Mt. Abram senior Emma James (left) and Kenni Norton show off their prestigious awards for sportsmanship they received at the winter award banquette last Thursday at Mt. Abram High School. (David Hart photo) SALEM —- Mt. Abram Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Jeff Pillsbury opened the winter awards banquette last Thursday, Feb. 26, by thanking the many people and groups who work to support the basketball and ski racing programs such as the Booster Club and scorekeepers.

This year he also thanked the initiative launched by individuals who raised funds so that the Nordic and Alpine teams can travel to Presque Isle to participate in the state meet.

"Our parents rallied behind the cause and took care of that so thank you," Pillsbury said.

He thanked the athletes, coaches and acknowledged the seniors for their leadership.

"Your sports programs are a reflection of not only your coaches, but also your senior athletes, so thank you."

He also thanked the parents and the fans for their strong sportsmanship and at the same time supporting their teams.

Pillsbury then went on to mention the awards that evening including for the second year in a row, Kenni Norton who was selected to the MVC All Selection First Team All-Stars. He then acknowledged Mikayla Burbank for her selection to the Second Team All-Star team.

Honorable Mention for All-Star Selection went out to Kylie Rolbiecki from the girls' team and Sam Simpson and Jim Barker from the boys' squad.

MTA's Devin Littlefield was selected to the boys' Nordic Second Team for both the Freestyle and Classical style of racing.

He then acknowledged Jake Carlton for his First Team Selection in both styles.

"Very impressive as a freshman," Pillsbury explained and went to Alpine racing where he acknowledged Ben Listowich for the Second Team Slalom and First Team Giant Slalom.

Erin Luce, the other impressive freshman was applauded for her induction to the Second Team All-Stars for Slalom.

Making it to the First Team All-Stars in Slalom and Giant Slalom were seniors Emily Luce and Noelle Lake.

Rachel Dennison was recognized for her selection to the Second Team Nordic Classic All-Star teams. Lizzie Chenard was also selected to the Second Team in Freestyle and Classical.

Maria Parrett and Emma James were both selected to the First Team All-Stars in both styles of racing.

Pillsbury then passed out MVC plaques for an award for combined Alpine and Nordic Racing in which MTA took the top title. MTA's Alpine and Nordic teams showed their MVC dominance finishing first in team racing in both disciplines. This is the third straight year the Alpine girl's Team took the MVC crown, the fourth year in Nordic and fourth in Combined. "Congratulation ladies on a great run," Pillsbury stated.

The athletic director pointed out that Emily Luce, Lake, Listowich and Erin Luce were competing to get a spot on the State Alpine team to participate in a regional event to determine the best skiers in New England. This would be Emily's third year participating.

Likewise James is in her third year competing for the State Nordic Team and is competing along with Parrett, Nola Dixon, Carlton and Littlefield.

Pillsbury went on to mention the MVC Academic All- Stars. The criterion is to be a varsity player with a grade point average of 90 or better. Norton, Simpson, James, Parrett, Lake, Alicha Dyar and Dennison were acknowledged.

Pillsbury acknowledged Emily Luce for her first place finish in Giant Slalom at the States. "Across the State you're number one, congratulations," he said. He also acknowledged Lake for her accomplishments in taking a second place finish at the State event in Slalom.

Pillsbury also acknowledged Norton for her 1,000-point season. He said she's been selected for a Miss Maine competition where she's in the mix for the 10 best in the State. Also she's nominated to play in the Senior McDonald All- Stars game one of ten selected in the State.

Norton is also representing MTA in the State Class A through D foul shooting championships.

He then presented Norton a donation in the form of a check for $200 from a private citizen who wanted to acknowledge her and help in her pursuit of colleges.

"I'm very excited and very proud to present this banner that will hang on the gym walls," MTA coach Doug Lisherness said. He then presented a blue banner that had the name Norton on it with 1,000 just below it. Norton ended her prolific career at Mt. Abram with 1,185 points and exactly 400 in her senior year, an MTA record breaker.

Pillsbury then presented the MTA Alpine and Nordic coaches plaques for their continued success at the State level.

Then it was time for the presentation of the Richard E. Lovejoy Award, which has been a part of Mt. Abram's winter sports awards since 1987.

The late Lovejoy was credited as a leading athlete in basketball and baseball, a great coach, a member of the armed services and best known for his sportsmanship on and off the playing arena.

In memory of his great attributes, the 2009 Richard E. Lovejoy award went out to Emma James and Kenni Norton.

Pillsbury went on to conclude that element of the award night by telling stories of similar attributes in both Norton on and off the basketball court and James in her Nordic career at Mt. Abram.

Individual teams then separated in smaller group that evening to acknowledge specific awards presented by their coaches.