OCALA, FL (352today.com) — The Pace Center for Girls Marion hosted its annual “Voices of Pace” luncheon this week, drawing community leaders, supporters, and alumni together to celebrate the resilience and growth of young women in the program.

Board Chair Devon Chestnut opened the event by thanking guests, sponsors, and staff, stressing the program’s life-changing impact. “Together, we can create a brighter future for all girls and young women,” Chestnut said.

PACE Center for Girls Marion chairman Devon Chestnut talks about the good the center does.
Students from the PACE Center for Girls shared their stories.
Attendees listened to the great strides that have been made at PACE Center for Girls.
The Voices of Pace Luncheon gave the community a chance to get to know what the Pace Center for Girls does, and how these young ladies have set themselves up for success. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

The luncheon featured powerful testimonials from Pace students and alumni, each sharing deeply personal stories of overcoming trauma, mental health struggles, and instability.

Maggie, a current student, described how the support at Pace helped her heal after multiple hospitalizations. “They helped me learn that the pain is temporary,” she said, adding that she now feels hopeful and confident in her future.

Maggie Smallwood shared her struggles, including suicide attempts in an emotional speech. Her teacher, Hillary Cabezudo comforts her.
Maggie (left) shared her struggles, including multiple hospitalizations in an emotional speech. Her counselor, Hillary Cabezudo (right), comforts her. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

Alumni speaker Michaela Davis spoke of her journey from teen motherhood to professional success, crediting Pace for helping her build the confidence and tools to pursue her goals. “Art became not just a hobby, but a reminder that I could create beauty even in hard times,” she said.

Pace Center for Girls graduate Michaela Davis, now and RN, shares her story.
Executive Director Laura Burgess.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano expressed how proud he is of the girls at Pace.
Pace graduate Michaela Davis, now an RN, shared her powerful story. Executive Director Laura Burgess detailed some of the strategies Pace uses to help girls thrive. Mayor Ben Marciano expressed how proud he i of the Girls at Pace. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

Davis went on to talk about her accomplishments and future goals, including becoming a registered nurse a year ago. And how she’s on the path to earning her master’s degree.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano shared with the girls how proud he is of them. “What you guys have accomplished is unbelievable,” he shared. He expressed his admiration for the Pace Center, saying that its proactive approach is one that catches these young women before they fall too far.

Pace Executive Director Laura Burgess clarified that the center is not simply an alternative school; it’s a choice-based program that blends academic education with mental health care and life skills. Students, many of whom face housing instability, trauma, or adverse childhood experiences, receive wraparound support including access to licensed counselors, a structured curriculum, and emotional safety.

The luncheon concluded with a call to action: community support is essential to continue Pace’s mission. Guests were encouraged to donate, attend upcoming events like the May 8 “Women of Song” concert, and remain champions for local girls.

Cody's Roadhouse owner Allen Musikantow was named an honorary Pace Girl for his longtime work with the board.
Cody’s Roadhouse owner Allen Musikantow was named an honorary Pace Girl for his longtime work with the board. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

The event also honored a very special “Pace Girl.” Allen Musikantow, franchise owner of Cody’s Original Roadhouse restaurants in Ocala and The Villages, was recognized for his many years on the Pace Center for Girls board. Musikantow provided lunch for the event along with his wife, Amy, and son, Josh.

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