2010
The Maine Baseball Hall of Fame is proud to award scholarships to each of the outstanding men and women whose contributions to their school and community both on and off the field exemplify the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship taught for many years by Packy McFarland and Marie Noel.
Ian Anderson
Georges Valley HS
As a three-year starter and 2010 co-captain of the Buccaneers’ varsity baseball team, Ian Anderson dedicated himself to hard work and improvement on the diamond. That hard work paid off, and this spring Ian posted a flashy .366 batting average—a career best and more than 200 points over his 2009 average. He was recognized for his efforts with the Mountain Valley Conference Academic All-Star Spring Athlete Award and was selected a Second Team All-Conference All-Star.
Described by his coach Donald Shields as “a great representative for his high school, community and most importantly, his family,” Ian has traveled throughout the Northeast as a member of the Trekkers, an outdoor-based mentoring program that connects caring adults with young people through the use of experiential education, travel, and community service.
Ian will attend Maine Maritime Academy this fall and plans to study mechanical engineering.
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
On his way to being named Penobscot Valley Conference Class B First Team Pitcher and Team Pitcher of the Year at John Bapst, Jason McBurnie racked up an impressive collection of pitching stats, including a record of 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA in 2010.
Jason captained both the baseball and soccer teams, but his leadership extends beyond the athletic field. In addition to his involvement in the National Honor Society, Jason was also selected to attend the Maine Youth Leadership seminar at USM and served as a People-to-People Youth Ambassador to China during the summer between his sophomore and junior years.
Those valuable “life lessons” he learned in China will serve Jason well as he travels the Silk Road of higher education to the University of New Hampshire this fall, where he plans to study biomedical science.
Jason McBurnie
John Bapst Memorial HS
An elite three-sport athlete, Alec started every baseball game over his four years at GVHS, in addition to being a key member of the basketball team and a three-year starting goalie for the soccer team. His contributions to those teams, combined with his academic efforts, have been well-recognized with a litany of awards and honors: Mountain Valley Conference Southern Division First Team Selection, Georges Valley Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2009 and 2010, the MPA Principal’s Award, and the prestigious Senator George Mitchell Scholarship.
Although, in Alec’s own words, “Sports is what I love,” he has also dedicated time to the Trekkers, an outdoor-based experiential learning program, as both a mentor and mentee. Alec describes the program as an “unreal, once in a lifetime” experience, and says he feels “blessed” to have had the opportunity to participate. He also owns his own boat and can often be found lobstering in the waters off Cushing.
Alec plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono this fall.
Alec Young Georges Valley HS
2011
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
This spring, Alexis Bogdanovich received a hat trick of individual softball awards: Gatorade Player of the Year, Maine Sunday Telegram Most Valuable Player, and Miss Maine Softball. That should come as no surprise given her 41-6 career pitching record with the Red Riots, which she capped with a dominating performance this spring with 139 strikeouts in 88 innings and a minuscule ERA of 0.26.
Known for her professionalism and poise as a player, Alexis “is a face in the neighborhood that is recognized for her dedication and commitment to athletics at any level,” says Coach Ralph Aceto Jr. Her leadership on and off the mound contributed to the Red Riots’ 2010 Western Class A championship and their advancing to the championship game in 2011.
Alexis, who graduated from South Portland with a 3.7 GPA, will play at Saint Anselm College.
Alexis Bogdanovich
South Portland HS
As captain of a team that finished the 2011 season with a perfect 20-0 record, Charlotte Lewis contributed not only her leadership abilities but also her .398 batting average and .920 fielding percentage to the Raiders’ successful pursuit of their third Class B state title in four years.
Coach Fred Apt describes Charlotte’s leadership as “unmatched” both on and off the field. Charlotte also participated in the Big Buddy program and earned an impressive 3.38 GPA.
Charlotte will attend Southern Maine Community College in the fall.
Charlotte Lewis Fryeburg Academy
Coach Phillip Stanley says that Tayla’s pitching has “always given her team its best chance to win.” In her four years of playing for the Lynx, Tayla accumulated more than 500 strikeouts, with 8 of them coming in her no-hitter over MDI this season.
An outstanding student with a 96.3 GPA, Tayla is also a leader off the field. This spring, she participated in Mattanawcook’s “Every 15 Minutes” program, designed to make real the tragic consequences of drinking and driving.
Tayla, an “all-around great young lady,” according to Coach Stanley, will play softball for the Saint Anselm Hawks next year.
Tayla Trask Mattanawcook Academy
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
As a captain of the 2011 state champion Stags, Nic Lops contributed both at the plate as well as behind it. This season, his third as a varsity player, Nic belted .452 with 28 hits and was named SMAA All-League Catcher. He also received the 2011 SMAA Fred Harlow Award for all-around excellence, dedication, and attitude.
According to Coach Mac McKew, Nic “made himself successful for one reason- hard work.” That work ethic extended into the classroom as well, as evidenced by Nic’s membership in National Honor Society and Key Club and his receiving the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.
Nic will attend St. Joseph’s College, where he plans to play ball and study English and secondary education.
Nicholas Lops Cheverus HS
A five-year varsity player and two-year captain, pitcher Dylan McNally collected some impressive stats at Forest Hills, like throwing a gaudy 16-strikeout gem en route to trouncing rival Richmond this season. He is also a two-time East/West Conference All-Star and a .331 career hitter.
In addition to his numerous baseball and basketball accolades, Dylan is a recipient of the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship and graduated second in his class with a GPA of 3.87. Dylan will attend Thomas College in the fall.
Dylan McNally Forest Hills HS
Described by his coach as “the engine of our team,” Ben set a school record with 15 stolen bases and posted an OBP of over .450 in the 2011 season. A hard worker and leader by example, Ben “can be counted on for anything and usually he already has it done,” according to Coach Nolan Beckwith.
Ben’s diligence also extends to the classroom, where he earned a GPA of 95 while taking a challenging course load, including several AP classes, and being a teacher’s aid in a science class.
Ben will play baseball for Coach Harvey at Husson College, where he plans to study Criminal Justice.
Ben Verrill
Gray-New Gloucester HS
2012
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Captain Alyssa Brochu’s over-.500 batting average, clutch hitting, and fierce determination contributed mightily to the Rams’ perfect 20-0 season in 2012. According to her school counselor, Alyssa “is a second baseman on a mission to make sure her undefeated softball team plays with heart to be the best they can be.” Given the Rams’ Class A State Championship, we can consider this mission accomplished.
In addition to captaining three teams her senior year (field hockey, cheerleading, and softball), Alyssa excelled academically, placing in the top 10% of her graduating class with a demanding course load. She also worked to create a service project called “Drive Out Cancer” to benefit cancer research.
Following a rigorous selection process, Alyssa will begin her postsecondary education at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point.
Alyssa Brochu
Cony HS
In her four years at Thornton Academy, Julia Geaumont accomplished a rare feat: she pitched every inning of every single game. In the 2012 season, she dominated both on the mound (14-2 with a 0.66 ERA, 136 strikeouts, and a perfect game) and at the plate (.679 batting average with 35 RBIs). This incredible record has earned Julia a steady stream of accolades, among them the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Miss Maine Softball. According to Thornton’s Dean of Students, “Quite simply, Julia is the best softball player Thornton Academy has ever had.”
Julia’s accomplishments aren’t limited to the ballfield. She achieved a phenomenal 4.09 weighted GPA, served as Vice President of National Honor Society, and volunteered for the community youth softball program and local soup kitchen. Julia will continue her softball career at Bowdoin College.
Julia Geaumont Thornton Academy
A four-year starting catcher for the Ashland Hornets, Brooke LaBelle “gives everything and asks for nothing in return,” according to her coach Terry Hunter. A three-sport varsity athlete, Brooke came back from ACL surgery following the soccer season, and still managed a .400 batting average, .553 OBP and 11 RBIs this spring.
Brooke’s incredible work ethic extends beyond the playing field. She is president of her class, president of National Honor Society, and a student leader for Ashland’s annual trip to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. She performs in school plays, volunteers in her community, and was instrumental in the creation of her high school’s chorus program.
The valedictorian of her class, Brooke will study physical therapy at Husson University this fall.
Brooke LaBelle
Ashland District HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
A four-year starter at WHS, pitcher Cody Dube contributed to his team at the plate and on the mound. In his senior season, he compiled a string of outstanding offensive stats (including a .304 batting average and a team-high 17 runs) as well as a record of dominating pitching performances (a 0.55 ERA with 60 strikeouts and an overall record of 5-0, including four shutouts). Cody was named a 2012 SMAA All-Star, receiving the Edson Hadlock Award for most valuable pitcher and the Freddy Parent Award for all-around dedication and attitude. According to his coach, Cody’s “influence and commitment to the game of baseball has transformed our program.”
Cody is also an Eagle Scout and an accomplished student with a GPA of 91.5. But perhaps most impressively, Cody has a stellar attendance record-- absent only one day in his four years at Windham High School. Cody will study electrical engineering and continue his baseball career at Keene State College.
Cody Dube
Windham HS
Catcher Conor McCann, called “the toughest kid at Scarborough” by his basketball coach, is a leader on the Red Storm’s baseball team and was named Scarborough’s 2012 Male Athlete of the Year. A three-season varsity athlete (football, basketball, and baseball), in 2012 Conor posted a .306 batting average with 10 RBIs while not making an error behind the plate.
In addition to his athletic endeavors, Conor also made his mark academically, graduating in the top decile in his class. He was inducted to the National Honor Society and participated in Mock Trial Club and Model UN. He also volunteers for a variety of community causes, including local youth sports teams.
Conor will attend Boston College in the fall.
Conor McCann Scarborough HS
As a three-year starter for the Blue Blazes, captain and centerfielder Joe Quinlan made an impact with his bat, his baserunning, and his natural leadership abilities. In his career at WHS, Joe hit .301, stole 23 bases out of 24 attempts, and made only three errors. He was named a 2012 SMAA First Team All-Star and received his team’s Coach’s Award.
Joe participated in Westbrook’s Big Brother Big Sister program and was head umpire for the Westbrook Little League Volunteer Umpires. His impressive contributions to his school and community earned Joe the 2012 Jimmy Burrill Memorial Baseball Scholarship, which recognizes a Westbrook senior player who has made a positive contribution to the baseball program while also demonstrating excellence in the classroom and involvement in the community.
Joe will attend Thomas College.
A two-time All-SMAA (York County) selection as a pitcher-outfielder, Ryan Camire was a career .355 hitter for Sanford High School and was named the Journal Tribune’s Player of the Year in 2012.
A Boys State and National Honor Society representative, Ryan was also chosen as a recipient of the SMAA Athletic Citizenship Award. He was also very committed to the RSVP (Reducing Sexism and Violence Program) at Sanford and served as a Peer Helper and student tutor for his classmates. Ryan also volunteered countless hours as a coach and referee for youth sports programs in Sanford. Assistant Principal Doug Roberts was impressed with Ryan’s “laser focus, Spartan work ethic and imperviousness to setbacks”.
Ryan will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington.
Ryan Camire
Sanford HS
With a prodigious career batting average of .404 which included 77 RBI’s, 58 career stolen bases, 17 outfield assists, and 11 career pitching wins, Casey Jordan pretty much did a one-man re-write of the Dexter baseball record book while capping All-Penobscot Valley Conference First Team honors as a junior and senior.
A National Honor Society inductee and Boys State nominee, Casey also volunteered extensively in the Dexter Recreation Dept. programs. He was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, the U.S. Army Scholar Athlete Award and the President’s Outstanding Academics Award.
Casey graduated third in his class with a 366 GPA and will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he will study Engineering and continue his baseball career.
Casey Jordan
Dexter Regional HS
Zach LaChance parlayed his .387 batting average and 4-2 pitching record with a 0.44 ERA into a cascade of individual honors this spring: KVAC All-Conference First team, KVAC Co-Player of the Year and a Mr. Baseball Finalist nomination, in addition to making the Class A All-Academic Team.
An active and well-rounded senior, Zach was not only a three-sport standout, but was inducted into the National Honor Society, represented his school at Boys State, and was selected as a “Maine Seed” to the International Seeds of Peace Camp. He performed in the Madrigals Choir and volunteered numerous hours at the Bread of Life Homeless Shelter and Cohen Senior Center. Characterized by his “easy going personality, cooperative spirit and considerable talents,” according to his Guidance Counselor Bonnie Dushin, Zach will be a dynamic and productive member of the Class of 2017 at Syracuse University.
Zach LaChance
Cony HS
2014
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
This spring, this Morning Sentinel First Team All-Star and Underclass All-Star Game Player pitched a perfect game en route to her team’s Western Maine state championship. Emily’s accomplishments are not limited to the pitcher’s mound, however. Treasurer for the National Honor Society, a Senior Mentor, and President of Student Government, Emily also organized a fundraiser for the Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation. Ranked seventh in her class, Emily will attend Roger Williams University in the fall.
Emily McKenney Madison Area Memorial HS
Described by “hardworking,” “positive,” and “determined” by her school counselor, pitcher Kassidy Seeley is the consummate student-athlete. In 2014 she posted a 1.38 ERA in 96 innings pitched with 169 strikeouts, an average of 12.32 per game. Also an outstanding volleyball player, Kassidy has been Vice President of her class all four years, and has also participated in a slew of extracurriculars, including a bullying prevention program and peer tutoring through National Honor Society. Kassidy, valedictorian of her class, will attend the University of Maine at Orono in the fall.
Kassidy Seeley Washington Academy
It would be hard to overstate Alyssa Williamson’s accomplishments on the softball diamond. She batted .483 during the regular season and, for the third straight season, never struck out, while smashing a school-record 7 home runs for the Red Storm. Alyssa is equally dominating on the mound, where she went 6-0 this season with a 1.27 ERA. Her consistently outstanding performance has been recognized with a trophy-case full of accolades, including Miss Maine Softball, Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, SMAA Player of the Year, and the Maine Sunday Telegram Softball Player of the Year. Alyssa is also committed to her community, working with younger players at pitching clinics and visiting the elderly at area assisted living facilities. Alyssa will play softball at Division I Drexel University in Philadelphia on a full athletic scholarship.
Alyssa Williamson Scarborough HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Few high school baseball players can claim to have been a five-year varsity starter as Valley’s Dylan Belanger can after serving as the Cavaliers’ catcher since 8th grade. Dylan capped a sterling career this spring, sporting a career batting average of over .500, and was named Baseball Player of the Year in the East-West Conference. Dylan was an integral member of the National Honor Society and spearheaded numerous community service projects, including the Civil Rights Team, Community Clean-Up and Bingham Kids Day. His English teacher James Tyler said of Dylan’s impact on the school, “Dylan’s positive, supportive attitude and approachability have made him a role model whom his peers frequently turn to. Dylan is often a driving force behind successful class projects.” The salutatorian of his class, with a 96.37 GPA, Dylan will attend the University of Maine.
Dylan Belanger
Valley HS
Calling Will D’Agostino “the best defensive shortstop I’ve seen in Southern Maine,” Falmouth coach Kevin Winship is voicing an opinion shared by many area coaches. Will concluded a sparkling career for the Yachtsmen this spring, hitting .475 and winning 1st Team All Western Maine Conference honors for the third straight year. A cornucopia of individual awards piled up: Western Maine Conference Baseball Player of the Year, Rupert G. Johnson Umpires Award for the Outstanding Player of the Western Maine Conference, and a Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Selection. Will was also a finalist for the prestigious John W. Winkin Award. Will served as captain of both the baseball and soccer teams and extended his leadership role at school into the community, participating in Habitat for Humanity, umpiring youth baseball games and working at soccer clinics for mentally challenged youth. With a 97.3 GPA, Will achieved honors or high honors every semester throughout high school. He will continue his baseball career at Division I Holy Cross College.
Will D’Agostino Falmouth HS
Despite having a monopoly on the State’s top baseball awards for two years, (2-time Gatorade Maine Baseball Player of the Year, 2-time Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year, 2014 winner of the Dr. John W. Winkin Award as the state’s Mr. Baseball) Ben Greenberg took his responsibility to set an example for his teammates seriously. “The kids naturally gravitated to Ben,” said his coach Ryan Jones. “He was always positive with his actions and his body language. His play stood out and it was good for the kids to see commitment and dedication from a player like Ben.” Ben volunteered locally on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities, youth baseball programs, Breast Cancer Awareness Walks and raising funds to build a house in Haiti. Ben graduated in the top 15% of his class and will continue his baseball career at Fordham University.