June 22nd was a sweltering day, and despite the scorching heat, the largest class in GRACE history gathered on the Circle to embrace the Groton Accelerate Challenge Enhance program (GRACE). With a slew of academics, team-building, and late-night camaraderie ahead, longtime director Cort Pomeroy set the tone in his opening remark: “GRACE, not grades.” Now in it’s 10th year, the optional four-week summer program offers rising Fourth Formers an opportunity to accelerate academically and to pursue a wider range of curricular opportunities in the Upper School.
The schedule moved quickly. The first evening—a lively round of Family Feud with randomly assigned teams—pushed students out of their comfort zones and into collaborative play, setting the tone for the weeks to come. Senior Associate Director of Admission Carolyn Chica organized most group activities with help from teaching assistant Tiyanu Akinjaiyeju ’25, aiming to balance challenge and fun. Rope courses, hiking, team problem-solving, and a trampoline-park outing all served that goal.
If any single activity captured GRACE’s spirit, it was white-water rafting on the Deerfield River. The cold spray, shouted commands, and urgent need to paddle in sync made each raft a test of teamwork: if one paddler fell out of rhythm, the whole boat struggled and risked capsizing. Those moments of panic and exhilaration underscored lessons in communication, trust, and shared responsibility that are essential to everyday life at Groton.
For students who had not previously lived in Machan’s dorm, GRACE also offered a preview of Upper School dorm life. The new setup encouraged late-night study groups, impromptu movie nights, and the inside jokes that turned strangers into friends.
Alumni teaching assistants played a central role in the GRACE experience. William Laws ’25 brought both levity and practical wisdom. Serving as a TA gave him a newfound respect for teachers; being on the other side of the classroom showed him how much work teaching requires, even during a difficult week. William advised incoming scholars to be “a sponge,” encouraging them to take risks, learn from their own failures, and to use GRACE’s distinctive structure to experiment without fear.
James Ebert ’25 offered a similar perspective. Like William, he said that his time as a TA left him with a deeper appreciation for the consistency of the Groton faculty. He learned how hard it is to keep students engaged while maintaining academic rigor. His practical tip for future attendees is to use GRACE as a time to test study habits and to balance newfound Upper School freedoms with sports, social life, and academics.
A favorite day in Boston was described by GRACE scholar Hansen Zheng ’28, who admitted that GRACE demanded more focused study time than expected. “Pay attention in class and don’t fall behind,” Hansen advised. Such plain guidance, along with the rafting lessons, late-night bonds, and TA mentorship, encapsulates GRACE’s quiet ambition.
As the month came to a close, nervousness melted away, replaced by growing confidence and clarity. GRACE scholars left with sharper academic skills, stronger friendships, and a deeper understanding of how to navigate and contribute to Upper School life. GRACE 2025 did more than prepare students for the year ahead; it fostered a close-knit community in which to grow and thrive.
