play and look to conquer more teams within the region.

Coach Palmerton continues to lead the girls, working closely with assistant coaches Coach Morrison and Coach Kudnik, and even taking input from the players. “I really enjoy having KP as a coach,” said junior Kellyann Malone. “KP makes me laugh every day and always picks us up when we are down.”

The team lost many key players from last year, including the hardworking, recent graduates Shabrea Duffey and Sarah Jacobson. The team is facing the challenge of replacing their presence on the field and on the bases. Additionally, senior Lane Dikeman is taking the year off to pursue a chance to play college softball. Last year Lane was the main pitcher, eating up most of the innings on the mound while leading the team to a fantastic playoff run. This year Laura will attempt to pick up where Lane left off, and continue the greatness of Pace softball.

Senior Lauren Hadley celebrates after scoring a run.

Sports

September 19, 2014

The Knightly News - Page 8

Cross Country Runs Hard, Gets Results Eno Reyes Staff Writer Class of 2017

Photo: Eno Reyes

Fall means many things to the students of Pace Academy, from football games to the fall musical, but to some Pace athletes fall means that all of the summer runs spent at the mercy of the trails are about to pay off.

Fall is cross country season. Fall is when the varsity cross country team joins hundreds from across Georgia to compete in 5k races in fields and courses all over the state. Cross country is a sport of endurance, both physical and psychological. It asks runners to push themselves past the body’s limits, and keep running to finish the race.

Led by power-couple/ coaches Steve Cunningham and Jolie Cunningham, along with math wiz Gus Whyte, the cross country team practices every day after school, and in the morning on Fridays. “I think the time commitment is significant,” said coach Steve Cunningham.

“We have a seven-day-a-week program, with two-hour practices and five to six hour meets.

It really pays off, though. The camaraderie of the team and

The Pace cross country team enjoys a photo finish at the end of a run at Brevard Distance Runners Camp. interaction between the players makes it worth it.”

The team started their “unofficial” season with an exciting week at the Brevard Distance Runners Camp in North Carolina in July, where new members and old members alike bonded over the early morning runs and the late night grocery shopping trips. “My favorite moment of camp was when we won the camp-wide dodge ball tournament. That was really fun,” said senior Christopher LaLone.

After camp, runners continued to go on daily runs to spots like “The River” (Cochran Shoals National Park) and “Whitewater” (Whitewater Creek trails by the Chattahoochee). “Whitewater is definitely my favorite spot to run,” said sophomore Rob Warren. “I can’t exactly tell why, but I think it is.”

The squad started their season as a 2A school with an overnight trip to Savannah for the Daffin Park XC Classic on August 23. Headed by captains

and seniors Mark Grenader and Ted Hobbs, and junior Alec Rogers for the boys, and seniors Caroline Mills, Katie Nelson and Lacey O’Sullivan for the girls, the boys took fifth place out of 28 other teams, and the girls took third out of 28 – a strong start to their season. At the Wesleyan meet that following week, the boys took first and the girls took second. The girls team won state last year, and are hoping to repeat their success.

“It was really exciting when we

won last year, and I think we can do it again,” said sophomore Julia Ross.

The team has benefited from new additions in every class.

Freshman Jack Douglass especially has run impressive times, running in the top two of the Pace squad in almost every race.

Douglas also recently earned the honor of Milesplit AA Athlete of the Week. The team’s next meet takes place on Sept. 20 at the Coach Daly Invitational at Northgate High School.

Junior Ciara Sadaka Named All-American Andy Bainton

Staff Writer Class of 2016

Photo: Gemshots Photographic

The five seniors will be a key component to the volleyball team’s success.

Volleyball Shows Promise Zack Kaminsky Staff Writer Class of 2016

The girls were 2-0 victors in the first area game of the season, winning both games 25-3.

Seniors Brittany Allen, Natasha Goehring, Natalie Marcrum, Payton Pulver and Claire Snyder are “very strong” and have shown a lot of leadership, according to Coach Bush. As the Knights finally come back to full strength, their play should improve. Off the court, the team has built strong bonds. “We’re a lot closer than we were last year, and we have a lot of fun even though we’re serious,” said junior Frances Crisler.

Look for volleyball to finish this season strong. They play 11 more games before the season’s end, including five at home.

Photo: Andy Bainton

After a strong season last year ending with a trip to the state playoffs, Pace’s varsity volleyball team is back with another talented squad. The team this year has five seniors providing experience and leadership for underclassmen. With 10 returning players and two new additions, the Knights have the potential to put together an impressive season.

The girls began their strenuous schedule before school started with tryouts on Aug. 4 and games starting a week

later. Although coming out of the gates with an 8-8 record, 5-7 in league play at press time, the Knights looked extremely promising in strong wins against Atlanta International School, First Presbyterian Day, Paideia, Hapeville Charter, Chamblee and Our Lady of Mercy. “We’ve gotten off to a slow start because we’ve been injured and we’ve had a lot of illnesses,” said Coach Anna Bush.

Despite the slow start, Coach Bush sees plenty of promise in the team. “Defensively, we are way ahead of where we were last year,” she said. Their Sept. 2 matchup with Hapeville Charter, in particular, showed the Knights’ talent and dominance.

USA Water Polo recently named Pace junior Ciara Sadaka an Academic All-American for water polo. How did she get to be such an amazing water polo player? She started out as a swimmer in the Pace Middle School, until Coach John Ague asked her to play water polo in seventh grade. Coach Ague knew she was a strong swimmer, and Ciara wanted to do something more fun than simply swimming laps. Water polo was the perfect fit for her, and she has loved playing ever since.

“My favorite part about the sport is how international it is,” said Ciara. “I get to play with and against teams from Colombia, Brazil and other places all the time.”

This fall, she is playing for

Pace’s water polo team as well as her travel team. “Balancing [water] polo and school can be difficult because I’m always gone on the weekends, but I just have to work harder during the week to make it work,” said Ciara, speaking to the struggles of being a student athlete. She spends 10-24 hours a week in the pool, either swimming or doing water polo drills. Her dedication to the sport is unparalleled, which is why she excels to the point of being named Georgia High School Water Polo Association’s Girls Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-State in 2013.

If the past is at all indicative of the future, Ciara’s future in water polo looks very bright.

“The hardest part about water polo is that I can’t take time off,” she said. “One week off would make a huge difference in how I play and I would fall behind.

I want to play [at a Division 1] college so I need to stay on top of things.”

Academic All-American Ciara Sadaka looks to pass to a teammate.