Unsung Hero: Anthony Noke, Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Today we inaugurate a new periodic series on Enfield Patch, highlighting young student-athletes who are considered "unsung heroes." They are not necessarily the big star, but rather one who works hard, is a good student, is a positive influence and strives for the betterment of his or her school and/or community.

Name: Anthony Noke
School: Metropolitan Learning Center, grade 9
Sport: baseball
Nominated by: Lissa Rivera

"At his age, Anthony has gone through so much but has managed to stay focused and inspiring to many young children. He’s been a great baseball player since his first steps on a field at 4; he’s always put his heart and soul into the sport. He’s had emotional moments on the field where tears couldn’t be contained, but it wasn’t just the game. It was the feeling of let down, and that’s one thing Anthony aims not to do. Anthony has been a straight A student since the 4th grade, he manages playing on several baseball teams, he’s a great older brother, he helps throughout the community with local addiction awareness groups, and this past summer he traveled to South Carolina to represent Enfield in the youth All-American baseball tournament. Several years ago, Anthony received the sportsmanship award for Enfield Little League; his 7th and 8th grade years, he received MVP for middle school baseball. Anthony is also a part of the national honor society and became a member of the national junior honor society in 6th grade. He had always put 120% into any game he’s playing, but has great sportsmanship, and stays kind on and off the fields."

To nominate a deserving student-athlete, email a brief description of their sports and community endeavors and a non-copyrighted photo (horizontal preferred) to tim.jensen@patch.com.