Hoke Celebrated For Half-Century Of Service
WARSAW – Approximately a half-century ago, the Beatles were performing for screaming fans, the war in Vietnam was still underway and NASA was continuing it’s race for space with Project Gemini. At the same time 50 years ago, one local man was beginning a significant and meaningful role for students at Washington Elementary School.
When it comes to sports, Noel Hoke’s love for the game is only eclipsed by his love for others. Hoke, a Warsaw resident, graduated from Grace College in 1965. After teaching for two years in Goshen, Hoke became a fifth grade teacher at Washington Elementary – a position he initially thought would be a temporary move while waiting for a secondary education position to become available.
However, Hoke found his calling at Washington and dedicated the next 15 years to teaching before moving into the role of PE teacher at the school. An athlete himself, Hoke used his experience with track, baseball and basketball to foster a love of the game with his students. He coached numerous sporting teams at Washington including basketball, which he coached for 41 years. It was his love of track however, that stuck with Hoke for 50 years.
Though his days of coaching and teaching have passed, Hoke still participates with students as a starter for track events.
“I like being around the track and the kids,” states Hoke. “These are kids that sometimes aren’t good at team sports, but they can run. It is amazing to see kids realize their potential.”
Missy Rees, a former gym teacher at Washington alongside Hoke, has continued her friendship with him as principal of Claypool Elementary. Hoke has become the starter of choice for Rees, who states, “Noel is someone who has worked with and for kids his entire career. Even after retiring, Noel continues to dedicate time to kids in the Warsaw community.”
“Noel loves and cares for kids yet today,” agreed Tom Ray, principal of Washington STEM Academy. “He looks for opportunities like starting elementary track meets to be involved in their lives.”