Samuel Gillis has been a student at Lakeview High School since seventh grade. Before attending Lakeview, Gillis attended several other schools. Making countless memories, Gillis said, “My friends are a big part of why I stayed at Lakeview. When I moved here in middle school, they immediately accepted me. I’ve created healthy relationships and lasting memories.”
Gillis has been playing football since the age of four. He played for several teams before finishing his career at Lakeview. Gillis played for Lakeview since the seventh grade and played varsity for three seasons. Football created lasting memories for Gillis; he explains, “My favorite memory from this football season was finding out we secured a home playoff game.”
Playoffs were a big part of Gillis’s senior year; in prior years, the Lakeview varsity team did not make it to playoffs. Gillis also commemorates his season by recalling his favorite game. He says, “My favorite part of senior year was winning our senior night against Hubbard. This game was memorable because I celebrated a significant victory with my friends.”
Gillis received offers to continue his football career from Baldwin Wallace and Wooster.
While Gillis considered continuing his education and athletic career at one of these schools, he decided it was not his path. He instead enlisted in the Navy at the beginning of his senior year. He has been training hard and plans to become a Navy Seal. While this won’t be easy, Gillis is preparing himself. He says, “I am nervous to start this next chapter, but I think this was the most beneficial choice for me.”
Several things have motivated Gillis through his time at Lakeview, especially his classmates and teachers. Gillis explains, “My classmate, Sam Balest, has inspired me. Watching the adversity he went through has motivated me to stay resilient.”
Friends are a big part of Gillis’s school career but also his social life. Gillis says, “What I’ll miss most about Lakeview is seeing my friends. After high school, we will all be separated and grow apart.” Outside of school, Gillis also enjoys spending time with his friends. He says, “My favorite memory outside of school was taking a trip with my friends. We all decided to go to Cleveland to watch a Guardians game.”
Gillis’s teachers also helped get him to this point. Gillis explains, “My favorite teacher at Lakeview was Mrs.Shclatt. Mrs.Schlatt was always able to relate to her students. She was easy to talk to and go to about things.”
Gillis also mentions some of his favorite memories from Lakeview. He explains, “One of my favorite activities at school was Romano’s class. In class, we played garbage ball to help prepare for his tests. I enjoyed this because I got to learn, but was also able to have fun.”
However, senior year is bittersweet. When asked what advice Gillis would give to younger students, he said, “While it may sound cliche, value your time with your friends. High school goes fast, it is important to make memories now.”
Gillis also explains what he considers the hardest part of senior year; “Although the classes may be challenging, the most difficult part for me was growing up. It is tough to see everyone moving forward, knowing that we all have to start our new lives. This can be both exciting and terrifying.“
Gillis expresses his heartfelt gratitude for all the wonderful memories he has made at Lakeview and the numerous opportunities it provided him. While he is moving on with his life, he will always cherish this chapter of his life and recall all the good times he had.
Gillis is moving on to big things. Lakeview wishes him the best of luck in the next chapter of his life!
