'Everything You Want In A Citizen': Sam, Star Student Athlete

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Coach Sean Henry, who nominated Samuel, one of the team captains on Henry's high school football team.

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Football and track

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Sam is the team captain of our championship football team. Sam embodies everything you would want in a leader, athlete, student, and citizen. On the field, he is a natural leader who motivates his teammates and communicates extremely well with the coaches. He never misses practice, he motivates his team to work hard and he never complains. Sam plays both sides (offense and defense) and he is often the teammate that serves great value without getting the glorious recognition! Last week in an interview Coach Staub recognized him as the most valuable player who gets underrated by the media. Sam does not care! He loves football and is there for the brotherhood! And as a result, they are 8-0 and seated 1st in the state sectional! As a student, he is at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA and an outstanding SAT. Sam takes all honors and AP courses and has applied to very competitive schools like the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Sam wants to serve his country! And last, but certainly not least, Sam is that special student who volunteers his time to his community. Last spring I witnessed him in the greatest act of kindness! He was volunteering at the Special Needs Prom when he noticed a young girl upset that the food offered did not appeal to her appetite. Sam immediately took action and ordered her a coal-fired pizza from a local restaurant. He got in his car, paid for a pizza then brought it into the reception hall and made that girl's night! That is only one example of many that I have witnessed from this upstanding young man.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Sam is all around the student in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. He intends on serving his country in the armed forces. He has applied to 2 academies and both Army and US Marine Corps ROTC programs as well!

Keep up the great work, Samuel!

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