As the new school year begins, new faces are seen all around the Pace campus. New additions to not only the student body, but also the faculty. This year, several new faculty members were added to the Pace community, who are excited to adjust to their new community.
Alexandria Ekler is a new addition to the world language department and is teaching French. Earning her degree in French and Spanish at the University of Wyoming, Ms. Ekler was not planning on becoming a teacher, but she took advantage of this amazing opportunity. “Say yes to every opportunity you can say yes to,” said Ms. Ekler. After teaching at the university level, she has recently transitioned to high school, where her most recent role was teaching French at Prairie School in Wisconsin. After making this switch from the University level to high school, Ms. Ekler says she enjoys having a more active role in the students’ education. She enjoys many hobbies outside of teaching, like playing sports, camping, and hiking. Ms. Ekler said, “I like to play video games and really like to read.” “I really like to make connections with the kids; I enjoy coming to work every day.”
Edwin Way is the new 9th-grade ancient history teacher, previously working at Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware. He was born in New Jersey, but then moved to Brazil because his parents decided to teach overseas. Dr. Way then moved around in many different countries growing up, including Belgium, Denmark, and many countries in West Africa. “My interest in history comes from growing up around the world learning about different cultures,” said Dr. Way. He is also very interested in Model UN, which he discovered in Denmark. Dr. Way said, “sharing knowledge and interacting with students is what got me on the path to becoming a teacher.” In addition to Model UN, Dr. Way enjoys hiking and watching the news.
Scott Willis has joined the admissions team at Pace and also teaches American history. He is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and then attended Swanne, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. He then went on to Vanderbilt graduate school, earning his teaching degree, and then taught history and government at the Walker School for the past eight years. As a history teacher, Mr. Willis believes that studying history helps students make connections and understand patterns while building global citizenship in an increasingly connected world. As an admissions officer, he enjoys helping prospective families discover what Pace has to offer. Mr. Willis said, “coaching football and baseball led him to want to stay in schools.” Here at Pace, Mr. Willis will continue his passion for coaching by coaching the middle school baseball team. Outside of teaching, Mr. Willis enjoys watching sports, being outdoors, and listening to music. “I have started my own record collection,” said Mr. Willis. Mr. Willis said, “I am excited to get to know the students.”
Artie Melo is the newest member of the computer crew as a computer specialist. He was born in Brazil and then attended high school in the US, and then moved back to Brazil for college, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Universidade Federal da Paraiba. Mr. Melo then worked at Apple for 13 years. “I coached soccer at the Walker School for the past two years as a passion project where I discovered my passion for an education setting,” said Mr. Melo. He says he has a passion for exploring technology and fixing things. “I am really blessed that things I do as hobbies are the same as what I do for work,” said Mr. Melo. “I am always looking for house projects and ways to modernize my house.” He also says that in his free time, he loves to do yard work, including gardening. “Pace feels like home; everyone is very welcoming,” said Mr. Melo.
Irvin Scott is a new addition to the English department here at Pace, as well as a member of the Varsity football coaching staff. He was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and then moved to Boston, where he lived from 14 to 29, where he earned a bachelor’s in English literature and playing football at the College of the Holy Cross. After working in insurance, Mr. Scott decided to switch to education, following in his parents’ footsteps, who are both in education. “After being a sub, I realized how easy I connected with the kids,” said Mr. Scott. This led him to get his master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Mr. Scott is now teaching at Pace after teaching 9th-grade literature at North Atlanta High School. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his two three-year-olds, and coaching football. Mr. Scott said, “I also really enjoy playing the piano.”
Atlanta native D’uana White is a new addition to the counselors here at Pace. She attended Savannah State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in social work, and then attended Clark Atlanta University, earning her master’s. Finally, she earned her Doctor of Education degree from Grand Canyon University. Her goal is to help students develop character traits that will serve them inside and outside the classroom.
The Pace community is also excited to welcome Casey Kelleher, who is subbing for Mrs. McNicholas; Prissila Hoover, who is subbing for Dr. Dwyer; and Lisa Bognar, who was the sub for Mr. Matanes and is continuing to teach the AP French class.
New faculty join the Pace staff including Mr. Willis, Ms. Bognar, and Ms. Ekler.