Maine Girls' Academy players hug Thursday at the end of a summer league basketball game against Edward Little. It was the Portland school's last event before closing its doors.
Basketball player Catherine Reid gets a hug before the game Thursday night from Sister Edward Mary Kelleher, the former principal at Maine Girls' Academy. Kelleher "put her heart and soul into this school," said Liz Rickett, the former basketball coach who began MGA's dynastic run in the school's signature sport.
Brooke Olson, who would have been a sophomore at Maine Girls' Academy this fall, tries to hold back tears as she watches the basketball team cut down its final net after a summer league game against Edward Little. Now that MGA is closing, Olson will be going to Yarmouth High School in the fall.
About 600 fans came Thursday to cheer on Maine Girls' Academy and Edward Little.
Players watch as their teammates cut down the final net. The school announced on July 5 that it was closing, saying the move was prompted "by lower enrollment and revenue."
Sister Edward Mary laughs as she talks to alumna Nona Gillis, Class of 2011, left, and Helen Gillis, Class of 2009, at the school Thursday.
Philip Welch of Falmouth, whose daughter Jackie Welch won four state basketball championships at McAuley, cheers as he watches the game.
Katie Fitzpatrick of Maine Girls' Academy scores a basket in front of a packed gym.
Serena Mower of Maine Girls' Academy comes up with a steal from MacKenna Campbell of Edward Little. Basketball was Maine Girls' Academy's forte. The Lions had unparalleled success in the sport, with 10 regional Class A championships and six Class A state championships in a 15-year span.
Calin McGonagle of Maine Girls' Academy drives to the basket.
Serena Mower lines up a jump shot Thursday. "I'm glad there was some closure," said Kelly Kennedy, a 1987 graduate of the school. "I was afraid there wouldn't be any. It's sad, but I'm also grateful for tonight."
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