Every year, the Pace community marks the first day of school with great fanfare—seniors parade up West Paces Ferry Road to begin their countdown to graduation, Middle Schoolers decorate their lockers, and parents take photos from the carpool line as students fist-bump or high-five with Head of Lower School Brooke Hight.

Then, on day two, Middle and Upper Schoolers return to campus in their dress uniforms to participate in convocations, the ceremonial opening of the new school year, where student and faculty leaders commit to abide by the Pace Honor Code and set the tone for the months ahead.

During Middle School convocation, Head of Middle School Graham Anthony used a personal anecdote about overcoming a long-held fear of the ocean—along with a traditional Chinese parable—to encourage students to reframe life’s unpredictable moments. He urged students to adopt a mindset of “maybe” when facing setbacks, reminding them that unexpected challenges often harbor hidden opportunities for growth.

“Understand that you will face highs and lows, and you will not always know or be able to control what will come next,” Anthony said. “However, you are always in control of your next best step. So, don’t despair at setbacks. You never know what blessings they might bring, and with time and perspective, you will see that your greatest opportunities often come in the form of challenges.”

Dean of Students Erica Barbakow touched on a similar theme of perseverance in her address to Upper School students. Sharing recent personal experiences with loss, she reflected on the 2026 commencement address by parent of alumni Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses. She reminded students that resilience, shared values and human connection remain at the heart of life at Pace and beyond.

“What makes Pace special is the people here,” Assaf told students. “Take care of each other, include others and always do your best. It’s going to be a great year!”