Since the beginning of the school year, Academy President Gracie Augustine '25 and Senior Class President Gaige Geraci '25 have been bursting with energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit in their new leadership roles at Govs.
We caught up with Gracie, a boarding student from Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Gaige, a boarding student from Scottsdale, Arizona, to learn more about them and their goals for the year.
GOVS: Why did you choose to attend Govs?
Gracie:
I wanted to experience a challenging and supportive environment to become the very best version of myself. A true highlight for me was the Academy’s emphasis on learning inside and outside the classroom. The balance Govs offered was a simple yet impactful element that appealed to me. I can do it all here—pursue academic interests, play sports, make unforgettable memories with friends, and develop into the person I want to be.
I feel like a more complete person, all thanks to the people I’ve met and the opportunities offered during my time here. I love how everyone at Govs shares similar values of striving for greatness and not just supporting but rooting for each other along the way. While these core values ring true, this community flourishes on our differences. Our school's willingness to embrace and celebrate differences has led me to build profound relationships with teachers and friends, which will last far beyond our time together on campus. Govs prepares students for much more than their time here, and I could not be more grateful to be a part of this community.
Gaige:
It just clicked—I can’t fully put it into words. The campus, the facilities, the history, and the education all stood out, but what resonated with me most were the students and faculty. I have never experienced an educational institution with such strong student support from faculty and staff. Teachers genuinely care for their students personally, always making time to help, mentor, or even just have a conversation. I'm particularly impressed by how many faculty members, in addition to their teaching responsibilities, also coach multiple sports, proctor dorms, transport students to events, and still manage to pursue their interests—all while many of them are also parents.
I know the bonds I have built with the Govs community will continue to grow and strengthen long after I leave Byfield.
GOVS: What are your passions?
Gracie:
While I’m involved in many activities and sports, my true passion is people. There is something so exciting about meeting new people or learning more about people you already know. Taking the time to know and understand people has helped me learn so much and led to many good laughs along the way. Everything I do, whether sports, student council, or volunteer work, revolves around my passion for people.
Gaige:
Filmmaking has been a passion of mine that I’ve been honing over the past few years. I’ve developed a love for community-based filmmaking and have had a blast recording games and school events at Govs, documenting untold stories, and sharing them with the broader Govs community on my Instagram account @gaiger_highlights.
GOVS: Why did you run for leadership roles at Govs?
Gracie:
I’m involved in many different areas of student life at school, and I felt like I had a strong understanding of what students were looking for in their Govs experience. Leadership roles, especially Academy President, give me a unique platform to express ideas and advocate for everyone. The support and encouragement of my peers, friends, and mentors at Govs gave me the final push to strive for such a substantial role.
Gaige:
I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, embodying our school’s motto, Non sibi sed aliis “not for self but for others.”
As co-head of the Christian Fellowship Club, I am in a space where I can freely express my faith while fostering meaningful connections with others who share similar beliefs. It also provides me the unique opportunity to guide and educate those curious about Christianity, creating a welcoming environment for open discussion, spiritual growth, and mutual support, regardless of where someone may be in their faith journey.
As head of Peer Advisors, I am motivated by my peers to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Their diverse perspectives inspire me to grow as a leader continuously, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.
As a ninth-grade dorm proctor, I am constantly challenged to balance enforcing rules and creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable and engaged. It's about knowing when to set firm boundaries and when to foster fun and camaraderie among my fellow students, all while fostering a culture of pride and active participation from the very first steps onto campus.
GOVS: Gracie - what do you hope to achieve this year as Academy president?
Gracie:
I’m really hoping to capitalize on all the great aspects that already exist at Govs. We work hard in the classroom, play with heart on the field or court, feel free to pursue whatever interests us, and have a ton of fun along the way. As l told the senior class at the beginning of the school year, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” I hope to design events that promote camaraderie and even more spirit throughout Govs. I’m working alongside several departments to create timeless traditions that will continue beyond my time as Academy President. Ultimately, my main goal is to leave Govs just a little better than how 9th-grade me found it. Finally, I hope to initiate more interactions between our awesome alumni and current students by making an accessible networking platform.
GOVS: What is your favorite Afternoon Program?
Gracie:
This question isn’t fair - haha! I play varsity soccer in the fall (captain senior season), varsity basketball in the winter (captain junior & senior season), and varsity lacrosse in the spring, and simply can’t pick one. Each season brings its own exciting challenges and chances to grow and have fun. I love being a part of a team, and as sad as I am when one season ends, I’m just as excited for the next one to begin!
Gaige:
It has to be Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field. As a varsity captain for both, I have built a tight bond with everyone on the team and with the coaches. What I love most is the diversity of the team. For some, it’s their first sport; for others, it’s their main sport, and for me, it was a hidden talent. On top of that, it’s co-ed, which is an experience I wouldn’t have had at school in my home state, Texas.
I have also been granted amazing opportunities, like running at Harvard, 'The Track' at New Balance, and most recently, the Nike Track & Field Center at 'The Armory' in New York.
I am excited to see what happens this year with a strong boys team and the girls coming off a historic run, winning both the ISL Championship and the New England Div II Championships.
GOVS: Can you share an example of when you went out of your comfort zone and tried something new at Govs or outside school?
Gracie:
Giving a speech in front of the entire community while running for academy president was a massive step outside of my comfort zone. I love talking to people in smaller settings, but the thought of getting up on stage with the bright lights shining down and everyone's attention directed towards me honestly terrified me at the time. It’s crazy to see how just a few months later, with some practice, I’ve grown into a much more confident public speaker. I still get nervous simply because I care, but I’m no longer paralyzed by the thought of speaking to large crowds.
Joining Chorus was a very new experience for me. I love to sing with friends but performing arts had never crossed my mind. Luckily, the PA block at Govs gave me the best of both worlds and allowed me to fit in Chorus around my other classes. I’m really glad I had the opportunity to experience a performing arts class because it gave me more balance and introduced me to new friends.
Gaige:
During my junior year, I took a class called "The Art of Strategic Storytelling," taught by English teacher David Brooks.
In this course, I was challenged to grow as a creator, communicator, and storyteller. I took on roles managing photoshoots, designing promotional posters, creating T-shirts, producing social media posts, and developing trailers and recaps for various projects.
I was eager to approach things my way when I first joined the class. However, I quickly realized that every piece of content requires a process. Learning to align everything with the creative pillars and brand guidelines took time, a lot of time, but the results were incredibly rewarding. With Mr. Brooks’ guidance, I not only became a more skilled storyteller but also gained a deeper understanding of my own creative process and how to effectively communicate ideas.
This class has truly transformed my life, and I’m excited to pursue something similar in college.
GOVS: And last, but not least, what's your favorite dining hall meal?
Gracie:
The specialty pasta bar during lunch has to go down as my favorite, but there are so many great options!
Gaige:
It has to be my go-to burger: a toasted bun, two patties, cheese, lettuce, and some burger sauce. If I'm on the run, I always pair it with our dining hall's delicious roasted squash, zucchini, carrots, or an apple.
For dessert, it has to be the homemade oatmeal raisin cookies made by our amazing dining hall staff! They are crispy yet soft and have the perfect cinnamon-to-raisin ratio. I will have to get that recipe before I leave Govs.
I know the bonds I have built with the Govs community will continue to grow and strengthen long after I leave Byfield.
-Gaige Geraci '25
Govs prepares students for much more than their time here, and I could not be more grateful to be a part of this community.
-Gracie Augustine '25