Reeths-Puffer student shares importance of honesty after loss

MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — By the time Noah Sapone had started his junior year at Reeths-Puffer High School near Muskegon, his teachers all already knew what a star student he was.

He’s on the football team, in the choir and memorizing his lines for the school performance of “Clue,” in which he will play the role of Professor Plum.

As to how he fits it all in, he said, “There’s probably times where I’m late with my homework or something, but I don’t know. Usually football is out at 5:30 (p.m.), so I just get my work done right after.”

But what his teachers have always noticed about Sapone has nothing to do with his acting abilities or his grades.

“The first thing that comes to mind for me is just kindness,” explained Andrea Studier, his language arts teacher. “He’s friendly, he’s collaborative, but there’s always a tone of respect, kindness, doing the right thing, and just the pride in the school. He’s such a well-rounded kid.”

His choir teacher, Josh Danielson, agreed.

“He’s a kid who just is a fun, loving guy, and so he comes into class with this energy and attitude that encourages other students,” Danielson said.

They were two members of a very large support team that Sapone leaned on when his mom died in January.

“My mom was extremely important to me, like my best friend. So people know I’m not always 100% or always happy, and it’s OK,” he said.

He’s now a senior, with his young siblings, who are twins, in the grade below him and several older siblings, who all miss their mom. They’ve had to turn to their village, their Reeths-Puffer family, for support over the last year, including learning the importance of candor.

“You’ve just got to be honest with people and tell people how you feel, people you care about,” Sapone said.

He speaks wise words for someone so young and his teachers see big things for his future.

“It’ll be really exciting to see what’s next for him and where he moves next,” Danielson said.

“I think he’d be a great teacher… That’s maybe a selfish desire, but I think whatever he decides to do, he’ll do it,” Studier said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.