Noah Hooper

Noah Hooper, age 15, a sophomore student of Alexander Dawson, drowned in Quemado Lake in western New Mexico. He was there as a volunteer at Apache Creek Deaf and Youth Ranch in nearby Reserve, N.M. Noah had just completed his freshman year at Dawson where he embraced a number of activities the school had to offer. He competed on the school's speech and debate team, winning the Longmont Novice Meet and finishing second at Centaurus. In the school's winter musical rendition of West Side Story, he played the role of the Toro, a member of the Sharks. In March he traveled to France on one of the school's experiential education experiences, and in the spring he paddled K1 on Dawson's can and kayak team, most recently competing in a FIBARK downriver race in Salida, Co.He had a thirst for knowledge, with science and history as subjects of particular interest, - because both deal with the discovery and review of knowledge, he once wrote.To those who knew him, it should have come as no surprise where he chose to spend part of his summer vacation. In the same application he stated, One of my goals is to help benefit other people.A Ranch spokesperson said on its Facebook page, These were fine young men who were volunteering to help others here at the camp. Seth loved the horses and has been a huge help the entire summer with that area. Noah had been looking forward to coming since February. He was so excited to be here. Noah entered Alexander Dawson as a freshman in the fall of 2012 from Rocky Mountain Christian Academy where he attended 4th through 8th grades, and played trumpet in an after-school jazz band. He previously attended Flagstaff Academy (3rd grade), and St. John the Baptist Catholic School (kindergarten-2nd grades). Noah enjoyed watching English mysteries, biking, concerts at Red Rocks, listening to music, and skiing. He also admitted to playing the piano moderately well.An avid reader, he enjoyed many experiences through books. He found many of his own strengths and challenges through the eyes of literary characters.Noah is survived by his parents, Kevin and Nadine Hooper of Longmont, his older brother, Gabriel, who will be a senior at Dawson this fall and his grandparents Sylvia Hooper of Longmont and Ying Gen Zhou and Xiu Yuan Wang of Denver.A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 17 at Rocky Mountain Christian Church “ Niwot Campus. If you wish to help the family with a monetary donation for the funeral expenses, please visit www.youcaring.com/noahhooper. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.