Student: Lacie Gago
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Lacie wants to attend California State University, Northridge and double major in Political Science & Kinesiology. Lacie wants to either become President of the United States, be involved in politics, or be a sports therapist for a professional sports team.
GPS Focus: GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE
What Makes Lacie #BulldogSTRONG: A common occurrence at Friday Night Football games at Golden Valley High School was that of Cheer Captain Lacie Gago soaring through the air with her dynamic tumbles during half time routines and in game performances with the Bulldog Cheerleaders. “It’s a rush of adrenaline when I get to tumble,” comments Lacie, “I just want to keep going and going and I don’t really care if I am tired or not.” For Lacie, cheerleading has long been an essential part of her life. For the last 8 years Lacie has cheered competitively for Central Valley Athletics in which she has won many competitions with her teammates as well putting in numerous hours at the CVA cheer facility, further sharpening her skill as an elite tumbler. Moreover, in what little time she has, Lacie takes the time to coach aspiring cheerleaders as young as 3 so that they can enjoy the sport she loves. At Golden Valley, Lacie has spent the last two years cheering for the Bulldogs and this year, served as team captain. “I enjoy cheer because it allows me to develop my leadership skills,” states a proud Lacie, “It also allows me to be myself and perform in the sport that I love.”
Lacie Gago is an elite tumbler for the Golden Valley Cheer Squad.
In addition to the leadership that she exhibited on the Bulldog Cheer Squad, Lacie demonstrated her value as a leader in other areas on the Golden Valley campus. In each of her four years as a Bulldog, Lacie served in Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership roles as she was elected to be the Class of 2020 President each year. “Golden Valley ASB is special because it is home to some of the best leaders on campus,” smiles Lacie. Lacie's commitment to making decisions that impact Golden Valley is also on display as she serves on the Golden Valley School Site Council as Site Council Chair, providing the pulse and voice of the student body to the adults in the group. For her leadership as a Bulldog, Lacie was recognized by the Bakersfield Optimist Club with the prestigious Optimist Club Award for her positive contributions to her school and the community.
Furthermore, this year, as a senior, Lacie was also part of the We the People team that placed 2nd for the 21st California Congressional District and went on to compete at the state level in Sacramento. Because of her hard-work in civic education through We The People, she received the Jack Brigham Outstanding Civic Education award to recognize both her thoughtfulness in government class and her energetic leadership on campus. In the fall, Lacie’s peers recognized her leadership by electing her to the illustrious position of 2019 Homecoming Queen. On a daily basis, Lacie further demonstrates leadership to Golden Valley as she is the “Golden Voice” of the Bulldogs as she reads the announcements during 2nd period to students and staff.
In the classroom, Lacie’s leadership is visible as she is enrolled in college prep, honors, and AP classes and has earned a 3.867 GPA in her career. For her achievements and success as a Bulldog, Lacie never forgets the impact that the staff at Golden Valley has had on her career as a student. “What I love most about Golden Valley is the support from our staff,” comments Lacie, “Whether it’s a teacher, administrator, or security guard, they always make sure the students are getting the best education and experience possible. They have put students first no matter what and as students, we know that we have adults to go to in a time of need and support.” For the leadership and commitment that she has displayed as Cheer Captain, ASB Class President, and the various roles that she has served in at Golden Valley, Lacie Gago is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Lacie: "#BulldogStrong to me means being able to stand up for yourself. This mindset gives me the courage to make sure I am never put down by anyone or anything. It gives me the courage to push through all difficulties no matter what comes my way. As students, we are able to have pride in our school and ourselves whenever we use the elements of being #BulldogStrong.”
What Teachers Think of Lacie:
"Lacie is poised, confident and very dependable. She is my “go to” in many situations. She is a born leader, has a great attitude, and takes great pride in our school. I love having her in class.” Terri Richmond, Social Studies Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, Golden Valley High School
“Lacie has been a part of the GVHS Leadership program for 4 years, and has served as her class’s President each of those years. She has also been a mainstay in our cheer program. It is hard to imagine either of those programs without her. She is wise beyond her years, dedicated to everything she is a part of, and effuses enthusiasm and creativity. I hope her fellow 2020 classmates appreciate all she has done for them. I know she has an amazing, exciting, and fulfilling life ahead of her. She will definitely leave a void here on our campus.” Valerie Black, Activities Director and Cheer Advisor, Golden Valley High School
“Lacie Gago is #BulldogSTRONG through to the core. In the classroom she is bright, hardworking, and her coursework shows how thoughtful she is. Around campus she is a true leader and has been involved through cheer and ASB helping make the school year special for all students on campus. ” John Hansen, Government Teacher and We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Lacie is a student who everyone looks to for guidance. She is a go-getter and will work hard to make sure that things get done and will take the lead if needed. She is a natural leader and is respected by everyone who knows her. She manages to balance cheerleading (on campus and off campus), ASB, Leadership, and taking a full slate of challenging courses. She definitely epitomizes what it means to be BulldogSTRONG!” David Gago, Math Teacher and Laci’s Father, Golden Valley High School
“Lacy is a blast of fresh air! Happy, positive, and respectful, she embodies #BulldogStrong every day and in every way. I am proud to have her in my class and I can't wait to see what phenomenal things this phenomenal young woman will be doing in the future.” David Loller, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School