May 15, 2015
Vol. 40, Issue #8
The
Knightly News
p. 2 Reflections on First Year in New US
p. 8 Coach Palmerton Leaves Mark
p. 12 Senior Predictions
Class of 2015 Leaves Lasting Legacy Photo: Ryan Vihlen As members of the Class of 2015 graduate, they will go to many superb colleges and universities not only in the United States, but also in countries such as the United Kingdom.
Brian Sloan
Staff Writer Class of 2017
At the beginning of the year, there were many uncertainties as the Pace community faced significant changes. Moving into the Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School was a massive shift which could have easily spelled havoc; however, time and time again the Class of 2015 exemplified poise and leadership in the face of new challenges. From the senior parade on the first day of school to GAP Day, the seniors have created a lasting legacy that will guide the Pace student body for years to come. "I think the primary reason for the success of this school year was that the entire senior class stayed together, no matter
what the situation," said student body president Matt Tanenblatt. The impact of the seniors was not limited to any one area, as they excelled not only academically but on the stage and on the field as well. With a huge number of seniors growing up through the theater program, the high school productions will sorely miss their leadership and energy. "No matter what show I performed in at Pace, I always felt welcomed and appreciated by both the faculty and by my fellow seniors," said senior Caillin Cooke, who played Cinderella in "Into the Woods." "The theater program really allowed for the seniors to grow closer together, as we participated in the program we loved." In athletics, the Class of 2015 is graduating a whopping
12 seniors who plan on playing their respective sport in college. Whether it is football, diving, basketball, soccer, fencing, softball or rowing, the graduating seniors hope to take the skills they have acquired throughout high school to the next level. "This class is loaded with student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and on the field. Their quantity is easily matched by their quality," said athletic director Kris Palmerton. "It is also important to note that almost all seniors made an impact on their teams throughout high school, and the recognition extends across the grade." The Class of 2015 has left its mark extensively on both the Atlanta community and places across the globe. From constructing houses for the homeless in Romania to sorting
food at the local Food Bank, the seniors have been exemplars in community service. "The participation throughout this year has been amazing and I am so proud of the number of seniors who have left a legacy on the many service projects Pace offers," said senior Larine Hamied. With five graduating executive service leaders, Pace has a large hole to fill in the wake of their departure. "I have only been at Pace since the start of second semester and I am continually impressed by the passion and leadership of the senior class in regards to the Pace Service partnerships," said service director Mary Liebman. "On average, this senior class served over 90 hours during their time in Upper School. The passion and dedication that I've seen from
these seniors inspires me daily." Through their service to the community, the senior class has left a blueprint for years to come. The graduating class features a wide array of collegiate choices, and the class fared substantially well in the admittance process. Whether it's Georgia, Vermont, California or the Carolinas, the seniors will undoubtedly further their legacy in their future educational pursuits. But no matter where they attend, the real home of the Class of 2015 will always be here at Pace Academy. "Through every step of the year, the seniors have continually made me proud to call myself their class dean," said Ms. Anderson. "The entire Pace community, myself included, will look forward to seeing their successes on the global stage."
Grace Francour
Features Editor Class of 2015
Seniors are often eager to get out of the house and head off to college by the time May rolls around, but having to leave their second home, the Academy, elicits a different reaction. The "Lifers" make up a third of the senior class and know nothing else besides Pace. They are leaving the school they have attended for the past 13 years, where almost all of their most vivid memories have been made. In addition to the Lifers, many seniors involve themselves so thoroughly in the
Pace community that leaving will be tough. Senior Natalie Marcrum sums it up best with a single word: "Bittersweet." Senior and Lifer Anna Hoffman might be the most upset to leave, as she broke down in tears when asked how she felt about leaving Pace. "I would truthfully, deep down inside, rather take a fifth year at Pace," she said. "There are a lot of AP courses I haven't taken that I would take in my extra year. I just don't know where I'd sit in assembly." Senior Kate Mullally has only spent her high school years at Pace, yet wants to cry thinking about it, saying, "I never want to leave." The sadness comes from the realization that
a huge change is coming. "I'm a little upset because a big part of my life is over," said senior and Lifer Matt Seaman, "It will be weird leaving my second home." While leaving Pace evokes a strong emotional response in some, it also brings excitement. "It's a little weird and sad to think that I won't be coming back here next August, but my excitement for starting somewhere new makes up for it," said senior Moriah Wilson, who has been at Pace for 10 years. Seniors who recognize that change is often a good thing are less upset about graduating. "I'll miss my friends, but I'm excited to leave because some people are starting to get annoying," said
Photo: Grace Francour
Seniors Say Goodbye Senior Morgan Baker is going to have to be ripped away from the Academy, she'll miss it so much. senior and Lifer Caroline Mills. "I'll miss my routine. I don't know what I'm gonna do because I have been doing so much Pace stuff for so long." Senior and Lifer Dustin Hadley agrees, saying, "I'm sad about leaving after 13 years, but at the same time I'm really excited to be moving
on to college." Even with graduation looming, a few seniors haven't really felt the effects of leaving yet. "It hasn't hit me yet," said senior Jessica Castro. For those who can't wait for May 16th, senior and Lifer Maria Grenader said, "It's been a long time comin.'"