The 36th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, held July 18, raised a record-breaking $318,889 for Shriners Hospitals for Children (Shriners Children's). The annual event features 140 of Maine's top graduating football players and cheerleaders from more than 60 schools. Among this year's participants were Boothbay Region High School graduates Griffin Yereance and Maddie Andreasen.

"I felt excited," Yereance said, recalling the phone call informing him he had been picked to take part. "I was really excited to get this opportunity because over a hundred kids get nominated every year, and only 90 of us get selected."

Andreasen said she felt "honored because I was the only one from my school that got to go." She was one of three Boothbay Region High School seniors nominated for cheerleading this year, and the only one picked to participate.

"For me personally, getting chosen means representing Boothbay," Yereance said. "You're representing the people who donated to you. You're representing the people who have played in the game before you. You're trying to put your best foot forward."

Local businesses and community members sponsor players and cheerleaders, helping them raise money for Shriners Children's in the months leading up to the game.

"I got to meet a little 8-year-old girl, Kelsey, who was helped by Shriners Children's," Andreasen said. "Sometimes you don't realize what or who you're raising the money for, but seeing someone like that, who was so brave and so strong, you realize that's what you're doing it for."

Yereance led the West team in fundraising, collecting nearly $8,000 for Shriners Children's.

"My grandmother passed away, so even though I'm not helping people like her, I'm still helping people," Yereance said. "The fact that I was able to do that, raise money for those children, just means a lot."

The West defeated the East 28-26 in a game that came down to the final moments.

"The crowd was going crazy," Andreasen said.

"Everyone was so excited," Yereance added.

Both Yereance and Andreasen said they are grateful to their families, sponsors and everyone who donated to support them throughout the fundraising. They hope next year's Boothbay Region seniors will continue the tradition and help raise even more for Shriners Children's.