The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior heard the words from his sister, Anya, who he watched perform in plays at Hawkeye Community Theatre and directing at the high school, which was an inspiration to Hamilton.

“At eight years old, I auditioned for ‘A Christmas Story’ at Hawkeye,” Hamilton said. “My sister warned me not to be disappointed if I ended up as “tree No. 3” or “speck of dust No. 4,” but I got a big role as Randy. That experience made me fall in love with theater.

“Later on, I also watched my sister Anya do group and individual improv and make All-State, and I’d sit in and participate in practices in Mrs. (Lindey) Krug’s room. Now it’s full circle, because I’m the one doing speech in that same room, eight years later.”

Musicals are always one of Hamilton’s favorites when they come around.

“Being involved in musicals is definitely a huge time commitment, but it’s always worth it,” Hamilton said. “I’ve had the chance to be in some incredible shows, including “Little Luncheonette of Terror,” “Shrek Jr,” “Tuck Everlasting,” “Frozen Jr.,” and “Anastasia.”

“The long practices, sometimes past 10 p.m., taught me a lot about time management. It’s a huge reason why I’ve learned how important it is to get my school work done early so I can commit my full time and energy to musicals.”

Theater is one love of Hamilton’s, but being a part of band is something he also sees one of his siblings take part in.

“My brother and sister were in band, but only through middle school,” I decided to play saxophone because that’s what my brother played, and I still use the same saxophone with some of his old sheet music stuffed in the bottom of the bell.

“So while it wasn’t really a big family tradition, it was something I picked up and made my own.”

In theater there is always a chance to do something different. An actor doesn’t always have to fit into a category and that’s something that Hamilton has had the chance to do.

“I’ve played some very contrasting roles,” Hamilton said. “Last summer, I was Olaf in “Frozen Jr.,” and this spring I was Tsar Nicholas II and Count Ipolitov in “Anastasia.”

My favorite part about “Anastasia” was the focus on dancing. I absolutely loved the choreography created by alumni Reese Pederson. The opening scene, “Last Dance of the Romanovs” was a particularly awesome moment. The way the lighting, the choreography, and the music all came together was amazing.”

With the beginning of school in the fall and football on the field, the marching band prepares for their shows and starts the school year with a group of returning friends and some new faces.

“Band is definitely like a family, and that’s what makes it so special,” Hamilton said. “From watching a movie together before winter break, to taking a New Year’s trip to Memphis, or leaving at unreasonably early hours every April for Jazz Championships, these experiences bring everyone closer.

“The shared memories and the way we support each other while making music are what make band so fun and unforgettable.”

In his final year as a Dodger, Hamilton was able to step into a leadership role as a drum major for the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band.

“It feels a little weird after three years of being on the field to be up on the podium now,” Hamilton said. “I watch the saxophone section marching where I used to be, laughing and having fun, and I miss being part of that. On the other hand, being a drum major has been incredible because I get to lead alongside other amazing people like Brooklyn Kaloupek, Manu Rodriguez, and Owen Hamlow.

“It is also really rewarding to see the show come together after long rehearsals, early mornings, and late nights, and to know I get to share those moments with such a talented group of people.”

Band and theater is just a touch of what Hamilton is involved in. He is also a part of jazz band, concert band, a capella choir, large group and individual speech.

He is also a part of fall play, Dodger senate, Fort Dodge ambassadors, National Honor Society, student lighthouse.

His big undertaking this year is an independent study for film making.

My independent study for filmmaking is awesome because I get to spend a class period doing something I’m genuinely passionate about on my own terms,” Hamilton said. “Right now, I’m working on a documentary about the recent phone law that went into effect this school year, and I’m also using the opportunity to work on an engagement video for my brother and his fiancee.

“It’s been really rewarding to bring these projects to life and learn as I go.”

Being a part of speech brings the opportunity to learn new things.

“Being involved in speech has taught me so much, but the biggest benefit for me has been the variety of experiences it offers,” Hamilton said. “I’ve done musical theater, improv, after-dinner speaking, choral reading, short film, and ensemble acting, and each one has pushed me to be adaptable and creative in the way I perform and communicate.”

When competition begins for speech it’s a great undertaking. Finding time for rehearsal and the extra work that goes into preparing.

“Competing in speech can be really time-consuming, and I’ve especially learned that with short films,” Hamilton said. “Most of the work, about 90 percent, happens outside of rehearsal, and last year we had to coordinate around 15 people’s schedules.

“It can be a challenge, but seeing the final product and knowing everyone’s effort came together makes it all worth it.”

Being on Dodger Senate and Ambassadors gives a student a chance to have an impact on what goes on in the hallways.

“Being involved in Dodger Senate and Ambassadors is always rewarding,” Hamilton said. “I love having a say in our homecoming or prom themes, getting the chance to emcee an assembly, and even doing little things like designing the water cups for prom.

“It feels great to contribute and make a difference in our school.”

Hamilton is also a part of Student Lighthouse.

“While Dodger Senate is voted on by the students, Student Lighthouse is based on the teachers,” Hamilton said. “One of the highlights of being on Student Lighthouse is planning March Madness every year, a competition where each grade competes amongst themselves.”

It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and brings a lot of energy to the school.”

With all his activities it gives Hamilton a chance to be a part of different groups and show his Dodger heart.

“Being a Dodger means being part of a community where everyone supports each other,” Hamilton said. “It’s about pride and giving your best in everything you do, whether it’s band, theater, speech, or academically at school.

“For me, it’s knowing that you’re part of something bigger than yourself and leaving a positive mark on the people around you.”

As a senior Hamilton will embark on his lasts and prepare for his last moments.

“As a senior, there are a lot of lasts, but what I’m going to miss the most is knowing that there will be some people whose paths I may never cross again,” Hamilton said. “I’ll miss the daily moments with friends in band, theater, speech, and all the activities I’ve been part of. I’ll also miss school lunch, I love the school pizza.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying the same things I’ve loved over the last four years, like band, theater, and speech, while making the most of my last moments in high school. It’s exciting to think about what’s next, but it’s also bittersweet knowing this part of my life is coming to an end.”

Along the way Hamilton has had a large group of friends that have been by his side.

“My biggest influences have been my family, as well as my friends Simeon (Roberts), Mina (DeJong), and Owen (Hamlow),” Hamilton said. “They’ve always supported me, challenged me to do my best, and helped me stay motivated in everything I do.”

After high school Hamilton plans on going to the University of Iowa. He will double major in Cinema and another major he is deciding on.

“I know I want to keep film at the center of what I do, while exploring other areas that will help shape my future,” Hamilton said.

Vacation destination: Greece.

People I would like to have dinner with: Stephen Spielberg, Stevie Wonder, Christopher Nolan.

It would surprise people that I: have Cold Urticaria.

Performer that inspires me: Robin Williams.

My everyday role model: my siblings, Anya and Milo.

I can’t go a day without: glass of milk.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

Directing a movie in LA.

What are you listening to right now?

“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell.

Dream piece: “Sweeney Todd”

A show you binge watch: “Breaking Bad.”

Favorites…

Musical: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Performance: Mina DeJong performing “My Sister’s Keeper” for Individual Speech.”

Song: “Summer Soft” by Stevie Wonder.

Book: Project Hail Mary (everyone should read this book).

Movie: WALL-E.

Music genre: R&B/Soul.

Instrument: Synth.

Class: any history class.

Phone App.: Instagram.