Vol. 41, Issue 3

Page 1

Vol. 41, Issue #3

The

November 13, 2015

Knightly News

p. 3 Freestyle Friday Takes Pace by Storm

p. 7 Andrew Wu: Astrophysics Author

p. 12 Meet Sophomore Isaiah Kelly

Alexis Wilkins

Social Media Editor Class of 2017

With a new head to the wellknown Pace drama program, many are anxious to see this year’s fall musical, “Legally Blonde,” which opened last night in the FAC. Mr. Sean Bryan jumped right into a challenging but exciting position as theatre director from his previous position as performing arts department chair and drama teacher at Ransom Everglades School in Miami. Before opening night, there was already plenty of talk about the production. “Legally Blonde” is very different from past musicals chosen by former theatre director Mr. George Mengert. “I love what it has to say,” said Mr. Bryan. “It tells the community to trust in what makes each of us unique.” “It’s interesting working under a new director,” said senior James Sadlo who plays Warner Huntington III. With a new director comes new surprises. Casting juniors as leads definitely came as a surprise at first

Mr. Bryan directs actors Payton Gannon, Willie Lieberman and Ryan Duvall (L) while the Delta-Nu girls finish off a big number (R). male dominated field, being true to yourself rather than changing to “fit in,” and maintaining a strong moral compass against great pressure, according to Mr. Bryan. “While this show does address serious themes, it does so in a wonderfully fun and funny way,” he said. “‘Legally Blonde’ is filled with great music characters, dancing and canines.”

robberies,” said Upper School Head Mr. Gannon. “The people who have been pulling this off are professionals.” In response to these incidents, the security staff (led by Mr. Kevin Johnson) and the school plans to put up gates at all of the entrances, to close off the campus at nighttime and on non-school days. The community appears to have mixed feelings with regard to the gates. Junior Seth Swiecichowski says he “believe[s] that the gates will serve their purpose, but [he] foresees complications with people getting their cars locked in.” Others are wondering just how often the gates will be closed. Mrs. Durlin told The Knightly News that she “wonder[s] if there is anything we can do to get in on the weekends.”

For people wondering the same thing, both Mr. Gannon and Mr. Johnson were keen on saying that the campus will not be inaccessible. “The gates are simply coming in to make measures more difficult for those trying to steal from Pace,” said Mr. Gannon. “We aren’t worried about student safety being in jeopardy, we are doing this to keep out trespassers.” In addition to installing gates, Mr. Johnson said that there is an Atlanta Police Department officer on campus on school days, and a nighttime security guard who works from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The guard has checkpoints that he monitors in time intervals, and his log is sent electronically to Mr. Johnson for oversight. Mr. Johnson stressed that “the safety of the students is the most important thing.”

Mr. Bryan brought in two outside choreographers, Angela and Zach, to teach the students elaborate dances. “Legally Blonde” is a dance-heavy musical with many choreo-filled interludes. At the production’s first runthrough of Act One, it was clear that the show will be a success. Each individual seems to fit their role well, and the overall group

definitely makes for a talented cast. Willie is a fantastically bubbly Elle, and junior Mitchell Zwecker surely fits the sharkstereotype lawyer role. “Mr. Bryan brings such a joyful and productive feeling to rehearsal,” said sophomore Jeb Carter. “He makes doing the show so much better.” “Legally Blonde” runs through Sunday.

Sports Editor Class of 2016

Have you ever felt unsafe at school? I didn’t think so. Although most people at Pace don’t think about it on a day-to-day basis, Pace’s security team has never failed to keep an eye out for any hazards that we may face on a regular school day. However, even with measures Pace has already implemented for a secure campus, cunning criminals have twice stolen computers out of the Lower School. Pace is one of four schools in Metro Atlanta that have been struck with similar robberies recently. “The Schenck School, Cumberland Academy and the Howard School have also had incidents involving computer

Photo: Jack Zook

to most of the seniors, although it has been done before. Junior Willie Lieberman plays the lead role of Elle Woods and junior Libby Sams has the large supporting role of Brooke Wyndham in Act Two. “‘Legally Blonde’ tackles serious issues through a light, energized lens,” said Mr. Bryan. It examines many global issues, including female struggle in a

Security Increased with Recent Thefts Jack Zook

Photos: Alexis Wilkins

Pace Fall Musical ‘Legally Blonde’ Runs Through Weekend in FAC

APD Officer John “Corny” Cornelius talks with Matt Fortier about the new security measures outside of the Castle.

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