By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Before the book could be closed on the Lake Region High School 2023-24 sports season, Athletic Director Paul True and coaches recognized “the best of the best” at the annual Just Desserts Athletic Awards.

The nearly three-hour program included handing out 93 awards, viewing special videos from fall, winter and spring sports action, as well as a special legacy video which athletes spoke about favorite moments and how sports made them better people. Some comments included:

“Something that’s made me a better athlete is being persistent and not giving up when things don’t go my way.”

“Reminding myself that it’s okay to make mistakes and you’ll learn upon it a second time.”

“Becoming comfortable with the discomfort and just embracing a challenge.”

Others thanked teammates for “demonstrating what a good leader looks like every day at practice and games” and “for your positive energy and awesome friendship.”

Honors presented were:

Principal’s Award

(These awards are given to a senior who has excelled in leadership, academics, and athletics; 90 or better grade average; and All Conference selection)

Athletic Director Paul True noted that since the Principal’s Award has been given, the previous high number of recipients was nine in 2018. This year, 13 student-athletes were recognized: Bhavnish Tucker, Abigail Roberts, Abigail Lavoie, Ashley Pelletier, Kasey Johnson, Izabell Apovian, Hanna Siebert, Rianna Reynolds, Emma Nadeau, Lauren Roy, Ava Smith, Campbell Johnson.

Girls’ Sportsmanship Award: Susie Butler. AD Paul True, “This young lady is one of the most polite, nicest young ladies you would ever want to meet. The most meaningful compliment that I could pay this young lady is that her peers and coaches truly enjoy being around her. Her bright, big smile and positive attitude should be emulated by young student-athletes looking for a role model. She’s been an integral member of every team that she’s participated on. All that said, she leads all her teams in possessing a positive attitude and always sharing constructive thoughts when given the opportunity.

This young lady is a quiet leader who leads by example for what a loyal teammate looks like. She is respected by all, and she in turn demonstrates respect for her opponents, coaches and her peers. She is selfless and a tremendous inspiration of serving others. She is always offering to help out. She is simply the first one to step up and help a teammate or a coach, or cheer on her teammates. It is team first. She takes great pleasure in others’ successes. No matter what team she’s on and what role she may fill, they are better for it. Her loyalty and sincerity are a breath of fresh air and provides a clear pathway for others to emulate. To quote her tennis coach during the voting process, the nicest and most inclusive player I’ve ever coached.”

Boys’ Sportsmanship Award: Bhavnish Tucker. AD Paul True, “Tonight’s male recipient is quiet and unassuming. Although he is a sharp dressed young man, he may not be the best athlete on the teams he belongs to. However, according to his coaches, he is a very valued member. He has a high degree of intellect in his approach to athletics. He’s willing to try new concepts and picks up on new skills needed. Attention to detail comes to my mind when I think of this athlete.

I often talk about two aspects of sports that each student athlete themselves can control. They are attitude and effort. This young man possesses a tremendous attitude and effort. He always tries his best and is gracious in victory or defeat. He has a consistent approach every day. Consistency and attitude, effort and willingness to be coached. Tonight’s recipient has made a huge impact on the teams he participates on. His approach is refreshing and it’s been a pleasure to watch him quietly lead by example. There’s no better example of this young man’s character than what took place in his last 800 (meter) race this past Saturday. Giving it his all, he took a hard fall out on the track, tumbled down and (uncertain), developed some road rash from a spill. At that moment, I learned a lot about Bhavnish. Many would’ve succumbed to the emotion of anger or even hopelessness in that moment, not this young man. He immediately got to his feet and with grit and determination, he began to fight to get back in the race. His second split was five seconds faster than his first. What a testament to this young man’s attitude and perseverance.”

Dan Dors Spirit Award: Michael Clarke.

The Dan Dors Spirit Award is given annually to a deserving cross-country athlete who best exemplifies the attributes of loyalty, love for team and school, and a passion for sport. Coach Dors coached at LRHS for 22 years. During his tenure, he inspired many student-athletes and rarely missed a Laker home game in any sport. He always called you by name, may not have been your correct name, but always by design. He went out of his way to speak to everyone and share a warm “hello.” Coach Dors was a Laker through and through. He passed away unexpectedly in January 2018.

Cross-Country Coach Laura Pulito, “The athlete receiving this award tonight is quite simply the heart and soul of his team. His personality and enthusiasm are irreplaceable. His energy is contagious. Sometimes, we need to reel him in a bit. He’s not afraid to dream big and not only has this served him as an athlete, but has also been an incredible motivating factor for his teammates. Those big dreams motivated him to train hard over the summer and translated into a breakthrough senior season. He was an integral scorer for the team, continually improved his times and ended with a big PR (personal record) at the state meet. He runs with more heart than anyone else and always leaves everything on the course. Like Coach Dan Dors, he is a Laker through and through. He is everyone’s number one fan every season, every sport. You all know him, and we will most certainly miss him.”

Sonya Flanagin Kenniston Award to the Outstanding Female Athlete: Ashley Pelletier.

Sonja Flanagin Kenniston was a 1971 LRHS graduate who participated in field hockey, basketball, softball and track. She was never a star, captain or high scorer, but she was always first to practice, last to leave, and always helped taking care of the equipment. She was always the loudest cheering for all of her teammates. She was a key individual through her leadership skills, bridging the community rivalries into a positive atmosphere. She was the first true “Laker.” After graduation, Sonja returned to Lake Region and did photography for classes and sports teams. Sonja was killed in an automobile accident in the mid 1970s.

Ashley Pelletier — This female athlete is a true competitor. She’s a three-sport athlete and a multi-sport All Conference performer. Whether she’s playing on a field or the slopes, you quickly pick up on her competitive spirit and her will to win. She is a tireless worker. In fact, some may say she doesn’t know when to take a break. She is a physical player with a stick in her hand and a fearless athlete attacking every gate along her path. She enjoys competing in frigid temperatures when many of us are looking for any reason we can to stay in the lodge.

This young leader was an integral player on a field hockey team that finished third place in Class B South, finished at the top of our conference in every Alpine race, and when healthy is a challenge for other lacrosse teams to deal with — a fierce competitor no matter what season she plays, there certainly were times when I wondered if she was truly enjoying the competition, but the moments of capturing her big smile were fulfilling to see. It simply reinforced that Ashley had high expectations of herself that were difficult in her mind to achieve, but when she did, you could see her satisfaction. She’s going to be a difficult to replace, but her journey in athletics will continue at the collegiate level.”

Steve Gammon Award: Evan Duprey.

Steve Gammon was an exceptional scholar-athlete and a member of the Class of 1972. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football and basketball. Steve was tragically killed. This award is given in his honor for his dedication and love for the game.

Evan Duprey — “This athlete is a standout three-sport performer. This young man is a quiet leader, making younger athletes feel like they are welcomed and part of the team. He has a tremendous athleticism, and he has always been committed to improving by hard work while understanding the importance of getting better together as a team. For as long as I have known him, I’ve admired how he’s carried himself, balancing three sports, while maintaining a high moral character. I also know that his parents had something to do with that.

Over the years, this young man’s confidence has grown and he has enjoyed a lot of success on the golf course, the hardwood and the diamond. He’s developed into a tremendous leader that his peers look up to. He sets the bar high and has a quiet competitive spirit that has enabled him to achieve many things. All Conference, qualifying for states, being a captain, starting in a lineup and scoring a game winning basket. What Evan has shown me is that when you do things the right way, support your teammates and put in the work with your peers, good things will come your way.”

Rick Worthley Golf Award: Jacoby True.

The Rick Worthley Award is given annually to a golfer who was shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the sport of golf. Rick was a sports enthusiast, a spirited supporter of sports in general, and was a role model for his peers. Rick was on the golf team and was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

Golf Coach Walter Ridlon, “So when Coach True asked me who I would like to nominate for this award, I immediately thought of a coach I had in the seventies, and I often asked him, ‘how can I tell if players are dedicated and if players want to be here?’ And his comment to me was, ‘they’re the first to come. They’re the last to go.’ And they’re the ones you have to kick out of the gym and turn off the lights. (The award goes to Jacoby True).”

Carol Youker Ski Award: Lyla Levesque.

Carol Youker was a member of the LRHS Class of 1970. She was a skier with grace, speed, precision, daring but most of all, had a love for the sport. Carol grew up skiing, experiencing the sport first from a backpack on the back of her father, who was the Bridgton Academy Outing Club director. Once she took her first steps, Carol quickly advanced to skiing on her own. She skied for the Bridgton High School girls’ ski team and was on the first Lake Region H.S. ski team in 1970. Carol was a ski instructor at Pleasant Mountain before attending and graduating from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., with a degree in outdoor recreation. She returned to New England after graduation and taught skiing in Maine and New Hampshire. Carol died in a car accident in New Hampshire in 1977. This memorial award was established to remember Carol’s skill and love for skiing, but also as much for her happy nature and likeable personality. She was enthusiastic, full of life and fun to be around. The award goes to someone who demonstrates all of these qualities.

Coach Kurt Berger, “I have had the pleasure of coaching (this athlete) since she began racing in middle school. She’s been a steady and consistent member of the Alpine team and has worked hard to improve her skills throughout her career. This athlete is an amazing skier to watch and has great technical skills. This athlete comes from a skiing family can be seen skiing on the weekends, on snow days at Pleasant Mountain. Her love of skiing led her to teach skiing to young children at Pleasant Mountain. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her on the weekends, on vacations. This athlete has been a major contributor to the Lady Lakers Alpine team. She shares a love of skiing with her teammates, her friends, her family, and the next generations of skiers.”

Coach of the Year: Joe Dorner, boys’ tennis coach. AD Paul True, “When I have discussions with student athletes regarding attributes of outstanding coaches, the typical responses are a motivator, approachable, knowledgeable, and able to teach proper skills, passionate, concern for players as individuals, honest, respected, and inspiring. Tonight’s recipient possesses all the aforementioned attributes. This coach has been a teacher here at Lake Region High School for the last 23 years. This year’s recipient is simply an outstanding coach, possesses integrity and high moral character. This coach is passionate about his sport and always cognizant of doing the right thing... To be clear, we have boys’ tennis because of Coach Donner. Joe Donner graduated high school from Fryeburg Academy, then attended and graduated from the University of Maine at Machias in 1998. He then went on to attain his master’s in Education from the University of New England in 2017.

Guardian of the Road: Bruce Harmon. The Maine Athletic Administrator Association this spring took on the initiative of recognizing amazing bus drivers that have been an integral part of athletic programs. Bruce is a 1979 graduate of LRHS. Upon graduation, he immediately began driving a bus and took on administrative duties for the Transportation Department. “I am confident that he has driven our athletes safely to every single school that we have ever competed against,” said AD Paul True of Harmon’s over 40 years of service. “He is a very proud grad, and an amazing person.”

All Academic (93 average or better)

Cross Country:Susie Butler, Bhavnish Tucker, Abigail Roberts, Sadie Plummer.

Girls’ Soccer: Abigail Lavoie, Lyla Levesque, Ushana Kumari.

Field Hockey: Emily Reardon, Kasey Johnson, Ashley Pelletier, Mallory Smith, Hanna Siebert, Emma Nadeau, Fatoon Hile, Ines Mosquera.

Football: Joseph Deschenes.

Volleyball: Alice O’Connor, Rianna Reynolds.

Girls’ Basketball: Abigail Lavoie.

Alpine Ski: Ashley Pelletier, Lyla Levesque, Lauren Roy.

Indoor Track: Abigail Roberts, Kasey Johnson, Sadie Plummer, Hanna Siebert, Leo Edwards, Ushana Kumari, Ines Mosquera, Fatoon Hile, Campbell Johnson.

E-Sports: John Paul McHugh.

Girls’ Lacrosse: Emma Nadeau, Hanna Siebert, Emily Reardon, Ashley Pelletier, Ines Mosquera, Fatoon Hile.

Softball: Mallory Smith, Kylie Myers, Lyla Levesque.

Girls’ Tennis: Kasey Johnson, Rianna Reynolds, Susie Butler, Ushana Kumari.

Boys’ Tennis: Hunter Martin, John Kimball, Robert Cash.

Outdoor Track: Abigail Roberts, Sadie Plummer, Izabell Apovian, Campbell Johnson, Leo Edwards, Bhavnish Tucker.

Fall Awards

Football: Titus Benton

Cross Country: Abigail Roberts, Bhavnish Tucker

Field Hockey: Madelyn Meserve

Girls’ Soccer: Bella Smith

Boys’ Soccer: Kolbie Kaeser

Volleyball: Rianna Reynolds

Golf: Evan Duprey

Winter Awards

Girls’ Basketball: Ava Smith

Boys’ Basketball: Evan Duprey

Indoor Track: Hailey Brewer, Michael Clarke

Ice Hockey: Kolbie Kaeser

Alpine Skiing: Ashley Pelletier, Collin Varney

Cheer: Adalynn Peterson

Spring Awards

Softball: Lyla Levesque

Baseball: Evan Duprey

Track & Field: Campbell Johnson, Bhavnish Tucker

Girls’ Tennis: Kasey Johnson

Boys’ Tennis: Abe Richards

Girls’ Lacrosse: Emily Reardon

Boys’ Lacrosse: Gabe Lunt

E-Sports: Jack Connolly

Presentation of Cords

3 Sports, All 4 Years — Hailey Brewer, Michael Clarke, Evan Duprey, Kasey Johnson, Kolbie Kaeser, Lyla Levesque, Ashley Pelletier, Hanna Siebert and Ava Smith.

2 Sports, All 4 Years — Emma Aker, Susie Butler, Jenna Jordan, Abigail Lavoie, Reiyn Leighton-Hart, Emma Nadeau, Alex Parmelee, Sadie Plummer, Emily Reardon, Rianna Reynolds, Abigail Roberts, Lauren Roy, Mallory Smith and Bhavnish Tucker.

1 Sport, All 4 Years — Izabell Apovian, Kalee Charette, Kylie Cohoon, Leah Edwards, Fatoon Hile, Samantha Kilgore, John Kimball, Ushana Kumari, Jacob Lemery, Hunter Martin, Seth Gilmore Merritt, Madelyn Meserve, Mia Milliken, Ines Mosquera, Kylie Myers, Alice O’Connor, Abe Richards, Tyler Rosario and Phoebe Ziegler.

Varsity Club Officers

President — Kasey Johnson

Vice President, Homecoming — Susie Butler

Vice President, Spring Fling — Bhavnish Tucker

Vice President, Special —Ashley Pelletier, Bella Smith