Seniors at Wells High School can apply for a student-athlete scholarship honoring the former restaurant owner
WELLS –
The Maine Diner, an award-winning family-owned restaurant on
Route 1 known for its hallmark hospitality, speedy service and hearty
home-cooking, is awarding annual academic scholarships to deserving Wells High
School student athletes in honor of former Maine Diner owner Myles Henry. To
date, two students have been awarded the scholarships. Applications for 2013
graduates are being accepted at this time.
Henry, one of the beloved owners of the Maine Diner, died
unexpectedly in 2010. To know Myles was to know of his love of sports - all
sports - whether it was golfing, basketball, surfing, baseball, football and
even curling. To celebrate this love, his close friend Vinny LoBello helped to
set up The Myles Henry Scholarship Fund. The $1,000 scholarship recognizes a
Wells High School student athlete senior 'who exhibits honesty, sportsmanship,
integrity, passion and enthusiasm on and off the field of play.' Each year
essay submissions are reviewed and chosen by Henry’s wife Trisha Wilson.
“When I read through these essays I try and read them
through the eyes of my husband, looking for the essay that embodies the essence
of the scholarship the best.” Wilson said. “It is a very emotional and
meaningful night for Vinny and I when we stand up and give out the award. We
both loved Myles so much. I am so proud of what he has done, creating such a
sense of community. It means so much to me,”
The first recipient of the award was Ben Durfee of Wells,
who went on to study at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. Noah French was
the 2012 recipient. He is a freshman studying engineering at the University of
Maine in Orono. At Wells High School he was a wrestler, soccer and lacrosse
player.
“It meant so much to me to be awarded this scholarship. I
felt it was made for me,” French said. “Of all the scholarships awarded in
Wells this had a really good feeling because there is a name and a story behind
it.”
Community involvement is part of the Maine Diner’s history.
Over the years the Diner has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation through
benefit art shows, Gary Pike Day to help support cancer patients at Gary’s
House in Portland, and special golf tournaments.
“We have supported events near and dear to our hearts…and
this scholarship honoring the memory of my brother Myles certainly is important
to us and falls into that special category,” Maine Diner owner Dick Henry said.
“Myles and I always loved sports. We have so many happy memories surrounding
them.”
Students interested in applying for the Myles Henry Memorial
Scholarship should contact their guidance counselors at Wells High School. An
essay entry is submitted for review.
To help keep the scholarship going, people in the community
who would like to contribute to this fund may do so in the memory of Myles
Henry by donating to the address below.
The Myles Henry Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 579
Wells, Maine 04090
