Patrick Manson Submitted photo

Patrick Manson, a 2022 Saint Dominic Academy graduate who plans to study psychology, is one of two winners of the Lila Grace Sullivan Amirault Scholarships, each receiving $5,000 to put towards college tuition.

“It’s just a huge burden off my shoulders and also my parents’ shoulders,” said Manson, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

The Lila Grace Sullivan Amirault Scholarship Fund was established with the Catholic Foundation of Maine in 2013 by Patrick Amirault, now deceased. Amirault wanted to create a lasting tribute to his wife, Lila, and to show his gratitude for the care and education he received at a Catholic school in Massachusetts, where he grew up as one of nine children in a poor family. To be eligible for the scholarship, a Catholic high school senior must be accepted at an accredited college or university and must plan on working while in college.

“A responsible young man, Patrick is thoughtful, caring, and has shown on countless occasions a willingness to help others. He doesn’t hesitate,” said Anne Pontbriand, a theology teacher at St. Dom’s.

Manson is an avid swimmer and lifeguard, volunteered at church Vacation Bible School, and a member of the school Key Club, where he served as vice-president of the one at St. Dom’s.

Manson, who has attended St. Dom’s since pre-kindergarten, also played the title role in this year’s Drama Club production of “Aladdin,” took on the part of Jesus a few years ago in the school’s Lenten presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross, and is one of the school’s assistant chaplains, helping to organize the altar servers for school Masses and to plan retreats.

“We do a lot of retreats, and those have always been a favorite thing of mine to do, because I know almost everyone in the school,” Manson said. “I know everybody, so it’s awesome to go on the retreats and see how everyone has grown. It’s just a really cool thing to watch the students bond, watch them learn.”

Michael Moseley, a graduate of Cheverus High School in Portland eying a career in medicine, is the other winner.