On April 26, senior Dominic Hantula captured the state title for the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, marking the first time a Pace student has received the honor since the program’s 1958 inception. A Pace Lifer, Hantula emerged from a field of regional honorees to secure the top spot in the prestigious competition, which recognizes Georgia's highest-achieving seniors. While the program initially identifies nominees based on class rank and SAT scores, a panel of judges from the education and business sectors selects the state winner through a rigorous evaluation of biographical submissions and personal interviews. Hantula impressed the committee across a broad range of criteria, including scholarship, leadership, citizenship and personal philosophy. 

Hantula chose math teacher Jason Smith as his STAR Teacher, honoring the educator who most influenced his academic growth. A National Merit Semifinalist and Orkin Honor Scholar, Hantula balances his academic rigor with deep involvement in the arts and athletics. He has played the violin for 14 years, leading the Pace orchestra as concertmaster and earning three selections to the All-State Orchestra. Beyond his musical achievements and his qualification for the national Chemistry Olympiad, Hantula competes at the state level in both cross-country and track. His selection as the state winner underscores an Upper School career defined by excellence across multiple disciplines.