Welcome to the PACE/Innovation Academy! 

It is truly an honor to welcome our students, faculty, families, and community partners to a new school year. As I begin this journey as Dean of PACE/Innovation, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated group of people. 

My family has always been an important source of love, encouragement, and support in my life. Their influence has helped shape who I am, both personally and professionally, and reminds me daily of the importance of treating every student with the same care, patience, and respect we would want shown to our own family members. 

This year, our theme is “Cultivating Kindness: Small Acts, Big Impact.” Kindness does not always require a grand gesture. It can be found in a welcoming smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to listen. When practiced consistently, these small acts can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, coworkers, families, and neighbors. 

Our success will depend on all of us working together. I look forward to building strong relationships, celebrating our students’ growth, supporting our faculty and staff, and strengthening the connection between our school and the greater Halifax County community. 

Thank you for welcoming me and allowing me the opportunity to serve. I am excited about what we will accomplish together and look forward to making this a positive, meaningful, and successful school year for everyone. 

Cultivating Kindness • Small Acts • Big Impact 

Respectfully, 

Chris Lacks 

Dean of PACE/Innovation