The Presque Isle Elks, Lodge 1954, hosted the Soccer Shoot penalty kick competition for the Maine Northern District of Elks, which includes Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Aroostook County.
Taking first place were: under 8 girls, Allison Worthley of Houlton; under 8 boys, Michael Fitzpatrick of Houlton; under 10 girls, Trista Walker of Presque Isle; under 10 boys, Michael Hardy of Houlton; under 12 girls, Eva Callioras of Easton; under 12 boys, Jackson Maynard of Presque Isle; under 14 girls, Paige McHatten of Presque Isle; and under 14 boys, Cameron Callnan of Houlton.
These winners earned the right to advance to the state competition, set for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 in Augusta.
According to Michael La France, Elks District Soccer Shoot director, the competition at this year’s event was “extremely close,” with most classes decided by only one or two points.
He said the real story, however, is not the competition, but the sense of pride that every one of these kids felt by being able to compete with their friends and family looking on.
“Self-esteem has been shown to be a huge deterrent to substance abuse. This is the reason the Elks sponsor the Soccer Shoot, as well as the Hoop Shoot and other similar programs,” LaFrance said.
