Vol. 51, Issue #3

Vol. 51, Issue #3

The

December 12, 2025

Knightly News

p. 2 TEDx “The Little Things”

p. 6 Holiday Events in Atlanta

p. 10 The Final Season of “Stranger Things”

Photos: Fred Assaf

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Pace News

December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 2

Spotlight on TEDx “The Little Things” The TEDx group at Pace has put on yet another successful event run by a group of hard-working students.

TEDx events are independently organized, local events that bring people together through a demonstration, performance or talks. Following last year’s TEDx event “Living with Love”,

so much more than a person can think. Each speech was curated to be thought-provoking and they truly spotlight the different perspectives about the little things.

Senior Roan Dutta said in his speech, “We live in a world that is obsessed with big moments but what if I told you that none of those big moments matter without the little things?”

Roan spoke about how one moment in his football career can changed his mindset and allowed him to create opportunities for himself because of it. That is just one moment of one speech. With

Caleb Gibbs ‘33 gives his speech on the TEDx stage.

week really helped me deepen my understanding, too.”

This year, for US minimesters, they will be shortened to only a week instead of the usual full schedule rotation.

Another large change is that each student will have four minimesters per day, and this will be their entire schedule. This will allow students to go deeper into

their topics instead of dropping some minimesters one day or having just 50 minutes for each.

The last large change for the Upper School minimesters is that every teacher will be required to have one, including math teachers. Math was the last subject to remain being taught, but with the shortened minimester schedule, now all teachers will have them.

US Math Teacher, Ms. Hagner, said, “I don’t really know if I am excited to have a minimester this year, but having a week of un-class related learning should be fun!” Although with this lone week of minimesters, students attending the Germany ICGL trip will end up missing a whole week of school. In years past, students have mostly missed

The handmade TEDx sign welcoming guests. the theme this year was “The Little Things”, highlighting how the little things in life can mean

Photo: John Hardesty

Photo: John Hardesty six highschoolers, two lower schoolers, one middle schooler and a talented music group, they

all combined for one amazing event.

Upper School English teacher, Mr. Kaufman is a co-organizer for TEDx, along with Gus Loomis and Eloise Mcdonald, who have worked for months to pull this off. Kaufman chooses a group of students each year to help organize and create a new TEDx event. And, as sophomore Gus Loomis says, “It wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful Mr. Kaufman who truly brings TEDx to life each year.”

Mr. Kaufman makes sure that TEDx continues to be an event at Pace that is unique in its own way. Gus continues on to say, “It just wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated students who devote so much of their time not only on the speeches themselves, but the countless little things that go unnoticed.” All of the students dedicate time outside of school, sports and extracurriculars to make sure that their speech is just perfect, showing how deeply the people involved in TEDx are to make this one of the best experiences at Pace.

This year, Pace demonstrated what “The Little Things” means to many different perspectives, and people are anxiously awaiting the theme for next year. It’s gonna be a good one!

Exploring the Changes in Minimesters

Photo: Pace ICGL

As winter break approaches and we look to the next semester, it is time to start thinking about which minimesters to sign up for. Within the past few years, minimesters have gotten a full revamp. Let’s dive into the changes in Middle School and Upper School (US) minimesters and how the community is feeling about them In middle school, minimesters are a new concept altogether. These minimesters also take place in February, which is different from the US schedule.

Replacing the clubs we used to know and love, minimesters are a chance for focused learning in a short period of time, rather than the stretched-out club schedule the middle school had before. Another large change is that Middle School Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) trips take place during minimesters. Groups traveled to Greece, Chile and many other places during the week in February 2025, and more groups will head out in February 2026. For the students who aren’t traveling, groups focus on a theme for the week. Some students explore local foods while others have the opportunity to meet the mayor.

Whatever group you get, there is always something interesting for everyone! Eighth grader Graham Richardson said, “I loved getting to do the hands-on activities in my Seed to Table Minimester!

Learning about something for a

minimesters and a few class periods, allowing them to stay on top of their work, but this year might be a challenge for them.

“I am a little stressed about missing so much class, but we have allocated work times and I know I will be having a great time anyway,” said Senior Greg Simmons.

Middle School “Global Food Cultures” minimester visits the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn.

Pace News

Vol. 51 Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 3

It’s Theater Season - Pace Presents the Play “The Crucible”

On Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, Upper School students performed The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

This play, set in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, depicts a group of girls that are caught dancing in the woods and accused of being witches. The crowds then go into chaos when lies are spread and townspeople accuse each other of witchcraft. In the end, many are arrested and even killed.

Diving into themes of integrity

but also fear, The Crucible was an incredible performance. It was immersive and kept the audience’s attention. In addition, some English classes in the Upper School will cover The Crucible, making this an even better opportunity to connect and reflect on the themes. The Crucible not only performed at the Fine Arts Center on the Pace campus, but also received an impressive second place award at the Georgia High School Association Regional One-Act competition. GHSA is very competitive, and Pace went against four other schools. Additionally, Juniors Lucy Bryan and Kyen

Washington earned the title of “All-Star Cast Honors” and Sophomore Jeff Klingler earned the title of “Best Performer” in the competition. Other members of the cast include Emma Fleming, Izzie Eshwani-Nate, Anika Salian, Lydia McDonough, Bayli Richardson, Marin Smith, Lexie Kaufman, Molly Koch and Thea Finger. “I really like everybody who’s in the play and it is a fun experience. I love acting and performing so it’s something I can look forward to every day,” says sophomore Lexie Kaufman.

For cast members, being part of Pace’s theater program not only gives them a creative outlet

Photo: Pace Academy

Pace theater presents The Crucible.

Thescon and the spring musical Little Women coming up there is so much to look forward to.

Little Women is a novel, written

by Louisa May Alcott, that discusses the story of the March sisters. Mostly focusing on themes of heartbreak, love, courage and the importance of having hope, even during some of the toughest times Little Women is sure to make an amazing musical.

Some may argue that exam week is the worst time of year due to the stress and obviously test taking. In my opinion, exam week is one of the best times during the school year. The actual two to four hours of taking the exam are not the most fun, but afterwards you get to walk or drive to the West Paces shopping center and go to Starbucks, Goldbergs, Willy’s or Chic-Fil-A with all of your friends.

Additionally, we either have summer or winter break to reward us for our hard work after we have completed our exams.

The holidays are approaching during the winter exams. The Starbucks holiday drinks are out – the perfect treat pair with long study sessions and enjoy with friends. And after studying, I go to the mall for holiday shopping, eat yummy delectables at the

Christkindl market or watch the Christmas lights at the Botanical Gardens. During the summer exams, I like to study by the pool and tanning. When I’m done, I swim or walk around Chastain and discuss summer plans with my friends. Once we’ve completed our exams and the weight is lifted from our shoulders, we get to spend time with family and loved ones over the breaks, celebrating traditions and going on vacations.

Even though we get to look forward to a break from school, I also like studying during exam week. Something about meticulously crafting a study guide and making flash cards can be so therapeutic. The hard parts of the year are over. No more all nighters studying for two quizzes and a test while completing an essay and a group project that are all due the next day. We have all the knowledge going into the exams and there is nothing more satisfying than organizing everything you’ve learned onto a condensed study guide.

Photo: Vidigami

to express themselves, but also allows them to build connections with people they otherwise wouldn’t have. Theater has the unique ability to bring the community closer and it allso allows people with similar interests to come together and create something magical. The theatre department also has tons of other events coming up. With everything from the Winter showcase,

Is Exam Week the Best or Worst Part of the Year for Students?

Cast members of The Crucible act out their parts on stage.

Exam week is without a doubt the most stressful and exhausting part of the school year. With all the pressure from months of learning piling up, students are expected to perform perfectly on every exam. The constant studying, late nights and fear of forgetting something important can be overwhelming.

No matter how organized or prepared you are, the anxiety before each exam is inevitable.

Another reason exam week is so difficult is the lack of balance. During this time, normal routines disappear - sleep schedules get messed up, meals are rushed or skipped and it feels like there’s no room for anything but studying. Even fun things often meant to relieve stress, like hanging out with friends, often become stressful because there’s a nagging feeling you should be

studying. “Even when I’m hanging out with my friends, I always feel like I need to be studying.

There’s never enough time to do all I need during exam week and so I usually have to give up hanging out with people.” said junior Kitty Lubin.

Exam week also makes it hard to enjoy what should be a happy time of year. Winter exams fall right before the holidays, but instead of feeling festive, students are trapped indoors surrounded by notes and flashcards. Summer exams are just as bad because you can see the warm weather and freedom awaiting you, but you can’t enjoy it until exam week ends. By the time exam week ends, most people are still too drained to celebrate. “I feel like all of the holiday joy is sucked out of December because of exams. Same with Summer, I can’t even enjoy the nice weather because I have to constantly be studying.” said junior Ann Rosengren.

On top of all this, exam week creates a kind of shared burnout

across the entire school. Everyone is stressed, tired and on edge, which makes the hallways feel heavier and unusually quiet.

Teachers try to help, but they’re under pressure too, rushing to finish units and grade everything on time. It becomes a school-wide cycle of stress that no one can really escape until it’s over. And even then, the relief comes with the knowledge that exam week will return next semester, making it a repeating source of dread.

In the end, exam week feels less like a test of what we’ve learned, but instead a test of how much pressure we can handle.

The stress, lack of sleep and constant studying take a real toll on our minds and bodies. Even though the break that follows is rewarding, it doesn’t erase the exhaustion and anxiety that comes before it. Repeating this twice a year doesn’t help students heal either. For these reasons, exam week stands out as the most draining and dreaded time of the school year.

Holiday

December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 4

A Recap of Community Engagement So Far are also hosting a meal packing event with Rise Against Hunger, which will need at least 100 volunteers, so students and families

should mark their calendars.

Overall, Pace students have done a great job of getting involved with their community, and are

aiming to do the same for the rest of the school year.

Ava Grant and Cailynn Bennett present their club that partners with Glamour Gals

Photo: Pace Academy

Pace students have been busy with community engagement so far this year, with events and activities ramping up during the holiday season. This is largely due to the student-led Community Engagement Clubs at Pace, where students organize and plan events, drives, and other activities with organizations they have partnered with.

The Meals on Wheels Club, led

by Senior Cullen West, spearheaded Canstruction this year, the annual food drive for Meals on Wheels Atlanta where Middle School students compete in teams to both collect and build theme-based structures with their donations. This is one of the most impactful projects here at Pace, collecting over three months of supplies for Meals on Wheels. The Atlanta Community Food Bank Club, led by Senior John Hardesty and junior Shawn Agharkar, hosted an in-person volunteer event at the Hunger Action Center on November 23rd. The Glamour Gals Club, led by Ava Grant (11th), continued their bi-weekly visits to Corso to work closely with the residents in memory care.

The La Amistad Club, led by Paige and Lily Vadnais (11th),

also continued their bi-weekly tutoring sessions. The Miracle Knights Club, led by Grace Richardson (12th) and Anne Weiss (12th), has been raising money with hot chocolate sales and a very successful pickleball tournament, with all proceeds going to CHOA (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta). And the Friends of Refugees club, led by Hiruni Manawadu (10th) and Aparna Kallingal (11th), will be hosting a table at the Family Festival at Friends of Refugees in Clarkston on December 13th if anyone is interested in joining at the last minute, contact the leaders! Even younger students in the Lower School are making an effort to get involved! The 4th grade’s Community Engagement focus is Homelessness and they partner with the Ansley School every year for a food drive they hosted as part of their Winter celebrations and giving back.

Looking forward to after the holiday break, Pace’s annual MLK Jr. weekend of Service is a great time to get involved, and is the biggest weekend of service for Pace families from Pre-1st through 12th grade. There will be events at Pace as well as all over the city. The Community Engagement Board is still in the planning process for the weekend, but they are sure to have projects on the Beltline, and with Intown Cares and Friends of Refugees, to name a few. They

What Pace Teacher is the best Santa Claus? a milk chocoof the ‘Tale of Two “Chocolate chip, Cities’.” late, sugar-filled but none of that dark cookie,” answered Behind Mr. Horchocolate rubbish, it has nor in the rankings Mr. Hornor.

Finally, we asked to be Milk chocolate. And of Santa Claus, there non of the vegan rubbish was a three-way tie. what the best present he would either, a milk chocolate, One of these runnerbring to children, sugar-filled cookie,” ups was English and in true history teacher, Dr. Brooks, teacher fashion, he who at first was not answered with “a signed copy very pleased with the results.

“It sounds like I need to go to the gym more,” said Dr. Brooks right after hearing he was in contention for playing Santa Claus. However, very quickly, he added, “I hope it reflects my generous spirit.” The Pace Upper School certainly has no shortage of possibilities for a Santa Claus in the future; the only question is who will it be?

Photo: The Downey Patriot

With the holidays rolling around, every Pace division has traditions that are starting to take place. The lower school’s Holiday Program and the Middle School’s annual showing of The Grinch are some of the kept traditions students look forward to. However, the Upper School is lacking its own traditions, which begs the question of what and who would participate in a holiday tradition. The first step in determining an Upper School tradition is ensuring that we have the best possible Santa Claus.

When 20 Upper School students were asked who they think the best Santa Clause would be out of all the faculty, answers ranged from Coach Kev to Mr. Ball to Mr. Assaf. Students’ votes depended on a wide variety of factors, from job, looks, and overall personality. There was a clear winner, though, with this history teacher receiving three times as many votes as any other staff member. A mix of sophomores and juniors all agreed that history teacher, Tim Hornor, would make the best Santa Claus for the Pace Upper School. To ensure that Mr. Hornor would be up for the challenge, he was asked a series of very important questions, such as his reaction to being chosen for Santa. “I would be a bet-

ter Scrooge,” said Mr. Hornor, although he did say that he was “very honored to be chosen as Santa Claus.” After he got over the initial shock, he was asked what type of cookie he would be looking forward to on Christmas Eve. “Chocolate chip, but none of that dark chocolate rubbish, it has to be Milk chocolate. And none of the vegan rubbish either,

Santa Claus reads Mr. Hornor’s application.

Vol. 51, Issue #3

Holiday

The Knightly News - Page 5

The Annual Rivalry Continues: Modern vs. Classic Christmas Songs fills your ears, creates warmth and a feeling of joy; the Christmas spirit. However when the new Christmas songs come over the radio, filled with pop beats and autotune, the songs don’t stand out, and instead sound like every other song heard the other 11 months of the year. When a modern Christmas song comes on, the image that fills the mind is of maybe a Starbucks line, waiting to get a new holiday menu item. On the other hand, when a classic comes on, the image of a lit-up Christmas tree, a family together around the table, and a classic Christmas movie pops into the mind of many. At the end of the day, the classic Christmas songs that unite people around the world will never be overtaken by the bland modern-day Christmas songs produced today, so get ready to blast some Christmas oldies.

Mariah Carey poses in the snow on her Christmas album cover.

Photo: Wikipedia

For just a moment, pretend you are waiting in line at Starbucks or driving on I-285 in your car listening to the radio.

It is chilly outside, and you are trying to remember if you closed your garage this morning or turned off the lights in your kitchen - trying to balance the stress of life. All of a sudden, you hear a note of a song that begins to play, whether on the radio or Starbucks’ playlist. The cold weather becomes charming, the traffic in stores and on the roads becomes bearable, and you are reminded of the friends and family you can’t wait to celebrate with this holiday season. The song warming your heart is “Last Christmas” by Wham, and you are able to take a deep breath, smiling, as George Micheal’s voice melts all your worries away. Modern Christmas music is the soundtrack of the season, including songs like “Last Christmas”, “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, of course Mariah Carey’s famous “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and everything by Micheal Bublé. Modern Christmas songs feature prominently Pop-inspired beats, with wonderful vocals that only newer technology can make sweeter. Furthermore, modern tunes from beloved artists such as Paul McCartney and John Lennon, bands like U2 and classic orchestras such as Manheim Steamroller appeal to all ages and bring the generations together. Modern Christmas music especially

Photo: Spotify

Picture this: The tree is up, the Christmas music that everyone has grown up to love is blaring through the speakers.

Think about all of your favorite Christmas memories, and now think about the songs that you relate to those moments.

Some songs that probably come to mind are Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” or “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee. These Christmas classics have lasted decades, which is why they are superior to the new modern songs that artists try to pass off as Christmas music. Nowadays, every popular artist comes out with a Christmas-inspired album, but many of them all cover one of the popular classics like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams or “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” by Bing Crosby, proving that in today’s modern music scene, new hits simply can’t beat the originals when it comes to holiday tunes. Even artists such as Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter understand that their new spinoffs of Christmas music are no match for the beloved classics. The fact that classical Christmas songs still hold the same weight for multiple generations is proof enough that the classics everyone loves give a different type of feeling that you can’t get anywhere else. The smooth jazz Bing Crosby releases “White Christmas” in 1942. in the background, as an angelic voice

shines when world-renowned pop singers and rock bands blend their famous style with holiday cheer. One example is Taylor Swift’s “Christmas Tree Farm”, an upbeat pop song that evokes Christmas nostalgia as Swift recounts the warmth and festive joy she felt at her family’s Christmas tree farm. “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay is another notable example of this blend between holiday spirit and song, as Chris Martin captures listeners’ hearts with his passionate lyrics about finding happiness and hope amidst the loneliness of the winter season, backed by the transcendent rock undertones that the band employs.

Overall, anybody can appreciate the love and sense of shared experience that is communicated through modern Christmas music. No matter your age or what holiday you celebrate, modern Christmas songs encourage optimism and gratitude in us all. As winter settles in and life gets busier, take a moment to listen to your favorite modern Christmas song and appreciate the love, joy and special blessings that the Christmas season.

Christmas Snacking Made Easy: Quick Recipes for Holiday Hosting

The Christmas tree charcuterie board is ready to enjoy!

Photo: Good Dinner Mom

The holidays are here! Thanksgiving was tasty, but Christmas this year will be unmatched with these quick, easy and absolutely delicious snack recipes.

If you’re hosting family or friends for dinner or even just a small get-together, go ahead and save this article because these recipes will wow your guests for many Christmases to come. Some essential grab-and-go bites for the snack table include Reindeer Chow, Christmas Crack, Strawberry Santas and allergenfriendly Chocolate Snowman Cake Pops.

The Reindeer Chow is a festive play on the Chex Mix Puppy Chow, and it takes less than ten minutes to throw together.

All you need for this festive snack is Chex Mix, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, Christmas-colored sprinkles or M&M’s and white chocolate to melt over it all. Of course, these ingredients could be optional or adjusted depending on your allergies and preferences. Another sweet snack is Christmas Crack: saltine crackers covered in melted toffee, chocolate and a special touch of Christmas sprinkles.

Christmas Crack is a break-away favorite, and perfect for curing a salty and sweet tooth. Strawberry Santas are the simplest snack of them all: just strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream! Refreshing, and a lovely balance of healthy and holiday cheer, Strawberry Santas are an easy addition to a snack table. If your guests are gluten-free, you have to try the Chocolate Snowman Cakepops. The recipe calls for greek yogurt (⅓ cup), maple syrup (three tablespoons), vanilla extract (one teaspoon), almond flour (one cup) and cacao powder (two tablespoons) mixed in a bowl. The best part is, these cake

pops are no-bake! After combining the ingredients, roll them into little balls and place on a cake pop stick, and allow them to set in the freezer for one hour. You can top them with anything of your choice, but this recipe recommends melted white chocolate, while using melted dark chocolate to create the snowmen’s buttons, eyes, and nose. Once you finish decorating the cakepops, store them in the fridge and enjoy! This final snack is where you can get creative and make it whatever you want it to be!

The classic Christmas charcuterie board is always a crowd-pleaser for people of any age, although the kids may reach for the cakepops. Nonetheless, the Christmas charcuterie board is delicious, easy, and affordable, depending on which foods you include in the board. This festive snack could be made in the shape of a Christmas tree, but you can do other holiday shapes such as a reindeer, snowman, a star or even Santa Claus. Grapes, cheese cubes, crackers, pretzels, dried fruits and meats - this holiday platter will truly satisfy any craving. Furthermore, you can adjust it to be friendly for any allergies your guests may have. For a bit of flair, creators of the Christmas charcuterie board often put rosemary leaves to add a nice scent while they act as the Christmas tree’s branches. This board is completely customizable to the number of guests you are looking to serve and even your own preferences. If your guests are on the younger side, you could even make the charcuterie board a festive display of marshmallows, holiday-themed gummies, assorted cookies, and more. Or, you could even make it healthy with a crudités arrangement! Hosting for the holidays can be stressful, but this year it doesn’t need to be. Just use these recipes to get the party started, and your guests will be blown away, full of Christmas cheer and begging for your cookbook.

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December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 6

Disc over the Ma g ic of Homemade Gi f t s

Photo: Leah Tesema

When was the last time a gift truly made you feel special?

Maybe it wasn’t the newest gadget or an expensive perfume, but something heartfelt and handmade. As the holiday season approaches, homemade gifts are becoming more appreciated. Not just because they save money, but because they carry a level of care and meaning that storebought items can’t match. These gifts combine a personal touch, sustainability and unforgettable memories that last far beyond the holidays.

Handmade gifts show that the giver took the time and care to create something especially for you. Whether it’s a knitted scarf, a photo collage or a handwritten letter, something crafted by hand often feels more meaningful than anything found in a store. The act of creating

the gift not just an item, but a story shared between giver and receiver.

Beyond their emotional value, homemade gifts are also better for the planet. Making something yourself often means using fewer materials, reducing packaging waste and cutting down on shipping emissions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate about 25% more waste during the holidays than at any other time of year.

That extra waste includes wrapping paper, boxes and plastic packaging that often end up in landfills. By choosing to make gifts at home, like soy candles, baked goods, homemade soap, or reusable cloth bags, this helps reduce waste. Even small efforts, such as reusing materials or gifting experiences instead of physical items, make a difference. Each homemade present is a small but meaningful step toward a greener and more mindful holiday season.

For many students, home-

A fresh batch of homemade cookies makes the perfect heartfelt holiday gift. something: from choosing materials to adding personal details, turns an ordinary object into a

symbol of love and connection.

Every stitch, brushstroke or note written carries emotion, making

Atlanta traditions and vendors to create an environment that celebrates German culture, while connecting with the unique experiences of Atlanta natives.

The market is set up as an open-air market with a variety of vendors that each have their own exclusive goods to offer, so there is truly something for everyone.

Vendors range in variety from warm ciders, to international treats to artisanal gifts, all the way to fair-like activities. For those looking for a more interactive experience, stop by the market to experience the Ferris wheel or to watch German cultural presentations. The market also offers a space for photos with Santa, making holiday card photos much easier.

For those interested in trying something new, the market offers a variety of delicious German dishes and desserts.

Stop by Rolf’s Brats to try some tasty traditional cuisine, or

sit down and try some flavorful fusion dishes at Tacos El Kohuich. For those looking for some typical Atlanta snacks, Sweet Auburn BBQ offers the perfect blend of classic southern barbecue and the sophisticated elements of German cooking.

The Christkindl Market also offers a variety of cuisines that highlight cultures other than Atlanta favorites and conventional German snacks. A stop by the Christkindl Market also opens the door to foods like crepes, empanadas, and kebabs.

The Christkindl Market is also the perfect place to grab a quick and stylish holiday present for a loved one.

Besides the Christkindl Market, there are tons of other exciting places to visit in Atlanta around the holidays. One spot that can’t be missed is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for their display of “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights”. Starting

made gifts stand out for their creativity and sincerity. “I still have a friendship bracelet my best friend made for me in middle school,” said junior Aznariah Bienne. “It wasn’t fancy, but I wore it for years because it reminded me that she really cared.” Simple but thoughtful gestures show that the most memorable gifts are often the ones made with love and effort, not the ones with the highest price tag.

In conclusion, homemade gifts capture the true spirit of giving. They are personal, heartfelt and environmentally friendly, offering both emotional warmth and social impact. This holiday season, consider trading crowded shopping trips for quiet moments of creativity. Whether it’s baking, painting, writing or crafting, the time you spend making something by hand becomes part of the gift itself.

After all, the best gifts don’t come from a shelf, but from the heart.

Hol iday Event s are c oming to Atlanta Photo: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta’s beloved Christkindl Market is set to return this year on Friday, November 28, 2025.

The joyful holiday market will be set up in a new part of town this year, now at the Lawrenceville Lawn, but it will continue to delight visitors and spread holiday spirit. The market itself works hand in hand with the German American Cultural Foundation of Atlanta to curate an authentic German Christmas market in the city of Atlanta.

The German American Cultural Foundation of Atlanta searches far and wide for the best vendors and volunteers to share their classic German traditions with the Atlanta community.

The market also makes a point to incorporate some distinctly

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens features a special arrangement of lights that are displayed during the holidays.

November 15, 2025 and running until January 11, 2026, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens will be holding their annual holiday celebration featuring millions of brightly colored LED lights illuminating the vibrant gardens.

This year marks the garden’s 15th year anniversary of the

Photo: Secret Atlanta

successful event, drawing large crowds and fans year after year.

This year’s display of lights is titled, “Nature’s Wonder’s” and features the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound. The gardens recommend purchasing tickets in advance before all the spots fill up, so tickets are available for purchase on the Botanical Garden’s website.

Another lively holiday attraction available in Atlanta this holiday season is some timeless ice skating. As the cold weather comes in and puffer jackets get more and more use, it is a clear sign that ice skating season is at hand. Atlanta offers many different venues for recreational ice skating, but two with great holiday spirit are The Rink at Park Tavern, and Skate the Station at Atlantic Station. “Ice skating with my friends in the winter is always a fun time, and offers an activity that I don’t get to do other times of year,” said sophomore Savannah Friedman.

With all that Atlanta has to offer during these winter months, there are an abundant number of delightful holiday activities to partake in!

People Browse the Selection of Stores at the Christkindl Market.

Current Affairs

Vol. 51, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 7

Debates Continue Over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance

Photos: Apple Music

On September 29, 2025, the NFL announced that notable Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is set to headline this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, 2026. This announcement has sparked much debate and controversy in recent months. As one of the top artists in the world at the moment, including being named the #1 Latin Artist of the 21st Century, Bad Bunny has accumulated many loyal fans who are ecstatic about his Super Bowl performance. From winning three Grammy awards to hosting SNL, Bad Bunny has made a name for himself as a prominent member of the current music industry. As more and more fans share their excitement for this year’s performance, the event has drawn more attention, both positive and negative. Contrary to the many fans who can’t wait to hear Bad Bunny perform, there has also been much backlash in the news and on social media from many people who argue that they do not think that Bad Bunny is

Bad Bunny poses for photoshoot to promote his upcoming halftime performance the right person to perform for the Super Bowl this year. One of these voices who has shared their disapproval regarding Bad Bunny’s Superbowl performance is President Donald Trump. In an interview with Newsmax’s Greg Kelly, President Trump shared that, “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know what they are doing — it’s, like, crazy.” Trump followed the statement with, “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

This was not the first time that Bad Bunny has been seen in a political light in recent months.

On his latest tour, he made a point to share with his fans that he would not be performing in the continental United States over fears of U.S. Immigration raids occurring at his concerts.

Instead, he performed the majority of his tour in Puerto Rico, South America, and Europe. Bad Bunny has also been extremely open with his discontent towards President Trump’s new immigration policies. As discourse surrounding Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance in February continues, some Trump adminis-

tration officials shared that ICE agents would be present at this year’s Super Bowl, creating an even stronger divide between the differing opinions on this performance.

In addition to Trump’s administration deploying ICE agents at the half time show, conservative right wing advocacy group Turning Point USA announced a counter halftime show. The nonprofit started by the late Charlie Kirk, declared they would host an “All American Half Time Show” to air

at the same time from Levi’s Stadium in California. Turning Point promised its audience the show will include American, pop, country, hip hop and worship music, “anything in english”. This additional note comes from those who state their opposition to Bad Bunny’s music is due to the fact it is sung in Spanish. When the singer heard news of this, he replied on stage during his SNL appearance, “if you don’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn”.

The US and China Agree on a Trade War Truce On Oct. 30, President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The two agreed on what was initially a series of trade deals without official documents; however, over the last few days, information about an official truce agreement

for the US-China trade war was released.

Since President Trump began the trade war in 2018, the US and China have been locked in a series of tariffs and other trade barriers. The trade war stems from beliefs of unfair trading practices and trade deficits.

Since President Trump returned to office, tensions with China have been steadily rising as tariffs were further increased. A ten percent tariff was placed on

China in February, with President Trump citing it as retaliatory against China for their role in the fentanyl trade. The tariffs were raised to 20 percent in March. In addition to previous tariffs, these increases led to a total 57 percent tariff on Chinese goods. This also affected some US businesses which used materials from China. Effects also included international tensions, a shift in trade to other nations, and an increase in price

for many day to day goods in the US. As a result, the tariffs were widely unpopular, with 65 percent of Americans disagreeing with President Trump’s trade policy, according to ABC news.

A recent escalation of trade tensions led President Trump to state that a 100 percent tariffs would be introduced on Chinese goods beginning Nov 1.

However, the most recent meeting between the two parties led to an agreement on a

Photo: PBS

one year truce to the trade war, and as a result, the 100 percent tariffs were not implemented.

The agreement involved lowering the tariffs the US placed on China by 10 percent. In return, China agreed to resume purchasing soybeans from the US, a portion of trade which was greatly limited in retaliation, and had negative effects on the US economy.

Despite the temporary truce, many are skeptical about what this means for future US trade.

While the truce is vital in ensuring a more stable economy, the US has generally become more dependent on China as a trade partner, especially for rare earth minerals, a coveted resource.

According to Geopolitical Economy and The Financial Times, an analyst from the French bank BNP Paribas said the US is “now dealing with a peer rival capable of imposing material economic harm on it, a relatively new position for the US and a development which, at least to us, confirms China’s ascendancy to global economic superpower status.”

The truce led to temporary economic relief, however, the future of international trade, alongside access to resources and economic independence under the Trump administration is uncertain.

The US and China agree on a one year trade war truce.

Current Affairs

December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 8

No Kings Protests Spread Across the Country

Photo: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

On Oct. 18, 2025, masses of Atlanta residents flocked to the streets to participate in the nationwide No Kings Protests.

This October protest marked the second No Kings Protest to take place in Atlanta so far this year.

The “No Kings” organization is a group that began this June that organizes protests across the country with the mission of declaring that the United States should have “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” The overarching theme of the marches and protests is the accusation that President Trump is acting more like a monarch than an elected official. To date, there have been more than 2,700 protests spanning across all 50 states. The events have drawn crowds with a total of more than 7 million attendees.

The original protests in June began on June 14, 2025, the same day as the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

President Trump had planned a military parade for June 14 to celebrate the Army’s anniversary, but many complained that the parade mirrored monarchical behavior, prompting the No Kings protests in response. As a whole,

Atlanta Citizens fill the streets to protest for no kings. protesters are using this opportunity to share a wide variety of grievances that they have with the current administration and political system. Ranging from topics surrounding immigration to constitutional freedoms, Americans are using this opportunity to express their right to protest. Meanwhile, as more and more protesters raise their voices about their concerns, the Trump administration is also sharing its opinion on the marches. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has outwardly called the No

Kings protests “Hate America” rallies. In response, Democratic officials have mentioned the fact that the protests have remained peaceful. As protesters assemble in the streets, they arrive bearing signs with slogans and phrases that best depict their thoughts and feelings towards the United States’ Political situation. The No Kings protests were declared by the police to be largely peaceful, making them one of the largest peaceful protests in recent years.

In Atlanta, many citizens

came together to protest, rallying behind the city’s strong ties to civil rights history. The October protest in Atlanta began at the Atlanta Civic Center with a message from Sen. Raphael Warnock. Sen. Warnock shared the importance of coming together to fight for what one believes in and how group initiative is stronger than working alone.

“Because when all of us stand together and raise our voices, we win,” said Senator Warnock.

The demonstrations in Atlanta allow the Pace community

to witness current events first hand. “I think the protests going on in Atlanta and across the country are really interesting, because they remind me a lot of what I’ve learned in my history classes. I also feel like it’s really interesting seeing all of these people expressing their rights to protest,” said Senior Sadie Ganz.

The protests stand as a reminder for the constantly changing political climate in Atlanta and the United States as a whole during this time.

plan involves instituting a new technocratic Palestinian government, independent of Hamas.

However, a shortcoming of the ceasefire agreement is a failure to explicitly position Palestine as an independent nation, a long-sought title. The UN plans to vote on Palestinian statehood in the coming days, with intense pressure from Netanyahu to vote against nationhood for Palestine.

Currently, over a month into the ceasefire, although it has officially been held, its legitimacy is under scrutiny. Both parties have released the majority, if not all of their hostages, Hamas releasing 20 hostages and 25 bodies, while Israel released nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners, many of them having been in long-term captivity, according to New York Times. However,

despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to strike Gaza, while the IDF still occupies the majority of the Gaza strip. Israel has continued to bomb Gaza and shoot civilians, due to claims of Hamas retaliation, despite a lack of evidence, according to BBC. As of now, the ceasefire holds, but the sporadic, yet continuous, bombing in Gaza suggests that the fighting is not yet entirely

over.

The perpetration of war in Gaza suggests that the conflict is not over. Amnesty International, and the UN, alongside many other organizations and individuals, such as US Representative Rashida Talib have continued to state that the genocide in Palestine is ongoing, despite the supposed ceasefire, and the end is still uncertain.

Israel and Hamas Declare Ceasef ire

Gaza after two years of strikes.

Photo: UNRWA

As of Oct. 10, earlier this year, Israel and Hamas have declared a ceasefire. The ongoing ceasefire marks a pause in the conflict, which has greatly intensified over the last two years.

Although the ceasefire has held for over a month, there have been continuous failures to bring an official end to the devastating war, in which the death toll in Gaza has amounted to over 65,000, according to BBC. The US had considerable interference in establishing the ceasefire. Additionally, many members of the current administration, including Vice President JD Vance have spent time in Israel over the last month, attempting to ensure that the ceasefire holds. Trump has, potentially prematurely, credited himself with ending the war in media interviews. Historically, PresidentTrump has strongly supported Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, but his support has wavered recently, specifically with the strike against Qatar, a mediator in truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel, and a strong US ally.

Details of the ceasefire include a pause in the fighting, aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages. The second phase of the

Opinion

Vol. 51, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 9

Is AI Helpful for Students During Exams games to help students learn.

While AI may not be great for long term use due to its ability to cause students to think less critically, during this week, it is important to be as efficient as possible and to take advantage of all the tools available. “If you are to use AI without knowledge, you will be lost, but if you use AI combined with your knowledge, it can help you prepare for your exams,” said Upper School teacher Mr. Merlo. Exams cover topics that students have been learning throughout the semester, therefore AI tools during this week are predominantly used for recalling information that they already have knowledge of.

Overall, AI tools are an extremely valuable asset for students during exam week. However, students should not rely completely on AI, and should use their teachers’ help and their own study strategies combined with AI assistance.

Photo: Grant Chase

Increasing in popularity in schools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key study and learning tool for many high school students. With exam week coming up, students will most likely be using AI more often to summarize, study and create practice tools. Many tools offer a straight up AI platform such as ChatGPT or ClaudeAI, however many study platforms such as Quizlet also use AI to increase efficiency. Therefore, with AI’s capabilities and its increase in productivity and efficiency, it is super helpful for students to take advantage of when students have heavy weeks such as exam week.

During exam week, students’ stress levels are through the roof, and there is a lot of pressure to

succeed, with final grades at stake. At Pace, students’ scores are also posted on their transcripts, so this increases the pressure to score high. With that pressure, tools like AI can benefit students by increasing their productivity, giving more time to study and helping them assess their progress. Teachers are often not on campus until the day before their exam, therefore students who are looking for immediate feedback and a source for questions can rely on AI tools to guide them. Practice tests and other forms of study guides are crucial to helping students remember information and understand it to the fullest. With these platforms, students can work efficiently to create these learning opportunities with ease.

Quizlet’s AI tool is extremely useful for this, allowing students to copy and paste their notes and immediately creating a study guide with flashcards, practice tests, multiple choice and even

Senior Roan Dutta uses AI to assist him with his studying in the library.

Discussing the Sport of Christmas Day

Pace students and faculty vote football (blue) or basketball (red).

Lions, and lastly the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos.

These matchups feature superstars like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott but also showcase up-and-coming second-year quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy.

The games are designed to draw a big audience. Between the

division rivalry matchups and the exciting players on display, this year’s NFL Christmas Day schedule is destined to put football back in the running for the owner of Christmas Day sports. The NBA isn’t just letting the NFL take over; they are combating by scheduling top-tier matchups of their own. They

Photo: Google

Photo: Kennon DeFrancis

Throughout the 2010s NBA has ruled the Christmas Day sports scene. Every year, Christmas was filled with marquee matchups featuring the biggest stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. These world-class players obviously draw a massive audience on Christmas each and every year.

Previously, Christmas Day was coined as “The NBA’s Day”; this was in response to the NFL’s growing Christmas popularity. Implementing powerhouse football matchups on Christmas Day was definitely a calculated move by the NFL. Traditionally, the fall and winter are thought to be football time all except for Christmas Day, which was a day for NBA fandom to thrive.

The NFL decided to take action, and they scheduled 3 games to headline Christmas Day. Games like the Washington Commanders vs. the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit

Shai Gilgeous Alexander hits a pose on the court during a game. scheduled many games that include teams like the Thunder, the Timberwolves, and the Nuggets.

All of these teams have superstar players with League MVP aspirations like last year’s winner Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Edwards.

They play on lineups built to

make playoff runs and win tough games. The NBA took this into account when scheduling in hopes of countering the NFL’s hard-hitting lineup of games. As Christmas approaches, we will see which sport prevails as the sport of Christmas Day!

Photo: Yahoo Sports

Patrick Mahomes scrambles through the snow on a Christmas Day game, showing his epic gametime reflexes even in the holiday season weather.

Lifestyle

December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 10

Get Excited for the New and Final Season of Stranger Things

The Stranger Things official poster for season 5.

After one year of waiting, Wicked: For Good is finally out in theaters as of November 21.

Modeling the Broadway show that premiered in 2003, Wicked: For Good explores the second half of the plot of this iconic story. All of the iconic songs, lines and characters from the original Broadway production were preserved in making this new film. This musical stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and is produced by Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt. Despite all the filming being completed back-toback in 2024, the directors made the creative choice to split the movie into two, allowing for further development of the character arc and plot. The first movie is approximately two hours and forty minutes long, followed by the second, which is two hours and seventeen minutes long.

Wicked for good picks up right after the ending of the first movie. Viewers can expect to see Elphaba’s descent into the Bad

job of making the audience feel the emotions of the characters.”

Across the plot, viewers should be ready for unexpected romances causing more drama to the conflict of good and evil. Many may recognize that the plot of the Wizard of Oz plays a key role in the ending of Wicked: For

Photo: Netflix

The writers and directors of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, say that season five is “like season one but on steroids”.

This season is expected to tie up any loose ends and explain After over two years of waitquestions that viewers have had ing and nearly ten years of proin any earlier seasons, while still duction, season 5 of “Stranger advancing the plot. The Duffer Things” is finally set to release Brothers have released a series this winter! This season is going of small trailers and teasers, the to be released in three parts, vol- first of these being on May 31 ume one coming out on Nov. 26, at Netflix’s Tudum event. The volume two on Christmas Day, Tudum event hosted by Netflix and the finale on New Years Eve. was an event to celebrate NetfStranger lix’s original series Things is set in and movies, and “Season five is like during the Stranger the 80s and reseason one, but on Things segment, volves around steroids” a group of four they played a boys who are teaser that also obsessed with revealed the threethe popular board game DND, part release dates. The “Official” Dungeons and Dragons. One teaser was released on July 16, night after finishing their camwhich, according to the Duffer paign in DND, one of the four brothers, mainly revolved around boys, Will Byers, goes missing volume Finally, the trailer was while riding his bike home. The released on October 30, which other three boys are set to find includes more from the finale their friend and bring him home, and volume.Then, unexpectedly, despite what the government is the Duffer Brothers released the telling them. first five minutes of the first epiAfter the first season was sode on Nov. 7, revealing a huge released back in 2016, Stranger plot twist going all the way back Things was a quick phenomto season 1 of the show. enon. The show drew in a large Pace students, in particular, crowd of invested fans, creating have been extremely excited for a culture around the show and the upcoming season. Whether theories for upcoming seasons. it’s coming up with theories or As Season 4 was released in rewatching old seasons, Pace May 2022 and production delays students have bonded over this occurred in 2024, a significant show. A group of sophomore gap has developed between girls got together to rewatch the Seasons 4 and 5, making the cirfirst season of Stranger Things culating theories more intricate in preparation for the upcoming and complex than any before. “I release. “I enjoyed rewatching am so excited for the new season with my friends because it felt and I like to come up with new like I was watching for the first theories for season 5, like Will time since it had been so long dying,” said Sophomore Dylan since the first season”, says Teplis Sophomore Suvi Gupta.

Wicked: For Good Takes Over Bilboards

Photo: Playbill Store

Wicked: For Good official poster.

Witch and Glinda’s rise as the Good Witch, but both will experience emotional distress along the way. Junior Ann Rosengren said, “I loved the first movie so much I expected the second to be worse, but I was happily surprised that they are equally as good. The producers did a great

Good. Both the Broadway show and this new musical incorporate the plot and key characters in this iconic 1939 film.

After the first weekend, Wicked: For Good opened up at the number one spot at the global box office, making 223 million dollars in three days. This makes

it the biggest global Broadway musical adaptation of all time.

Wicked: For Good will remain in theaters now, but will begin streaming on Peacock in March 2026.

Lifestyle

Vol. 51, Issue #3

The Knightly News - Page 11

Daniel Caesar’s Album Success Skyrockets

Photo: Madeline Ganz

Blending elements of R&B, soul and gospel, Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar is taking over the music industry with his reimagined vision of a concert. His recent shows in parks across the United States and Canada have caught the attention of the media. Offering a unique, personal experience, Daniel Caesar has traveled to many cities to play in public parks for his fans. Only announcing the location of his shows a couple of hours in advance on his Instagram, fans from all over the city travel to watch him perform. He has traveled from Canada to LA, to Texas and even to Atlanta.

In Atlanta, he performed on October 13th in Piedmont Park, where he played one song from his then-upcoming album, followed by his four most popular songs, before getting shut down by the police. News articles headline, “Daniel Caesar causes hours of traffic in LA.” Many

shows have also attracted media attention due to police involvement. Without a permit, the police are instructed to shut down any gathering, yet despite this, Daniel Caesar has provided an extremely intimate listening experience that fans love. Junior Walker Souza said, “Daniel Caesar’s show is unlike any concert I’ve experienced.” During these shows, he performs by himself, with a guitar and with minimal equipment to provide the most authentic performance possible. Most of these shows were intended to promote his new album “Son of Spegry,” released on October 24.

Daniel Caesar’s new album, “Son of Spergy,” offers a contemporary take on R&B with significant gospel influence that features artists like Bon Iver and Blood Orange. It explores deep personal and spiritual themes like the relationship between father and son, as well as an individual’s relationship with god. The title refers to the nickname of Caesar’s father, Norwill Simmonds. Each song offers a different message pertaining to his faith, wanting to be a father, or the relationships in his life.

Daniel Caesar performs in Atlanta at Piedmont Park on October 13.

Almost immediately, Caesars’ album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, making it his first top ten on the all-genre

chart. It also reached number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The success of Danieal’s new album can be

greatly credited to the success of his eccentric shows.

Hayes Conveys: Why Being Right Isn’t Wisdom

Senior Jon Soren Uyham embraces viewpoints that challenge him without letting his beliefs become his identity.

Photo: Hayes Pollard

In ancient Athens, a young philosopher named Thrasyllus had built his reputation on winning arguments. One afternoon in the marketplace, he publicly debated an elderly merchant about justice, dismantling the old man’s simple reasoning with dazzling logic. The crowd applauded. Thrasyllus walked home triumphant.

That evening, he learned the merchant had spent thirty years quietly mediating disputes between feuding families, saving dozens from violence through patient understanding. Suddenly, the philosopher’s clever arguments seemed hollow. He had mistaken articulation for wisdom, performance for truth.

The next day, Thrasyllus returned to find the merchant. “I spoke with certainty about matters I had never lived,” he admitted plainly, without explanation or justification. The merchant smiled. “Now your education begins.”

This ancient tale reveals something unsettling about the human mind: the capacity for conviction exists independently of accuracy. Everyone carries memories of absolute certainty that later crumbled: a relationship deemed unshakeable, a judgment about another person that proved wrong, a decision that seemed obviously correct but was not.

The Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught, “It’s not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more, that is poor.”

This poverty extends beyond

material wealth. The insatiable hunger to be right creates a poverty of spirit that no amount of being correct can satisfy. Each victory demands another, an endless cycle.

When criticism arrives, a predictable script unfolds: explanation, justification, counterattack. But beneath this defensive dance lies a crucial question: is the defense protecting truth or protecting image? Often, the intensity of response correlates not with the importance of the issue but with the degree to which identity feels threatened.

Three words carry remarkable weight: “I was wrong.”

Adding explanations dilutes them. “I was wrong because...” transforms admission into a subtle justification. “I was wrong, but...” immediately begins image preservation. Clean acknowledgment requires nothing additional.

The practice becomes straightforward: this week, admit error about something clearly, without qualifications.

Notice the physical sensation that accompanies this admission, the fear of what might be lost. Then observe what actually remains afterward.

As Thrasyllus discovered in that marketplace, humility is not thinking less of oneself.

It is thinking of oneself less: creating space for the world to appear more clearly, for others to exist more fully, for wisdom to emerge from unexpected places.

True education begins where certainty ends.

Sports

December 12, 2025

The Knightly News - Page 12

Previewing the NFL Playoffs potentially MVP (most valuable player)”. In the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 6-2, leading the South division. Similarly,

the Seattle Seahawks are at 6-2, leading their division, and they are building momentum for a deep playoff run. Football fans

across the nation are gaining excitement as the postseason approaches, and some Super Bowl favorites begin to emerge.

Photo: Adrian Kraus

The National Football League (NFL) is made up of 32 teams divided into two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each year, the top seven teams from each conference earn a spot in the playoffs, a tournament that determines who advances to the Super Bowl. As the 2025 postseason approaches, some strong contenders are begining to emerge. In the AFC, the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs appear to be good bets to make the playoffs as usaual, yet have had slower starts to the season than they had hoped. The Los Angeles Chargers are also in the mix, due to their passing offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert and high skill receivers Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, and Quinten Johnston. In the

NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are also looking to be shoe-ins for their playoff possitions. The Indianapolis Colts are off to a strong yet unexpected 7-2 start, leading their division with their high scoring offense led by running back Jonathon Taylor and quarterback Daniel Jones.

The Denver Broncos are also 7-2, having their best season in years with sophomore quarterback Bo Nix. The team is beginning to look like a serious contender in the AFC. The New England Patriots, 7-2 as well, are playing extremely well on both sides of the ball looking to continue their regular season success into the post season under one of the youngest quarterbacks in the league, Drake Maye who appears to have developed into a star. Sophomore Arjun Nirgudkar said “I have yet to see a quarterback with such promise.

He has revived the Patriots to their former glory days and I hope to see his hard work and unmatched talent earn him the way to his first Superbowl and

New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye.

Racing Into the Winter Sports Season Boys Basketball

Photo: Fred Assaf

Looking to continue the momentum from last year’s impressive season, the men’s basketball team, led by Coach Sharman White, hopes to regain the title as AAAA state champions. This year’s roster is led by seniors Jake Agoli, Jayden Avery, Brian Clark , Hayden Clay and Ethan Thomas. Of these seniors, Hayden Clay is the only one so

far to have announced that he will be continuing playing basketball at Georgia Southern following his high school career. In the first preseason scrimmage so far, the Knights beat Riverwood 59-48, hopefully a trend that will continue throughout the season. The team is playing in seven tournaments this season, not including the state tournament, where they hope to show dominance as they have in the past. Sophomore Nate Fogarty says, “This year’s basketball team feels more like a family. We hope to win as much as possible this year.”

Sophomore Randal Foster Wrestles for a Win. Girls Basketball

Photo: Fred Assaf

Senior Britton McGurn Dribbles Down the Court.

Pace Academy Girls Basketball has gotten off to a solid start, winning its first preseason game 63-44 against a strong Riverwood team. This is an impressive result and lays a solid base for the team to build off of throughout the year. The team is coming off a season in which they reached the Sweet Sixteen and saw great success as a whole.

They upset the number one seed, Harris County, in a phenomenal team victory that brought the Knights to an awesome accomplishment. As the season ramps up, so does excitement around the team in general. “Even though we lost some key seniors, I can’t wait to see what we can do as a team if we work together and stay disciplined,” said sophomore Meghan Wrigley. As the year goes on, we can’t wait to see what this team can achieve after such a promising start.

Wrestling

The wrestling team is led by senior Bauer Thomas hopes to have a successful season following up last year’s team. Sophomore JK Hasson said, “We’re looking forward to seeing what our team can do this year. We will continue to work hard and hopefully see it pay off in the States.” The team had successful meets against Villa Rica High School and Rome High School and will continue their hard work in order to capitalize on their young team.

Swimming and Diving

This year’s swimming and diving team, led by head coach John Ague, looks to follow up a season in which the team placed tenth in states. So far, they have done just that with the boys winning their first meet against Loganville and North Atlanta handily, and the girls coming in

third place in their first meet.

Since the season is still young there is a lot to be accomplished throughout the season but there is a general excitement around this years squad, “I’m excited to start the season and meet new people. Coach Ague does a great job preparing us for the season and I look forward to working with him and my teammates this year” said sophomore Rohan Sapre. Rohan was a part of the relay group that worked and got recognized in the state meet for their 200 medley relay time. This group consisted of Rohan Sapre, Neal Narula, Dylan Corbett and Matthew Bramwell. This was a great feat, and the team is looking to build off of this success for the rest of the season. We can’t wait to see what Pace swimming and diving can do this year as they progress in their talents and reach to achieve new goals.