My name is Nicholas Simpkins. Most of my friends have always called me Nick. I’m a member of the Class of 2021 and have enjoyed going through school with the entire class. I have been involved with Symphonic Choral since 8th grade. I have also played football and recently joined the track team. The things that are very important to me are my family, my friends, my work ethic, and being kind and uplifting to everyone.

During my time at Giles High School, I have been in the Symphonic Choral, Choral Ensemble, Monogram club, and Help Save the Next Girl. I have worked very hard to remain an honor-roll student, and enjoy working at Dairy Queen in Pearisburg.

When I look back at my first day at Giles High School, I’m a totally different student now. I was shy, almost scared to speak, really, and wasn’t very involved outside of school. I honestly was too shy! I have worked on that, and I also set a goal in 8th grade to prove I was better than a couple of people from elementary school shared that I was. It fueled me to change everything about my education. I have remained focused. Each day I opened up more and got more involved. I wouldn’t change that for anything now. My life did a 360. I have some of the best friends and brothers I could ever ask for now, and that alone has been a life-changing experience. One I will never forget!

I’m very grateful for my teammates on the football team! They helped prepare me for so many things above and beyond football. They shaped who I have become. As for the coaches, I can only speak praise for each one of them. Coach Williams, Coach Strader, and Coach Cooney have taught me what hard work looks like, and what it meant to be a team. They made me better each day as a person and a player who started late In the game. I’ll always cherish the memories of them helping me chase goals of being a team player and getting to suit up for them. I remember the first time I put that uniform on and how much it meant to me, and even my family.

My brother Nate adores the football team, and his face proved my goals had to become reality. I’m grateful for him too! He has been an inspiration to me, because of all he missed out on, and that made me strive to do for both of us, and include him in my journey! He has shaped the man I’m becoming, and I’ll always be grateful to be his brother. Dealing with the COVID pandemic, and all that it has meant has made me grateful for Mr. Ellison and Mrs. Rice. Both of them made a horrible, chaotic year majorly better all because they care so much about each of us as people, as well as our education. I’ll never forget any of the experiences I have had, because it led me to appreciate everything and hold nothing back. The pandemic tried to take so much from us, but we have only become stronger because of it.

After graduation, I plan to attend Ferrum College! My wishes for my fellow classmates include being who you want to be and don’t stop chasing that for anyone. Don’t hold back and nail your goals. Be kind to yourself while being kind to others. You face so many challenges and you never know what others are going through. Be someone you would appreciate and try to coach everyone to live in the moment, not be afraid to interact, and chase whatever it is they are striving for each day. I hope each classmate reaches their full potential and I wish you all the best!