Maine Diner Offers Myles Henry Scholarship to Local Scholars

WELLS, ME, November 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) 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

About the Maine Diner: The Maine Diner is an award-winning family-owned restaurant, now in its 29th year. Known for its hallmark hometown hospitality, speedy service and hearty home cooking, the blue-and-white local landmark has served more than 6 million customers. Over the years the Diner has earned numerous accolades including: appearances on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives TV Show, NBC's Today Show and the Phantom Gourmet Show out of Boston; the 2010 Maine Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year Award; winning the New England Cable Network's (NECN) Best Diner in New England contest; an appearance in the prestigious 2nd Annual New Orleans Roadfood Festival; and earning a top rating from the Phantom Gourmet in New England. For more information, please visit: http://www.mainediner.com or check out their Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com.