Volume 44, Issue #5

Vol. 44, Issue #5

The

March 1, 2019

Knightly News

p. 2 Faculty Then and Now

p. 4 Jack Brown Authors Two Books

p. 6 Schools Must Teach Digital Literacy

International Knights: Pace Students Represent Many Countries Francesca Vaneri

Staff Writer Class of 2020

Photo: Francesca Vaneri

While Pace has made a significant effort in the past few years to promote diversity and inclusion, students often forget one of Pace’s smaller demographics – international students.

These students, who are first or second generation immigrants, make up about 5 percent of the upper school population. Most Pace students are unaware of the different cultures represented by their classmates.

Altogether, Pace international students represent roughly 15 different countries, from Pakistan to France to Colombia.

Many of these students are not only multicultural but also multilingual, speaking languages from Hindi to Icelandic.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the number of “New Americans,” or first or second generation immigrants, has increased significantly in the past few decades. As of

2017, one quarter of all U.S. children are first or second generation immigrants.

Pace’s enrollment of international families has increased accordingly. “Multilingual and multicultural families add a different perspective to our community, and can help educate our community about their experiences and their beliefs,” said Pace Director of Admissions Jennifer McGurn.

Behind each international student can Junior Klara Andra-Thomas points out the countries that her parents are from, lie deeply interest- Iceland and Czech Republic. ing and relevant stories, heritage and experiences. able to speak a different landifferent culture,” said Biondi. “I guage,” said junior Klara Andra- do feel like I sometimes have a While the immigrant experiThomas. “It makes me differdifferent perspective on someence at Pace differs for each ent.” Andra-Thomas’ mother is thing someone else might not individual student, one thing is from Iceland and her father is have thought about because of consistent: these students are often grateful and feel that their from the Czech Republic. their upbringing.” ethnic culture is an integral part Junior Paul-Louis Biondi, While some students feel a of their personality. “It’s cool to whose parents are from France, strong connection to their famhave a different culture and be agrees. “I love being part of a ily’s heritage, others feel less of

one. “I definitely feel a connection to Iceland, but it’s a thin connection,” said Andra-Thomas. “I feel more American than Icelandic.” Junior Rekha Sashti, whose parents and grandparents are from South India, feels a similar sense of attachment. “I definitely feel very American, because I was born here and I grew up here,” said Sashti.

“But I’m also interested in and appreciative of Indian culture, and I did a study abroad program there over the summer so I could immerse myself more in it.”

Pace international families came to the United States for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it was just chance. Junior Ada Jane Agolli, for example, is known for her volleyball prowess, a talent that runs in the family. Both of her parents, who are Albanian, played for the Albanian national team, and her father even competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. “My parents won the green card lottery a few years before I was born, and even though it was a really difficult

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Mrs. Tarvin Named Class of 2023 Dean

Photo: Allison Tarvin (L-R) Chandler, Mrs. Tarvin, Hudson and Mr. Tarvin enjoy the annual Pre-First Authors Tea Party at Pace.

Darren Rosing Staff Writer Class of 2021

Mrs. Allison Tarvin: happy mother of two, loving wife, passionate chemistry teacher, proud Alabama fan, ex-cheerleading coach… and most recently, dean

of Pace Academy’s Class of 2023.

Mrs. Tarvin left her job at Harrison High School in Cobb County to work at Pace and be closer to her husband, Pace middle school Latin teacher Stewart Tarvin, and her twin boys, first graders in Pace’s Lower School.

She was initially offered a position at Pace in 2017, but the offer came at too hectic of a time in Mrs. Tarvin’s life for her to accept.

One of Mrs. Tarvin’s students at Harrison had died tragically on an overnight camping trip to Red Top Mountain State Park. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the tree that held the hammock she was sleeping in collapsed on top of her overnight. “It was a terrible situation,” said Mrs. Tarvin. “I just couldn’t fathom leaving my babies in the situation they were in. I just couldn’t do it.”

Mrs. Tarvin’s care for her

students’ well-being and her drive to support them through tough times are a testament to how qualified she is for a dean’s role at Pace. After the Harrison community had time to grieve and heal, Mrs. Tarvin finally accepted Mr. Gannon’s offer and assumed an upper school teaching position at Pace for this school year.

Mrs. Tarvin found Pace attractive because of how welcoming and kind the community was whenever she accompanied her husband to Pace functions.

She was also impressed by the administration. “I had been to lots of Pace events, and every time I heard [Head of School Fred] Assaf talk, I felt like for the first time there was actually somebody who had a vision for a school and had real leadership skills that I could feel good about following,” said Mrs. Tarvin.

One of Mrs. Tarvin’s favorite

things about Pace is the food.

“There is food at everything,” joked Mrs. Tarvin. “I was laughing at a faculty meeting the other day when Mr. Assaf apologized for the poor quality of snacks provided, as if there was even food at any of the faculty meetings during my years at Harrison.”

Mrs. Tarvin also loves Pace assemblies. “I look forward to Wednesday mornings more than anything,” said Mrs. Tarvin.

“It’s so important to have a place where we all come together to hear common messages to educate the whole community.

I learn a lot.” Mrs. Tarvin’s empathy for student and teacher testimonies about race and religion indicate that she will be an understanding dean, responsible for a diverse body of maturing minds.

Outside of school, Mrs.

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Pace News

March 1, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 2

Pace Girl Scouts Gain Leadership Skills Jill Rawls

Managing Editor Class of 2019

zation. Ullman feels that committing to being a Girl Scout is not hard to do. “Around cookie season, if you choose to sell, it takes some work, but it’s overall pretty relaxed,” she said.

So far, Ullman has earned a Bronze Award and a Silver Award. She is working on her Gold Award, which takes over 200 hours to complete. One of her favorite experiences is helping the (L-R) Seniors Davis Mathis, Lily Reckford, Caroline Singleton, Alexandra younger troop memBaker amd Kathryn Reisner worked on sustainability at Serenbe Farms . bers become “crafty entrepreneurs and hosted a scout uniform drive, Award, which would require a leaders in their own communiproviding families who were unties.” lot of time and effort.” able to pay with free uniforms.

Senior Caroline Singleton However, Singleton has Singleton values the lesbecame a Girl Scout in the first received her Bronze and Silsons that being a Girl Scout has grade, and she has been an ver Awards, along with many taught her. “I’ve learned the active participant ever since. Ac- badges. “The badges are basic qualities it takes to be a good cording to Singleton, participaand everyone can earn them if leader, and I’ve gotten to meet tion doesn’t require a huge time they try, but earning an award a lot of people and improve my commitment. “We meet a few requires an idea and execution,” people skills,” said Singleton. times a year to reconvene,” said said Singleton. For her Silver “Overall, I’ve gained confiSingleton. “None of the girls in Award, Singleton worked with dence.” my troop are going for the Gold senior Kathryn Reisner and

Teachers Share Stories from 40-Plus Years at Pace

Photos: Pacesetter (Bottom, L-R) Neil DeRosa, Marsha Durlin, Cappy Lewis and Helen Smith are shown with their photos from around 40 years ago (top).

Aman Hashim

Web Content Editor Class of 2019

Inspired by social media’s recent “10-Year Challenge,” where celebrities and other people posted photos of themselves from 2009 and 2019 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, The Knightly News presents its own “40-Year Challenge.” This challenge spotlights the four teachers who have worked in the Pace Upper School for 40 years or longer.

The teachers with the longest tenure are technology coordinator Neil DeRosa and history teacher Helen Smith, who both joined the faculty 45 years ago, in the fall of 1973.

Mr. DeRosa came to Pace from Georgia Tech where he earned a B.S. degree in biology.

He had been giving tennis lessons to then-headmaster George

Kirkpatrick, who was impressed with Mr. DeRosa and immediately offered him an interview to be an upper school science teacher.

“I have really not seen much of Pace culture change,” said Mr. DeRosa. “It has always been inclusive, family oriented, with lots of leeway for teachers to create their own environment, and with an open door policy for students to communicate with teachers.”

He has remained at Pace because of the faculty and students who provide the warm community feeling. Mr. DeRosa shifted to the computer department after Pace hired a new teacher from Georgia Tech to teach AP Biology and work with computers.

“I was one of those people who would take a Macintosh Plus home with me and use it to develop my lesson plans,” said Mr. DeRosa. “That grabbed the attention of the new teacher and he asked if I would assist him

as the department guru.” Mr. DeRosa also serves as long-time varsity boys tennis head coach.

Ms. Smith began teaching at Pace soon after she earned her Master’s degree in history from Emory University. Originally, she was substitute teaching at Westminster and applied for a job there. The Westminster headmaster advised her to try Pace, knowing that the school was expanding.

Ms. Smith, like other teachers, has remained at Pace because of the community and inclusiveness. “Some of my best friends are teachers and/or former students,” said Ms. Smith.

“I especially love the intellectual atmosphere and the curiosity in this environment. I love getting to share ideas with teachers and students.”

She remembers the time when there was no Student Council, Great American Picnic, or even Spirit Week, and all classes would meet every day

of the week. Pace culture has changed for her in that students have become more worried about their futures.

“I think back then students brought a wider intellectual background to the classroom for many reasons, one being that now people are so focused on grades that they don’t read for fun,” said Ms. Smith.

Ms. Smith has taught and worked with some current Pace teachers, such as math teacher Heather McCloskey. She also has taught many students’ parents over the years.

In 1976, Cappy Lewis joined the Upper School after earning her M.A. degree in Spanish from Vanderbilt University. At the time, she knew she wanted to use her Spanish on a daily basis and she had a passion for business.

“I had never taught and I was actually looking at a career in business when I was first looking for a job,” said Mrs. Lewis.

“I soon realized, though, that I was really only excited about teaching.”

Mrs. Lewis saw Pace as a warm and inviting school which she believes is very similar to today. “I am not the same teacher at all from when I first started,” said Mrs. Lewis. “I think growing up has gotten more challenging, so teaching has too, and it’s certainly more interesting.”

Along with being a Spanish teacher she has served as world languages chair for many years.

Mrs. Lewis loves being a part of her students’ progress throughout their years and is always ready to contribute to their success with extra help.

Exactly 40 years ago, Marsha Durlin joined the Pace community as an English teacher for ninth and 11th graders. She was also responsible for the junior high drama program.

“I think the Pace culture has steadily gotten better because the school has built on its success,” said Mrs. Durlin. “It is probably more academically rigorous and we have hired good people for leadership, headmasters, deans and faculty.”

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Durlin founded the Peer Leadership program at Pace in 1981.

Mrs. Durlin credits her modern teaching style to senior dean and English teacher Erica Barbakow. “She [Ms. Barbakow] had been teaching at an all-Harkness method school which is a student oriented discussion-based course rather than a lecture,” said Mrs. Durlin. “That is definitely a big change in the English department, and my class especially.”

Mrs. Durlin serves as chair of the English department and teaches ninth graders along with seniors taking AP Language and Composition.

Photo: Caroline Singleton

Being a Girl Scout is about more than being just an adventurous, cookie-selling young woman. March 12 marks National Girl Scout Day, celebrating the girls who embrace all that comes with being a G.I.R.L. This acronym, pawned by the Girl Scouts organization, represents girls who are Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers and Leaders.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts of the United States of America has flourished for over a century, helping girls develop leadership and other crucial life skills. The organization fosters challenges and creates an environment where girls from the age of five to 18 feel comfortable trying new things.

Sophomores Jordan Benjamin, Abby Sroka and Olivia Ullman have participated as Girl Scouts for most of their

lives. Benjamin started her career as a Girl Scout 10 years ago.

She meets with her troop about once a month, and her highest recognition has been the Silver Award, which she earned in the eighth grade after partnering with Sroka and Ullman to donate tote bags to veterans at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.

“My favorite part of being a Girl Scout is definitely all the friends I’ve gained,” said Benjamin. “Some of the girls in the troop go to schools like North Springs, Riverwood and Marist, and we are all extremely close.”

Sroka became a Girl Scout in Kindergarten, and she has been with her current troop since the sixth grade. In addition to making many new friends, Sroka has earned her Silver and Bronze Awards. “I plan on finishing my Gold by the end of junior year,” said Sroka. She looks forward to her troop’s trip to Iceland this summer.

Ullman, who started participating in Kindergarten as well, has loved getting to know and hanging out with the many girls she has met through the organi-

Pace News

Vol. 44, Issue #5

The Knightly News - Page 3

Five Minutes with Senior Carly Irvine Genna Schwarz Co-Editor in Chief Class of 2019

Photo: Genna Schwarz

Knightly News: Hey, Carly!

Carly Irvine: Hey! KN: So, everyone at Pace knows you are a great athlete and runner. How long have you been a part of the cross country team?

CI: I’ve been on it for all four years of high school.

KN: Have you enjoyed it?

CI: I love it so much! It’s like a second family and we spend so many hours together running and just talking to one another.

I’m glad I joined freshman year and I’m sad it’s over.

KN: I hear you are doing something pretty interesting after school today. In fact, I hear you have been doing it a lot lately.

CI: Are you talking about my training?

KN: Of course I am. What are you training for?

CI: I’m running in my first marathon on March 17, in Atlanta.

KN: That’s very impressive!

How long have you been training?

CI: It’s been about three months

(L-R) Seniors Carly Irvine and Veronica Sandoval laugh about their favorite memories running together throughout high school. wouldn’t I do it? I’m capable and it would be a huge milestone in my life. Finishing the marathon would be satisfying, rewarding and forever memorable.

KN: Do you have a certain time you are trying to finish by?

CI: Honestly, I’ll just be really excited to finish. As long as I try my hardest, I will be happy with the results, no matter how fast.

KN: Where have you been running the past three months?

CI: I run along the Chattahoochee River, mostly.

KN: Why there?

CI: It’s not only beautiful, but it’s quiet, private and I can run a long distance on a safe path, unlike the streets around my house.

KN: Are you going to pursue running at the University of Colorado Boulder?

CI: I’m going to run a couple times a week because I love it, but I’m not going to join any official teams.

KN: Will this be the only time you ever run a marathon?

CI: I mean, we will have to see how it goes first, won’t we? I’m hoping to run more in the future and improve my time. Research says you shouldn’t run and train for a bunch of consecutive marathons in just one or two years, so I’m guessing it will be a little while until I start training for the next one. The first one will be a unique experience.

KN: That makes sense. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the marathon or just your life in general?

CI: There’s really nothing else, except I’m really excited!

now. I can’t believe I’ve lasted this long.

KN: What do you usually do on a typical day to prepare for the marathon?

CI: It varies every day, but currently I’m running about 40 miles a week and I hope to progressively run more as I approach the actual marathon.

KN: Forty miles! That’s sounds

very boring. Why have you chosen to train so hard for such a treacherous event?

CI: I’m definitely not doing it because I think running 26 miles sounds like a fun time. It will be tough and it will be pretty miserable during those last couple miles. The main reason I’m doing it is because I’m following the motto, “why not?” Why

She enjoys exploring and discovering different tones in her voice and singing different types of music, “whether it’s pop, R&B or choral pieces for All-State.” Now she is inspired by artists like Tori Kelly, who “write so much of [their] music and create meaningful lyrics.”

Mallard sings constantly at home and takes chorus at Pace and voice lessons at Mama Jan Studios in Atlanta. Mama Jan, a Grammy nominated producer and Georgia Hall of Music inductee, works with big names in the music industry such as Drake, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj.

The number of hours Mallard practices a week depends on her need to “practice with choral extracurricular groups after school, prepare for an upcoming performance or prepare for AllState,” she said.

The process to get selected for All-State Chorus is challenging. In the first audition, everyone sings a given piece and then

sight reads for the judges. In the sight reading portion of the audition, the singers are given three staffs they have never seen before and starting pitches.

Then they must sing each note while keeping a steady tempo. In the solo portion of the audition, students sing scales and a prepared piece in a chosen key.

The singer’s chorus teacher notifies their student if they passed the audition and the student is given seven pieces of All-State choral music.

For the second audition, competitors learn the songs on their own by sight reading and using recordings. In this audition, the singers sing a small section of each piece, but the piece is unknown until the audition, so students have to be ready for anything. Once the singer makes it through the second audition they are officially selected.

Mallard’s All-State experience was a success. “It [was] a lot more serious and meaningful at the rehearsals than it is in

chorus class at Pace and I loved it,” she said. “I met a lot of nice and interesting people and had a great time walking around Athens.”

In the past, Mallard has won Pace Cabaret, “Chorus Student of the Year,” and was an Arts

Laureate nominee as a freshman.

In the future she wants to remain strongly connected to music, whether it’s working in the industry or just taking time to sing on a regular basis. She plans on trying out for All-State again junior and senior year.

parents.

While the idea of senior spring break may sound like paradise, many adults strongly discourage students from attending the trip due to its exclusivity, opportunity for poor decisionmaking and high costs.

Some adults think that the seniors are too young for an international trip with this many naive high school-aged kids.

“I think that senior spring break is good in theory and terrible in practice,” said senior class dean and English teacher Erica Barbakow. “Every single

year there are such high expectations and you all come back and there is major drama around it and I just don’t think it’s the wisest way to finish out your high school experience.”

Among the faculty members who oppose the idea of senior spring break, junior dean and Latin and history teacher Grady Stevens believes there are much better opportunities for that week.

“I hate it, and that’s it,” said Mr. Stevens. “I think you could take more advantage of the opportunity of sports and ICGL

trips that you’re not going to get later in life.”

Some faculty members believe that senior spring break further amplifies the already existing “senioritis,” where seniors lose their motivation and work ethic during second semester.

“A lot of factors affect the drive of second semester seniors,” said math teacher Jason Smith. “It gets harder to keep them focused, especially after spring break.”

History teacher Helen Smith agrees. “Senior spring break magnifies already existing prob-

lems from second semester,” she said. “Students need to realize that puberty is not a choice but senioritis is.”

While seniors are excited about their break, it may not live up to the hype that surrounds it.

“It’s like they’re trying too hard to have fun,” said Ms. Smith.

“It does not seem authentic and doesn’t include everybody.”

“You’re given so many fantastic opportunities at a very early age that my fear is that you run out of things to look forward to,” said Ms. Barbakow.

Kate Mallard Competes at All-State Chorus Kalissa Greene

Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Kate Mallard

Sophomore Kate Mallard represented Pace at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s (GMEA) All-State Chorus competition Feb. 14-16 in Athens. The purpose of All-State is to provide local choral students from grades 7-12 with an opportunity to rehearse and perform with a group of students with the most advanced skills in singing and musical reading. During the event, Mallard practiced three days with six renowned conductors from around the country and performed on the last day.

Mallard has been singing for seven years. Initially participating in theater outside of school, Mallard soon began to perform solos for Pace productions. “Singing has always been natural and fun for me,” said Mallard.

Kate Mallard sings "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar.

Teachers Not Fans of Senior Spring Break Abby Meyerowitz Opinion Editor Class of 2019

The long-anticipated “senior spring break” has arrived, with seniors set to leave tomorrow for Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Seniors will stay at the Paradisus resort where they will enjoy all-inclusive food and drinks, a beautiful beach on the Caribbean and the company of one another. The trip is organized and chaperoned by

Pace News

March 1, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 4

Students Tour Carolina Schools Aman Hashim

Web Content Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Krista Wilhelmsen

A group of 46 sophomores and juniors took advantage of the long President’s Day weekend by getting a head start on the college process. They toured schools in North and South Carolina alongside college counselors Jonathan Ferrell, Pam Ambler and Ben Wescott, as well as junior dean Grady Stevens and sophomore dean Krista Wilhelmsen. The goal of the trip was for students to get an insight into the college application journey, explore different campus sizes and engage with student life at the collegiate level.

Early morning on Friday, Feb. 15, the group departed from Pace and headed to South Carolina to tour Clemson University and Furman University. Many students found a particular interest in Clemson because it was considered a “football school,” implying that a lot of Clemson’s culture revolves around sports.

However, others saw the university as too big and were worried that finding a tight-knit group of friends at such a brand-name school could be difficult.

Later that day students found Furman University to be a big campus, but a very inclusive college. Sophomore Lily Kahn enjoyed the warm feeling she got when she stepped foot on the campus. “I’m not sure if it was

the purple color that caught my attention or the vast green space, but the campus was beautiful,” she said. “I can definitely see myself there in a couple years.”

Many students specifically loved the lake at the back of the campus filled with ducks because it was calming.

The following day included visits to Duke University, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Duke brought out many reactions from the sophomores and juniors because of its collegiate Gothic architecture. “The buildings were so tall and castle-like; I hadn’t seen anything like it,” said junior Will Rehmert. “I know it will be tough to get accepted into but I feel so much more motivated now.” For some students, the best part about being at the home of the Blue Devils was the large number of restaurants and cuisines on campus.

At UNC, the tour was led by Pace alumni Mary Stuart Gray ‘16 and Harrison Lewis ‘18.

Chapel Hill got the attention of the whole group because of the miniature college town centered around Franklin Street, located right next to the campus. “Talking to the UNC students in the campus bookstore, they were all so generous and willing to help,” said sophomore Peyton Smith.

“For me it was the welcoming community of students there that I enjoyed.”

The next morning was hard work for the lacrosse players.

Pace sophomores and juniors enjoy their time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Coach Stevens insisted that they bring their lacrosse sticks on the trip because, as he put it, “there are no days off.” The athletes had to wake up early that morning to go out on a 30-minute run, followed by lacrosse drills while the rest of the group slept in. “I’m not going to lie, the run was tough, but it’s good to stay in shape, even on vacation,” said junior Evan Duncan.

Once the lacrosse boys returned, the bus took off for Elon University, Wake Forest University and High Point University.

“Elon was nice, however, I feel like it was too similar to Pace with the types of organizations, resources and features it had,” said sophomore Gus Thomas.

“Personally, I want a different college experience than what I got in high school, so I wasn’t

too drawn to Elon.”

Some, though, loved the similarities between the university and Pace. They specifically liked the fact that Elon had a diversity club like Pace and a student lounge similar to the Seaman Family Student Commons.

At Wake Forest University, the group met up with Pace alumna Jillian Paul ‘16 for a guided tour. Despite the cold and rainy weather, the students seemed to enjoy the campus and its layout. “I was freezing but so into the campus and its buildings that I was able to hide my shivers,” said junior Sophie Lettes.

Many of the Pace students were interested in the different facilities in the gym and how much there was to do from weight training, cardio, basketball courts, swimming pools and

even an indoor rock climbing wall.

Feb. 18 was sad for most students, who were dreading the return to Atlanta. Only Davidson College remained before the long commute home, and the students were looking forward to one last trip together. Davidson, known for its relatively small population of roughly 2,000 students, did not awe many of the Pace participants besides the fact that NBA phenomenon Stephen Curry attended the college.

“The campus was great, partially because this was the only day with sunny weather,” said sophomore Robert Houser. “It just was too small for me with only about 200 more students than Pace. I enjoyed NC State because it was the perfect number of people. Go Wolfpack!”

always been such an emotional person so it’s good to get that out through writing,” said Brown.

Within the past year, Brown has written and published two books, entitled “For You” and “Everything.” “I began working on ‘For You’ in the summer after eighth grade, and the final product came out in January of 2018,” said Brown. “For You” is a reflection of Brown’s life, expressing some of his deeper feelings through a series of poems and prose Both of Brown’s books, "For You" and "Everything," received positive pieces. “Neither of the feedback from his peers. They are available on Amazon. books I have written has a set storyline, but are rather just like “For You,” “Everything” has a profit; however, that was not a series of poems,” said Brown. more diversity in subject matter, his goal. “It wasn’t really about “I like this more because it alcombining different poems that money for me, but rather about lows people to be able to turn to Brown had written during his accomplishing something with any page and read.” “off season.” writing,” said Brown. “I feel like Taking several months to “I am big on writing about it is fun to write poetry, but it’s a perfect "For You," Brown relove and sadness, but I wanted lot cooler to be able to say that I wrote the book multiple times in with this book, for people to be have a book out that people can order to satisfy himself. “In writ- able to find something that reso- purchase and read.” ing this book, I had to do a lot of nated with them,” said Brown. “I Brown has a large fan base, self discovery, which ended up would like to think that ‘Everyincluding his friends, their being very emotional and raw,” thing’ includes something for parents and his teachers, who said Brown. “The whole process everyone.” all support his books. On his was all for me, which is kind of In order to publish his Instagram account, where he ironic, because the book is called books, Brown used a company promotes his books, Brown has ‘For You.’” on Amazon that lets people received positive feedback, with Seven months after the self-publish, allowing for the many people expressing their release of “For You,” Brown writers to keep all rights to their excitement for him through released his much anticipated manuscripts. With each copy their comments. “Jack is very second book, “Everything.” Unretailing at $15, Brown made motivated and expressive, and I

see him having a bright future,” said close friend and fellow sophomore Ashley Myers. “In a few years, I see him ending up in a city like New York City or Chicago where he will be able to pursue his passions.”

Recently, Brown received a Silver Key for his poem “a piece of everything” and an Honorable Mention for another piece entitled “blinded” in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Additionally, a poem titled “no” from his book “For You” was published in an anthology called “Of Love and Dedication.”

“Jack is extraordinary, not just in his ability to interpret poetry but also in his ability to generate new images and new forms of expression,” said upper school English teacher Emily Washburn. “Not many people his age are able to generate as much and as well as he does.”

Although Brown mostly sticks to writing, he also loves to express his emotions through visual artwork, like drawing and painting. “He likes to combine his art and poetry, like how he sometimes puts words on his paintings, said Myers. Brown hopes to continue his artistic interests in college, where he wants to study film animation and cartooning. “Poetry is more for me, and art is for my life,” said Brown.

Brown Authors Two Books, Gains Recognition Mary Childs Hall Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Mary Childs Hall

Most 16-year-old teenagers spend their days learning at school, followed by auditioning for the school play or practicing a sport. Rarely do you hear of a young teenager spending their time writing and publishing their own books.

However, this is the case for sophomore Jack Brown. He works hard to fit writing into his busy schedule, which includes singing in Pace’s theatre program, painting and drawing in the art classrooms, and uploading videos to YouTube.

Brown, who found his true passion for writing in middle school, fell in love with the way in which he could express his emotions through words. He spends his time journaling and writing poetry in order to reflect on different aspects of his life.

“I first started getting into poetry in seventh grade when I realized that I was gay,” said Brown. “It was really helpful for me to cope by writing about how I was feeling.”

According to Brown, he likes to take all of the thoughts in his mind and transfer them into words in order to truly deal with what he's going through. “I have

Vol. 44, Issue #5

International Knights

(Continued from page 1)

Many students notice that it’s mostly ignorance, rather than dislike or discrimination, that usually leads to misunderstandings. “There’s a misconception that every country in Central or Latin America is the same when in reality, they’re completely different cultures, and I think that can create stereotypes and assumptions,” said Sandoval.

“People will say things, and make jokes, and they might not understand why a comment isn’t funny.”

Kaminski noticed that one particular point of discomfort can be his parents’ accents. “My mom has a very strong accent, while my dad has less of one, and I think there’s a difference in how they’re treated sometimes because of that,” said Kaminski.

“Sometimes she just needs a second to translate things in her head, and people can be rude or impatient with her because of that.”

Another similarity in many students’ experiences is having perceived a change in acceptance and tolerance over time.

“I think as long as Pace keeps promoting diversity the way that it does, and keeps promoting learning and keeping your eyes and ears open all the time, then it can create change, and it already has,” said Biondi. “In elementary school, I had teachers tell me I shouldn’t speak French because it would be detrimental to my education. I don’t think that that’s something that teachers would think or encourage now, and I think Pace’s focus on diversity is a big part of that.”

Andra-Thomas also faced challenges in elementary school related to her background. “Even though it was only a few years ago, when I was in elementary school people were less open to diversity and change, and I felt sometimes like I didn’t belong,” said Andra-Thomas. “It’s definitely different now, and I don’t just think it’s a matter of age. I think it’s a general movement.”

The representation of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds is often a forgotten part of diversity, but the duality of experience that comes with being bicultural and bilingual allows international students to share a perspective that the Pace community might not otherwise hear.

“I think if our mission is to create prepared, confident citizens of the world, we clearly need a global perspective and a global mindset by all members of our community,” said Mrs. McGurn. “I think Pace was founded as this interfaith school, and those core values are really important today, and it’s important that we have a great representation of diversity, walks of life and cultures that blend together to make our community.”

“I think it’s really special to be a child of immigrants,” said Biondi. “Immigrants have really great stories, and great things to share and impart with the world, and if people are open and listen, they’ll realize that.”

The Knightly News - Page 5

Mr. Newman Heading to Indiana Eden Kerker

Lifestyle Editor Class of 2019

After 12 impressive years, Pace will be saying goodbye to beloved upper school teacher Keith Newman at the end of this school year. While Mr. Newman looks forward to moving to Indiana to be near his extended family, he looks back on his time at Pace with pride and describes Pace as his “dream job.”

“I’ve taught so many different things and brought so many different courses to Pace,” said Mr. Newman. Since he started his job at the school, he has added four courses to the curriculum: Discrete Math, AP Economics, Business Law and Ethics and non-AP Statistics.

“When I came here, I created the Discrete Math class to show students that math can be used in other areas that they never thought they would need,” said Mr. Newman.

Mr. Newman said that Business Law and Ethics was fun to create because students have a lot of questions that you wouldn't even think about. He started Statistics because he feels statistics might be the most valuable math anybody can learn. “You can't get through a day without hearing statistics, so it’s good to understand what it means,” he said.

Mr. Newman has a business background – an MBA with an emphasis in finance – so he jumped at the opportunity to teach an AP Economics class.

“That's been so much fun to create,” said Mr. Newman. “We need more women in economics. We need to graduate strong economic students from a school like Pace.”

His first year teaching AP

Photo: Isabel Battista

decision for them because they had athletic careers, they decided to come and try living here for a few years,” said Agolli.

“They ended up liking it, so we moved here permanently.”

Some families came because of financial and political reasons. “My parents came to the U.S. on a vacation, and they ended up deciding to apply for a visa,” said sophomore Dylan Kaminski, whose parents are Polish. “Poland was a communist country at the time, and they wanted a better life for me, and they wanted to live in a place where their businesses could do well.”

While being multicultural can have significant advantages and upsides, growing up in an immigrant family can also present challenges that most Pace students don’t encounter. Some students struggle to mediate between the culture they experience at home and the one they experience while at school or during daily life in America.

“It’s the concept of the hyphen child, such as MexicanAmerican, or Asian-American,” said Biondi. “Coming between two cultures, you have to find a way to bridge the gap, often by asserting your other identity in one culture’s dominated space – for example, my French identity at school. Otherwise, you feel like you’re losing a piece of yourself. That culture is so integral at home that it feels weird to not have it in another environment. On the other hand, at home, you also want to assert your American identity, because that’s an important part of you as well.”

For many students, having a broader cultural perspective makes them more aware of the privilege they experience at Pace. “I understand that my parents made a big sacrifice, in part so that I could grow up with a lot of opportunities,” said Kaminski. “They had to start over in another country, and they gave up financial stability and the life they were used to. It motivates me to really take advantage of my opportunities and my education because I don’t want that sacrifice to be in vain.” AndraThomas agrees, saying, “I think that being a child of immigrants has given me a strong work ethic.”

Some students also spoke about uncomfortable and even discriminatory behavior that they or their families faced.

“Even though most people are good, in the tense political climate there is right now, sometimes you don’t know how people will react to certain things,” said senior Veronica Sandoval. Sandoval’s parents are from Columbia but she has also lived in Spain, South Africa and Holland. Recently, her uncle and cousins spoke Spanish in a grocery store and were harassed by a man who told them to “go back to their country.” “Now, sometimes I feel uncomfortable speaking Spanish with my family [in] certain places,” she said.

Pace News

Mr. Newman helps junior Julia Konradt with Pre-Calculus.

Economics, there were only three females in the class. The second year, only two enrolled.

Now there’s a 50-50 male-female split in both sections he teaches.

“Pace has allowed me the ability to do all that,” said Mr. Newman. “I have four different degrees, and I feel like Pace has allowed me to use a lot of that. I haven't been pigeonholed.” Mr. Newman's degrees include business management, the Masters in Business Administration, a Juris Doctor and a math degree. In addition to the courses he created, he taught Algebra I, Pre-Calculus and Algebra II. What Mr. Newman will miss most about Pace are the students.

“The students are the reason I came here,” he said.

Before Pace, Mr. Newman worked as math chair at Marietta High School. “The March of my last year I was named Teacher of the Year,” said Mr. Newman. “I was very happy at Marietta High School, and I wasn't looking to leave.”

But after his resume got into the hands of Lolly Hand, the Pace Head of Upper School at

the time, she called him asking if he was interested in an interview at Pace and meeting some people. “I thought, ‘never say never,’” said Mr. Newman. “I came down and everybody was really nice but when I was interviewing. I was given a student tour and that was the moment I thought, ‘that's something special.’ In 12 years, the students have never let me down.”

Mr. Newman and his husband Ken Warren bought a house in Indiana last year that they have been renovating. Once the school year ends, they will live there full time near Mr. Newman's extended family.

“I will be continuing to teach, likely in the public sector,” he said. “There's a lot of innovative schools up there in the public sector.”

He will continue teaching the same subject areas, but Mr. Newman thinks he will probably teach more math. He will also stay involved in renovating houses. “I don't flip houses because I don't fix them and resell them,” he said. “I fix them up, keep them and rent them out.”

Mrs. Tarvin Named Dean (Continued from page 1)

Tarvin’s days are a jumble of “laundry, cooking, groceries, dishes, arguing and saying ‘no’ a lot.” Her sons occupy most of her time and energy at night and on weekends.

She does, however, save time for reading. “After I put the kids to bed, I’ll crack open a book sometimes,” said Mrs. Tarvin.

Although undecided about which book is her favorite, Mrs. Tarvin does have a few favorite genres: historical fiction, crime stories and psychology books.

Mrs. Tarvin also loves the outdoors. Before having kids, she could be found outside enjoying a hike or exercising. “We have a family lake house that I love to spend time at,” she said.

“Now that the boys are getting older, we are finally spending more time up there and outside again.”

Growing up in Alabama meant annual summer trips to Orange Beach, and frequenting the same restaurants, stores and places year after year during the first week of August. “I always thought that families should just pick a spot they like and then vacation there whenever they wanted to travel,” said Mrs. Tarvin. “But Mr. Tarvin is quickly changing my perspective. Because I am a super-planner, I have developed this whole digital plan of all the places I want to go with my family.”

Mrs. Tarvin will take an overseas trip this June as a chaperone on the middle school ICGL study tour to Greece along with Mr. Tarvin and Head of Middle School Graham Anthony. Mrs. Tarvin is excited to spend time with some of the kids for whom she will soon be dean.

As far as media interests go, Mrs. Tarvin loves the drama series “Outlander” on top of all the Alabama football she watches.

Her favorite cuisine is sushi, and she often eats at Maru Sushi in Smyrna.

Mrs. Tarvin is thrilled to be a Pace dean and loves the Pace community. She directs the following statement towards her incoming class: “The most important thing, for me, is for every human to learn to be kind.

I want them to know that is truly who I am to my core. There’s pretty much nothing you could say or do that would make me not care or want to be with you, help you, be part of your life. I don’t know any of y’all yet, but I know that I will love you and pour myself into you… You will be my people.”

Opinion

March 1, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 6

Schools Must Teach Digital Literacy nicore). According to CNBC, election, more than 6.6 million Google has seven products with tweets were linked to fake news Co-Editor in Chief over 1 billion monthly active and conspiracy news publishers.

Class of 2019 users, including video streamNow, the foundation reports, ing behemoth YouTube. Results “more than 80 percent of acfrom a recent Knightly News counts that repeatedly spread One night, a few of my survey show that 66 percent misinformation during the 2016 friends ordered two medium of students watch YouTube, 84 election campaign are still acpizzas from Domino’s for $12 percent use Snapchat, 87 percent tive, and they continue to publish and bragged online about their use Instagram, and 98 percent more than a million tweets on a economical eats. A few others use Google every day. These typical day.” reminisced percentages Also, in 2017, UK researchabout the time Pew Research reports vastly exceed na- ers found massive bot networks that 68 percent of adults tional averages, they Birded on Twitter, with groups of up get news content via so- revealing the dis- to 500,000 accounts operating to the HawksThunder game. cial platforms, and since proportionate use in coordinated action to engage this number will only of these products users. Pew Research reports that The next day, increase as our genera- among high I open Insta68 percent of adults get news tion gains political clout, school students. content via social platforms, gram to ads for Domino’s, Bird we must become digitally Snapchat’s and since this number will only scooters and the literate before we have new interface increase as our generation gains Atlanta Hawks. the power to make deci- puts front and political clout, we must become sions for our country. center clickbait Sound familiar? digitally literate before we have headlines: “TOP Classmates the power to make decisions for 10 FACTS ABOUT KYLIE report this mystical advertising our country. phenomenon every day, conclud- JENNER,” “WHAT DOES Today, authority figures YOUR LEFT PINKY TOE ing that apps like Instagram underestimate the cultural and Facebook are “listening” to SAY ABOUT YOUR FUTURE influence of social media them. Though these apps don’t SPOUSE,” “IS THERE AUand social media influencers. actually “listen,” the powerTISM IN YOUR DRINKING Middle-school-aged children ful ad techniques that produce WATER?” If you don’t click the need informed adults to be able this magic allude to a broader story the first time you scroll to guide them through conversaproblem. past it, Snapchat will change the tions about people like Logan Through ad networks like headline over and over again Paul. High school students need Facebook Audience Network with the aim of flipping a differexperienced teachers to help (FAN) and Google AdWords, ent switch in your brain, making them navigate fake news and tech companies build a profile you click. clickbait. on you by accessing your interDeceit is also obvious on Digital education is so net habits, your friends’ habits, Instagram, where the “World important because kids have your location throughout the Record Egg” unprecedented Kids have unprec- freedom on the day, your online purchases and picture is flooded edented freedom on internet, giving big more. The reason the magic ads with comments the internet, giving companies avenues seem to happen more frequently touting “weight big companies ave- to reach younger is that these companies are loss supplements nues to reach younger audiences without refining their targeted advertisthat actually audiences without parental screening ing methods and they are rapidly work” and “inparental screening improving. This “profile” gives novative workout and brainwash them and brainwash them while their brain is the companies enormous power routines that get while their brain is still developing. over their users, which can be you shredded in still developing. used to subliminally persuade 28 days.”

Digital literacy entire communities. It is for Harder to means having the these reasons, concomitant with perceive are the engineered fake critical thinking skills necessary other malicious, self-serving news stories that pervaded social to navigate the internet responusers, that we must teach “digital media leading up to the 2016 sibly. This means that every literacy” in schools.

U.S. presidential election and time we open social media, Instagram has over 1 billion very well may have swayed its we acknowledge that we are monthly active users and Snapoutcome. The Knight Foundation entering an unforgiving, lawless chat has over 300 million (Omfound that in the lead-up to the realm that’s trying to turn you,

Charlie Hirsch

Kathryn Hood Google and other tech companies Staff Writer Class of 2021

have abandoned their founding doctrine of conduct, “Don’t Be Evil.”

the user, into revenue. take up a unit every year in our We know we are interacting English courses. with giant, forNYU Stern BusiEvery time we ness School Professor profit companies, answering chiefly open social media, Scott Galloway in a we acknowledge 2017 Ted Talk says to shareholder that we are entering that “Google has profit. Companies an unforgiving, law- become the modern that forget about less realm that’s try- man’s God” in that the well-being of ing to turn you, the their customer we instill our greatuser, into revenue. est trust and offer base and spam us with unsubour most thoughtful stantial content, fake news and questions to Google. targeted ads. Companies that Small changes to our curwill crush the soul of its clientele riculum that empower us to strip if it means a bump for its stock Silicon Valley superstars of their ticker.

“God-like” capabilities and form It is our fault that tech giants us into digitally literate “citizens have this power, but it’s not of the world” would be easy to too late. Digital literacy educaimplement. Structured digital tion should come in the form literacy courses at school would of semester-long middle school provide the necessary foundaco-curriculum courses. It should tion for an electorate skilled be the emphasis of ninth grade in tackling the obstacles of the Transitions meetings. It should digital age.

Seniors’ Second Semester Is Harder Than Ever Charlie Warren News Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Charlie Warren

Since classes started back up after the winter break, I have heard the term “second semester senior” being used more and more often. For most seniors, this is not new terminology to us, as most students in the Upper School recognize this term as the epitome of high school: the finish line right before college, as you experience the easiest semester of your life.

Teachers excusing classes early or even canceling them altogether, giving softball tests and quizzes, and assigning a homework load that is basically nonexistent are just some of the attributes that combine to create my vision of what a “second semester senior” experiences.

This idea of a semester-long

Senior Emily Schmitt grinds during her AP World History class. party for the senior class is what has motivated me throughout my freshman, sophomore and junior years. However, now that I have achieved the rank of “second semester senior,” it’s safe to say my hopes for a smooth ride thus far have been shattered.

Classes have been harder

than ever, as teachers have been packing in the facts. While slightly slacking off or goofing around in class might have been acceptable in the past, classes are now nothing but business.

What I find to be odd is how some classes were excused earlier during the first semester

while those same classes now have to stay for the whole period.

It feels like this should be the other way around.

I have spoken to several students in the senior class and they all feel the same increased stress and workload. “This is the hardest semester of my life,” said senior Luisa Whitney. “I feel like we have twice as much work.”

This seems to be a pattern, as seniors from last year have told me of similar situations during their second semester. From the seniors’ perspective, this intensive learning seems like torture for students who have, for the most part, already been accepted to their colleges. However, from the teachers’ perspective, I can understand why they don’t want the seniors to slack off this semester.

Unfortunately, while the idea of a “second semester senior” is fantastic for students, it is most likely a nightmare for the teach-

ers. The notion that for a whole semester, the oldest students in the school will be lollygagging around, skipping classes and causing a riot is unsettling for most teachers. Therefore, there is an inkling that there is some inherent bias towards seniors in the back of most teachers’ minds to view them as troublemakers.

However, the intentions of most teachers are often quite harmless, as they just want what is best for the senior class. The teachers understand that, while we are so close to the end we are not there yet, and goofing around the last semester is no way to leave the school, with the reputation of rascals.

While the feeling that classes are impossible might be exaggerated due to the close proximity of our graduation, the second semester of my senior year still has been one of the most difficult semesters of my high school career.

Lifestyle

Vol. 44, Issue #5

The Knightly News - Page 7

'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch' Employs Its Audience

tom of the screen for the person watching to select one. This allows for several variations of the story, as different choices lead to different conclusions. As soon as one version of the movie is completed, there are four or five other variations of the film that the watcher can still enjoy. This interactive-style movie is a first for Netflix and has proven to be very popular among subscribers.

"Bandersnatch" takes a different approach to its theme of innovative technology, presenting the mental dangers of technology compared to previous "Black Mirror" episodes, which show the physical harm technology can cause. The whole movie can be very complex because the themes explored by characters in the movie are also part of the interactive experience.

The game Stefan programs, "Bandersnatch," allows for the main character to make decisions that affect the overall story.

This can become a bit confusing, though, because the person watching is basically playing their own version of "Bandersnatch."

While most of the "Black Mirror" episodes end with some dark or twisted finale, showing how physical technologies can ruin the future, "Bandersnatch" instead shows how Stefan becomes engulfed in the ideas of the game, and eventually believes that his life is being controlled, like in "Bandersnatch."

But altogether, "Bandersnatch" is a great addition to the "Black Mirror" collection.

cepts and the inspiration behind the Flower Child brand. “Happy, healthy and flavorful should always go hand-in-hand,” he said in an article in Patch.com. “Our wellness-conscious guests care about the food they eat, how it tastes and that it is served with a smile. Flower Child’s combination of good vibes and delicious food has made it a destination that guests seek out on the West Coast. Now, we’re looking forward to [introducing it to] the Atlanta area.”

Not only is the food both pleasing to the eye and the stomach, the restaurant itself has a lively aesthetic. When you walk up to the restaurant, you are greeted by green walls, a lovely bright patio and a sign that reads “Healthy Food for a Happy World.”

The cheerful aesthetic continues as you walk in. Customers entering see a raw look with rustic fixtures, white brick, wood and a color scheme of green, white, black and blue.

After immediately placing your order at the counter, you have the choice of sitting at a

marble table with couch seating, a wood table with wicker seating or the combination of your choice. With flourishing plants, simple paintings and their iconic, inspiring and colorful wall that reads “Choose Happy,” you are content even before you get your meal.

Once your food arrives with quick service, the food looks so fresh and appetizing; it has commonly been called “Instagramworthy, #PhoneEatsFirst.” And the food may be filling, but you leave happy.

They also offer a refreshing beverage selection with Atlantamade Golda Kombucha, local beer on tap, a selection of wine and a variety of Flower Child’s seasonal fresh lemonades.

With Chick-fil-A, Willy’s and OK Cafe so close, Pace students and faculty often explore these same restaurants. But Flower Child can be a great substitute or addition to the routine choices.

If you don’t want a leafy, nutritious meal and just want the positive vibe, they also offer gluten-free mac and cheese, which is very popular.

Charlie Warren News Editor Class of 2019

Photo: Netflix

With all the wealth and attention Netflix has gotten over the years, the huge streaming platform that can be found in nearly every household has been able to produce its own Netflix Originals. By releasing its own movies and television series, Netflix is able to dip its toes into all kinds of creative concepts. And while many of these Originals can be duds, some can be quite good, including series like "Stranger Things," "House of Cards" and, of course, "Black Mirror.

The hit series "Black Mirror" has been tremendously popular among Netflix subscribers, as each episode depicts how different innovations in technology foster chaos and destruction.

What is scary, and possibly what makes the show so attractive, is how similar some episodes are to the real world. For example, China is currently employing a housing system that is very similar to the system used in an

'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch' can be found on Netflix. episode of "Black Mirror" called "Nosedive.”

Four seasons of the show have been released on Netflix.

However, instead of dropping a new (fifth) season of episodes, Netflix released its first "Black Mirror" movie: "Bandersnatch."

Taking place in the 1980’s, this movie follows the actions of Stefan Butler, a young programmer, as he attempts to adapt the

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 Co-Editors in Chief: Charlie Hirsch Genna Schwarz Managing Editor: Jill Rawls News Editor: Charlie Warren Opinion Editor: Abby Meyerowitz Lifestyle Editor: Eden Kerker Sports Editor: Will Zook Web Content Editor: Aman Hashim

Staff Writers: Isabel Battista Bennett Boushka Kalissa Green Mary Childs Hall Kathryn Hood Zachary Howard Jamie Kornheiser Darren Rosing Francesca Vaneri Social Media: Ben Ginsberg Faculty Adviser: Ms. Lee Wilson Tech Adviser: Mr. Matt Walker

dark fantasy novel "Bandersnatch" which involves alternate paths and diverging realities, into a video game. What is really innovative about this edition of "Black Mirror" is how you, the viewer, can make choices for Stephen, some of which greatly affect the story.

During the movie, when Stefan is met with a dilemma, two options pop up on the bot-

Flower Child a Healthy Option Eden Kerker

Lifestyle Editor Class of 2019

Looking for a restaurant where you leave feeling healthy instead of overly full and gross?

Not even a year old, Flower Child has gained a credible reputation for their positive vibes and health-conscious menu.

Like Upbeet on Howell Mill Road, Flower Child’s menu focuses on grain, protein, vegetable bowls, wraps and salads – except it’s a lot closer to Pace.

Located at Shops Around Lenox, it’s an easy 2.9 miles away from school and a great casual spot if you are in the area. There is also a location in Sandy Springs, at 6400 Bluestone Rd. Whether you’re vegan, paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian or just hungry, Flower Child uses local farm-fresh ingredients to make every dish entirely from scratch to cater to whatever you are craving.

Sam Fox is the founder and CEO of Fox Restaurant Con-

The Knightly News Editorial Policy editor and guest opinions, which may be edited for spelling and grammar, as well as space constraints.

Neither Knightly Newsgenerated 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.

Photo: Eden Kerker

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 School Publications Company.

The Knightly News welcomes letters to the

Flower Child's inspiration wall is the first thing you see after placing your order.

Sports

March 1, 2019

The Knightly News - Page 8

Track and Field Races into Season Bennett Boushka

Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Justice Jackson

Have you ever seen a group of runners heading down West Paces Ferry? Odds are it is Pace’s track team training for the upcoming season.

With winter sports wrapping up their seasons, Pace Academy has begun its busiest season of sports. Six boys and girls sports are busy preparing for a big spring season that the athletes hope includes many deep playoff runs and maybe even a few state titles.

The track and field team in particular has high hopes for the season, with many on the team also members of the very successful cross country team this year. “Running is a sport that you have to love in order to be successful,” said sophomore runner Robert Houser. The runners truly have been dedicated to the team, going on runs at least three times a week as a group.

A particular group of long distance runners has gone on runs consistently in hopes of improving their times. “We all have become close which makes it fun to go on runs together,” said sophomore runner Sam Webb.

Sam Adams and George Blaha race to the end of cross country season and into track season.

The continuity from the cross country to track season will be instrumental in the team’s success this year.

With freshman George Blaha and junior George Adams supplemented by junior Quill Healey, freshman Robert Mallis and Webb, the long distance team is set for success this season. Although they have many strong runners, the team will face tough competition against experienced teams like North Hall, Lovett and Westminster.

These three teams were the only

ones to beat the Pace boys cross country team, which came in fourth place at the state meet.

The Pace girls, who won third in state in cross country, return the whole team to the track in hopes of revenge against Lovett and Westminster. “It would be great to beat Westminster and Lovett after losing to them in both girls and boys at state,” said Houser.

The mid-distance runners also have high aspirations this year, led by junior Sam Adams, last year’s state runner-up in the

big time commitment, but I love it so it’s worth it,” said Stebbins.

This will be Stebbins’ second time competing at zones. She first made it in eighth grade with her team. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been back, and it’s really exciting to make it individually,” she said.

She is getting ready by continuing her training and practicing some of the tasks she may be faced with. “Since it’s zones, they are allowed to ask us to do difficult exercises, so that might be a little stressful,” she said.

“It’s [also] against all the top riders in our zone, so it’s going to be tough competition but I’m excited.”

Team coach Selby Merritt has been riding horseback since

around the age of seven. When Ms. Merritt was a junior in high school at Lovett, she created their equestrian team and like Stebbins, made it to zones. Ms. Merritt also competed on the University of Georgia equestrian team which won the National Championship her senior year.

Ms. Merritt has enjoyed watched Stebbins throughout the season and seeing her improve and develop her skills as a rider. “She is a really awesome rider with some strong instincts, and I feel like how she performed at regionals and how she was awarded is what she has deserved all year,” said Ms. Merritt. “It was great to see her get the recognition she deserves and hopefully she can go and

800 meter with a time of 1:57.

Sophomores Robert Houser and Laura Romig are expected to be strong 800m and 1600m runners this year for the team. In addition, freshman Edward Blaha along with his brother George are expected to compete in some mid distance races this year.

The short distance is also ready for a big season, with Pepperdine running commit and senior Justice Jackson at the helm. “I am really excited not only to see what [Jackson] is able to do this year, but also at the college level in the coming years,” said Coach Jolie Cunningham. The short distance runners are coached by former Olympian sprinter Terrence Trammell. Trammell received a silver medal in the 110m hurdle in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece.

The throwers are also working hard in the weight room to improve their strength and their throws for the season. The team will have a tough time replacing University of Southern California track and field thrower Ibum Obu from last year’s team, but junior Kennedy Tate has stepped up to fill Obu’s shoes in the No. 1 throwing role and has had a strong start to the season.

The track and field team started off their season with

the 2nd Annual Haley Kolff Time Trial on Feb. 9, hosted by Holy Innocents’. In shot put, Tate threw right at her personal record (PR) from last season, placing her first overall. Thrower and junior Brianna Thomas pulled out a PR over last season and placed fourth overall. Junior Grant LeRoux also had a nice day with his PR, placing him fifth overall in the shot put.

Jackson and Romig teamed up for some points in the 300m and 600m. In the 300m, Jackson placed first and Romig third, and in the 600m, Romig had dibs on first place with Jackson as runner-up.

On the boys side, sophomore Alexander Swann posted a stellar race in the 600m to put him on the board with third place points. Junior Paula Sandoval had a nice showing for fourth in the 1600m and Edward Blaha blasted his PR by 10 seconds in the 1600m for the runner-up points. Freshman John Catherman won the high jump with a 5’8” jump.

The team is loaded with athletes in every event from the 3200m run to the high jump and is ready to improve their PR’s, with the main goal being beating rivals Westminster and Lovett and eventually competing for a state title.

Junior Lauren Stebbins Heads to Zones Jamie Kornheiser Staff Writer Class of 2021

Photo: Lauren Stebbins

Junior Lauren Stebbins and eighth grader Anna Nuckols competed on Pace’s equestrian team in the postseason regional finals on Feb. 10, with Stebbins finishing first overall. She was named High Point Rider of the season and now moves on to zones, the next round of the postseason. Nuckols came in fourth place.

Stebbins began taking riding lessons in third grade. She currently rides between five and six times a week, each time for about three hours. “It’s kind of a

(L-R) Anna Nuckols and Lauren Stebbins represent the Pace team. continue that trend at zones,” said Ms. Merritt.

Stebbins will be competing

at zones in Pensacola, Florida from March 22-24.

Alliance of American Football: What You Need to Know Will Zook

Sports Editor Class of 2019 Are you searching for a way to get your football fix during the NFL and NCAA offseason?

Enter the AAF, also known as the Alliance of American Football. Co-created by NFL Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian and TV producer Charlie Ebersol, this newcomer looks to fill the gap between the Super Bowl and the beginning of the college season in early September.

Recently, after worries of the league not being able to make payroll after just the first week of the season, Carolina

Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon invested $250 million and is now chairman of the league.

This league, if able to avoid the financial woes that took down other start-up leagues like the United States Football League (USFL) from the 1980s and the first iteration of the XFL from the early 2000s, looks poised to be a serious filler throughout an otherwise football-devoid period.

What the AAF has going for it most of all are the numerous big-time names that have signed on. The coaches include legends like Steve Spurrier and Mike Singletary, both of whom are Hall of Famers. The rosters boast college standouts such as Trent Richardson and Zach Metten-

berger, as well as some familiar NFL names that have since fallen out of the league like Matt Asiata and Bishop Sankey.

Atlanta’s very own team, the Legends, plays at the Georgia State Stadium, formerly known as Turner Field. The Legends roster features former Falcons third string QB Matt Simms, former Michigan Wolverines standout Denard Robinson and former Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas, who has since moved to wide receiver.

But the most intriguing name comes at the backup QB position. This slot belongs to all-time Georgia Bulldogs passing yards and touchdowns leader, Aaron Murray. After bouncing around in the NFL for a few years, Mur-

ray spent this offseason training at Pace in preparation for this upcoming season. Although Murray has not seen much playing time so far, a stagnant Legends offense could lead to changes coming soon.

Another attraction of the AAF is the experimental rule changes that create a different game than what is seen in the NFL and NCAA. Most obvious of these changes is the eradication of kickoffs and extra points, with teams now receiving the ball on the 25-yard line after each score and going for a 2-point conversion after every touchdown.

Other changes include the ‘onside conversion.’ When a team wants to attempt an onside

kick, they must now convert a 4th-and-12 to retain possession.

Finally, teams are allowed to rush only five players as offensive lines build chemistry; however, this rule may be subject to change as the league evolves.

The AAF, if nothing more, gives fans a chance to see the game played a different way from the traditional NFL and NCAA. The league’s social media presence and interesting new rules allow for substantial growth, and could potentially lead to the rise of a brand new sporting league. As the first season continues, league officials and teams alike will have the opportunity to iron out some wrinkles and improve on what has been a successful start.