Deering thrower Jared Bell was named the Gatorade Maine boys’ track and field athlete of the year Thursday.

The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the track. Bell is a finalist for the national boys’ track and field athlete of the year award.

Bell, a 6-foot-1 senior, won the discus with a meet-record throw of 176 feet, 7 inches and the shot put with a toss of 57-2.25 at the Class A championship meet this spring.

This past winter’s Maine Sunday Telegram All-State indoor track performer of the year, Bell placed fourth in the javelin with a throw of 164-0.

Also a published poet, Bell has maintained an A average in the classroom and has served as a member of his school’s student government. In addition to donating his time as a youth shot put instructor, he has volunteered locally as part of a blood-donation drive and Mary’s Walk to benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Bell will attend Princeton this fall, where he will compete in track and field.