Brunswick High School Ohio

Gwilym, Rapolla top athletes

They didn't plan it, because they hadn't met until Sunday afternoon, but Mia Rapolla's blouse and Peter Gwilym's purple tie complemented each other perfectly when they posed for photographs as the Maine high school Athletes of the Year.

In similar fashion, both competed in high school sports outside their area of greatest accomplishment, and both said the experience made them better athletes.

Rapolla, a senior lacrosse player at Gorham High, and Gwilym, a senior football player at Cheverus High, became the 24th pair of high school athletes honored at the annual All-Sports Awards Ceremony sponsored by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram and held Sunday at the Italian Heritage Center.

"If you talk to college coaches, they would much prefer a high school athlete who has participated in multiple sports than a person who specializes," said Cheverus football coach John Wolfgram, who converted Gwilym from wide receiver to quarterback after his freshman year.

"The versatility that you have to have, the skills you develop, the different ways you compete, I think it really helps you as an athlete. You're put in more different situations where you have to find out things about yourself."

Duke University women's basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie delivered the keynote address Sunday, singling out and engaging eight of the 28 athletes selected by the newspaper's sports staff as Most Valuable Players in their sport to reinforce her themes of perseverance, versatility, desire, dominance, power, diversity, commitment and focus.

"Remember to love and embrace your Maine roots," said McCallie, who grew up in Brunswick and guided the University of Maine basketball program to national prominence after a successful playing career at Northwestern. "Wherever you go, have the best time telling people yes, you are in fact from Maine. It has a special feel and people are so interested. ... It's fascinating how many people respect and adore and love Maine."

Sports columnist Steve Solloway spoke about each of the 28 high school athletes honored as his or her sport's MVP.

One week ago, a panel that included coaches, school administrators, members of the local athletic community and the newspaper's sports staff went over the list of 28 and, using a weighted voting system and secret ballots, selected a male and female athlete of the year.

They turned out to be Rapolla and Gwilym.

Miranda, Senior Pictures | Brunswick and Medina, Ohio High School ...

I had sooo much fun at Miranda’s senior session! She will be a senior this year at Brunswick High School and  loves the outdoors and playing softball. She came with her mom and they are the absolute sweetest people, and so much fun. We went to a few of my favorite locations and Miranda is such a natural and so photogenic! I love the great variety of outfits she brought with her, and really loved getting to know her.

Miranda and Roseann I know you are anxiously waiting and super excited to see your sneak peek… I hope you love these!! It was wonderful meeting you both and I am so happy you allowed me to capture such an exciting time for your family

Isn’t she absolutely gorgeous?! Made my job such a breeze…

She brought her sweet dog and he totally About Rachel

A little about me... I am married to my best friend and we have three beautiful girls; I am a VERY proud mom! Photography is such a huge passion of mine and I feel so blessed to capture special memories and sweet moments for families. My style is very relaxed and fun, and I love using bright, bold colors and lots of depth and texture in my images. I always strive to achieve the absolute highest level of quality and creativity at every session!