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As we count down the final days until graduation on June 9, we are thrilled to share our final installment of the "Get to Know Your Grad" series! For our grand finale, we are spotlighting GiGi Hamilton, an MPFS student since the second grade whose vibrant energy, passion for the stage, and deep love for our community truly embody the spirit of the Class of 2026.

Get to know GiGi as she reflects on unforgettable middle school memories and shares her exciting next steps!

Describe yourself in three words: Funny, kind, and outgoing. 

When you’re not at school, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy? I absolutely love to sing. Singing and playing piano are my passions. I am also an athletic person and I love playing soccer. Yet, my favorite thing to do is hang out with my closest friends and family.

Who is your favorite musical artist or band? What is your current favorite song? I love music, so this question is hard for me! If I had to choose, I would say some of my favorite artists are Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, Beyoncé, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, or Olivia Dean. My favorite song is "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley.

What is your favorite television series or movie? My favorite movie is Happy Gilmore and my favorite show is The Office.

What is your current favorite book? My current favorite book is Legend by Marie Lu.

What grade did you start at MPFS? Second Grade.

Who was your first teacher? T. Shirley.

🌟 MPFS Memories & Reflections

What is your favorite MPFS memory, event, or tradition? And why? I have a bunch of favorite events at MPFS! One of my favorites is the Bear Creek trip that the whole middle school goes on at the beginning of the year. This trip has always given me the chance to get to know my peers more outside of class. I am eternally grateful for it because I wouldn't have talked to some people who have now become my closest friends if it weren't for our time at Bear Creek.

I also love Pizza Pumpkin Night because you just get to hang out with all of your friends who do and don't go to the school.

Finally, some of my favorite memories have come from the middle school plays directed by T. Deb. My personal favorite play we did was The Wizard of Oz. I remember learning the iconic Dorothy skip when she goes down the Yellow Brick Road—it took us all so long to get it, but we eventually did! Though that was my favorite play, Descendants Jr. was the most fun musical I was a part of. The cast was amazing, and I actually cannot remember a single rehearsal where we were not dying of laughter.

What interests have been sparked during your time at MPFS? An interest that was sparked at MPFS is theatre. I had really only done one show before coming to MPFS—The Wizard of Oz, where I played the doorman. I always liked watching theatre and plays, but I never really saw myself doing it that much. But when I had the chance to be in T. Deb's production of Moana Jr. in fifth grade, I took it, and since then, theatre has truly opened so many doors for me. I realized how much I like putting myself in different roles and making a show come to life. Now, I would like to be a part of as many musicals as I can in high school.

I would also like to shout out T. Daryl for sparking my interest in science. The way she taught me has made me want to focus on science in high school.

What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned at MPFS? The most important lesson that I have learned at MPFS is to treat people how you would like to be treated. MPFS students and teachers treat everyone with this same respect, and I think it is so special that I get to be part of a community that values and exemplifies this.

What do you think you’ll miss the most about MPFS? I don't think that there is one specific thing that I will miss most about MPFS. In the broadest way I can say it, I will miss the community. When other people say that the community here is something special, they truly are not lying. It is just such a different dynamic than any other school—and I have gone to four different ones, so I know! Every teacher takes the time to know who you are, and that has honestly reflected on my social skills and academics so much. Every person here adds something new to the community, which makes it feel diverse and inclusive.

If you attended the Costa Rica Trip, what do you think you'll remember the most? The thing that I will remember most about my time in Costa Rica was our first official night. We went net fishing, everyone caught a fish, and we all ate them for dinner! While we were waiting for the fish to be cooked, we all played soccer and the owner's son came and played with us. The reason I think this is my most memorable memory is because we were all smiling and laughing the whole time—whether it was about Jack listening to the heads snapping off the fish, losing the soccer ball in the stream, or Eli trying to clean off a fish with a leaf. It was all so much fun.

🎓 Looking Ahead

Where are you going to high school? I am attending The Shipley School.

Are you looking forward to trying any new activities, sports, or subjects in high school? Yes, I am looking forward to trying out new things in high school. I would like to try track, join a bunch of new clubs, and ultimately make a bunch of new friends and memories.

Do you have an idea of what you’d like to study in college or what you might want to be when you grow up? I know that it's a long shot, but I would like to be a singer/songwriter and hopefully have a successful career!

💬 Words of Wisdom & Gratitude

What advice do you have for next year’s middle school students? My advice that I would give to next year's middle schoolers is: Have fun! I feel like I stressed in middle school too much sometimes. Looking back now, I think that middle school should be fun. Also, I think next year's MS students should not procrastinate and should ask for help when they need it. Even though you might not want to do your homework or ask for help, it has always worked to my benefit whenever I do either of those. Always thank your teachers, and try to have the best times with all of your friends.

Anything you want your family, friends, or teachers to know about you or your MPFS experience? Thank you for making my time here amazing. This chapter of my life is one that I will never ever forget, thanks to all of you guys. You all add something so important to my life, and I truly love all of you guys so much!