Parkview Valedictorian shares the key to his success

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — It was a moment 13 years in the making for Parkview senior Isaiah Giles. On Saturday, the student graduated at the top of his class as one of Parkview’s valedictorians.

Giles has been a part of the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) system from the beginning, attending Boyd, Jeffries, the Wolf School, and Carver before wrapping up his career at Parkview.

Giles says he found success at school when he started to get involved in clubs like Student Cabinet, DECA, and yearbook.

Giles says one club in particular was life-changing, “Without SAAB I think I would still be a little bit involved, but I wouldn’t have the skills I have today. I wouldn’t be as confident as I am. It really helps build me as a man and gives me skills to carry on through life and college.”

SAAB stands for Student African American Brotherhood. In 2020, SAAB moved its headquarters from Toledo, Ohio to Springfield.

In the fall, Giles will stay local. He plans to attend Drury University where he will major in accounting.

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