Winners will be announced at #VMEA17 on Tuesday May 2 at the Costello Sports Complex, University of Southern Maine, Gorham.

Finalists have been notified and a winner will be announced on stage May 2 at the 2017 Varsity Maine Awards. Check out the finalists below to see if your favorite athlete, coach or fan has been selected as a finalist.

The wow factor

It’s not easy juggling school, sports and life. This athlete has overcome hardship or adversity while maintaining a commitment to his or her team.
  • Gilleyanne Davis-Oakes, Vinalhaven
  • Victoria Garand, Deering
  • Logan Reardon, Central
  • Ruslan Reiter, Maranacook
  • Parker Wyatt, Falmouth

The academic ace

We’re looking for an athlete who excels in the classroom. Who is tops among his or her peers when it comes to academic excellence?
  • Madeline Beaulieu, Maine Girls’ Academy
  • Kate Guerin, Mt. Ararat
  • Matt Ingram, Winthrop
  • Hayden Sattler, Ellsworth
  • Ben Steeves, Bonny Eagle

The loudest and proudest

Talk about school pride: We’re looking for the No. 1 fan – whether it’s a parent, family member, student or booster who cheers on his or her team at home games and on the road.
  • Karen and Danny Baron, Ellsworth
  • Buzzell Family, Fryeburg Academy
  • MOB hockey fans
  • Stephanie Smith, Greater Portland Christian
  • Wayne and Jennifer Witham, Lawrence

The unsung hero

Not every kid is a star. Tell us about one whose behind-the-scenes contributions to a team have far greater value than what’s in the box score.
  • Kaylin Delaney, Fryeburg Academy
  • Lydia Henderson, South Portland
  • Bruce Hunter, Maranacook
  • Michelle Rowe, Gorham
  • Haley Thebarge, Skowhegan

The coach of the year

The best coaches can’t be measured by victories alone. Which one has made the biggest impact on students while forging a winning tradition?
  • Steve DeAngelis, Maranacook
  • Heidi Deery, Rangeley
  • Kathy Leahy, Thornton Academy
  • Sandy Nelson, Vinalhaven
  • Chad Sturgis, A.R. Gould

The role model

Every team has one: We’re looking for an athlete who goes above and beyond to help younger team members succeed.
  • Kiara Carr, Temple
  • Ellie Chidsey, Waynflete
  • Ellie Clarke, Ellsworth
  • Grace Decker, Thornton Academy
  • Austin Dutremble, Biddeford

The fab freshman

Every team counts on newcomers. Which ninth-grader has made the biggest impact on a varsity squad?
  • Emma Gallant, Cheverus
  • Raegan Kelly, Noble
  • Simon McCormick, Cony
  • Hayden St. Amand, Waterville
  • Maggie Strohm, Old Orchard Beach

The clutch player

Who do you turn to down the stretch? This athlete is apt to come through when a big play is needed most.
  • Kayley Cimino, Greely
  • Cody Craig, Skowhegan
  • Jackson Fotter, Gorham
  • Abby Hamilton, Yarmouth
  • Tasia Titherington, Deering

The Better Neighbor

Balancing schoolwork and sports is no easy feat. But some students take it a step further by volunteering their efforts in their community. Tell us about them.
  • Sam Alvarado, Ellsworth
  • Nick Archambault, Portland
  • Alexandria Fraize, Fryeburg Academy
  • Emily Jefferds, Scarborough
  • Anna Lane, Massabesic

The team of the year

Which team – in any sport – has been the most impressive the past 12 months? Results are important, but no more than team chemistry and sportsmanship.
  • Gorham girls’ basketball
  • Thornton Academy boys’ tennis
  • St. Dominic girls’ hockey
  • Vinalhaven girls’ basketball
  • York field hockey

 


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