“We’re pretty much the missing link between kids that need the help and professional help,” Giles said.
The Hillcrest HOPE Squad was officially implemented in November 2017, with members being nominated by their peers as someone they would turn to. Giles said the school’s administrators, teachers and other students chose her as president and, although she loves being a leader, she was initially nervous about the position. Once she found out the HOPE Squad was meant to be more anonymous, Giles said she was less hesitant.