With every speech about the Class of 2026, a common theme emerged: this class will not be forgotten. From the highest cumulative GPA in Pace history to the longest Spirit Week dance on record, when they put their minds to something, they went above and beyond. Graduation speaker Arthur M. Blank encouraged our graduates to be steadfast in what they stand for, and there is no doubt their determination and collaboration will persist into their next chapter. They left their mark on the halls of Pace, and we can’t wait until they return to them as alumni—though hopefully not to fill them with balloons again! Congratulations, Knights! We love you. 💙⚔️
Tonight, we say goodbye to our beloved seniors. We are so grateful for and proud of these 122 prepared, confident citizens of the world. Class of 2026, you will always have a home here at Pace.
The Class of 2026 took one more step toward graduation at last night's Baccalaureate service. Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, a Pace parent, charged seniors to pursue worthy dreams. "Follow the dreams that make you more truthful, more compassionate, more loving, more alive," he said. "In other words, more of the person God has created you to be."
Dean Ben Ewing '06 also bid farewell to the class. "We talk about family here at Pace. Thank you for bringing new meaning to that word for me," he said. "As you walk across the stage tomorrow, I want you to know how proud we are of you and how excited we are to see who you become as you venture out into the world."
At least three days a week for the past four years, our seniors have gathered in The Zalik Theater, seated in alphabetical order. Through assemblies, morning meetings and honors days, serendipitous friendships have formed. Tonight's Baccalaureate service marks the final time the Class of 2026 will sit in their assigned seats, and we asked seatmates Eddie Langford, Kate Leach and Rory Lee to reflect on the unexpected power of proximity.
Last night, our celebration of the Class of 2026 officially began at Senior Honors Day, where we acknowledged the tremendous gifts and contributions of our seniors. Congratulations to salutatorian David Halsey and to valedictorian Leena Phoenix, who, with Jon Soren UyHam, took home the Frank D. Kaley Award, Pace's highest honor. Next up? Baccalaureate!
How wonderful to have educators so special they make goodbye so hard! Join us in celebrating the retirements of Steve Cunningham, Danny Doyle and Sonya Russ. Together, these three have dedicated a combined 69 years to Pace Academy. Congratulations—and on behalf of generations of Knights, thank you. 💙⚔️ Here’s to your next chapter!
Now is the time to seize the day! 🗞️🎶 The fourth grade's production of "Newsies" featured a beautiful New York City skyline and a strong sense of justice—a powerful finish to this year's Lower School plays.
Next Friday, the 122 members of the Class of 2026 will officially become Pace alumni—and after this week, we know they’re ready. In the midst of AP exams, seniors took part in a mental wellness workshop, where our counselors partnered with Carly Irvine ’19 and Jared Rayman ’19 to talk about the transition to college; they rehearsed for Baccalaureate and Commencement; and they picked up their caps and gowns at our Senior Luncheon, where Alumni Board President Jason Lee ’96 welcomed them to the Alumni Association. We’re so proud of this group—bring on graduation!
We're in awe of all the incredible work our student-artists have produced this year! From the Upper School Advanced Studio Art Exhibit to the Middle School Studio Art Show, the past month has been a celebration of creativity. 🖼️🎨
Summer is approaching, and we all know what that means: more time to read! And what better place to stock up your "to-be-read" pile than at the Literati Book Fair? Thanks to the Soni Family Library, these Lower Schoolers are ready for a summer of page-turning fun. 📚☀️
Senior Dominic Hantula has been named the overall State PAGE STAR Winner—the first Pace student to capture Georgia’s top academic honor since the program’s inception in 1958! Dominic, a Pace Lifer, chose math teacher Jason Smith as his STAR Teacher. From the orchestra pit to the science lab and the state cross-country meet, Dominic’s excellence across arts, athletics, academics and the broader community wowed the selection committee. Congratulations to this history-making duo!
