My name is Jonathan Hamlin and I have been a part of Giles High School for three years. I come from a nearby school, Christiansburg High School, so I already knew something about Giles. The most important thing to me in high school has always been sports, mainly basketball. Although sometimes basketball at Giles was tough, it will always be my favorite memory from high school. Basketball has helped me build relationships that I will value for the rest of my life.

My favorite memory is our region win against Patrick County. Although we lost the next game, it felt good to hang up my high school basketball career with a recent win. Another one of my favorite memories was my very first day at Giles. Looking back, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. On my first day, instead of talking to new people, I learned a lot about myself. Giles has opened me up to viewing life in a different way than what I used to see it.

Although I still feel (and more than likely will always feel) like my time in high school was cut short, I can always say that I loved every second that I had. For all of my fellow graduates, I hope that all of their dreams and wishes come true. I also hope that I will forever be remembered and respected by my teachers.