AUBURN — Derrick Norman Lacasse was named the 11th recipient of the Donald Gay Scholarship for his outstanding contributions to the Edward Little Music/Arts Department during his four year high school career.

The $5,000 scholarship, announced at class night, will be awarded at the beginning of his sophomore year at the State University of New York at Potsdam, where he will major in music education with a focus on voice.

“I not only want to be a music teacher but I absolutely need to teach something in music. It is the only thing I have been utterly confident about in my life,” Lacasse wrote in his scholarship application essay.

Edward Little Guidance Counselor Linda Matzen wrote of Lacasse, “Not only has he been in every musical theater production in our school Drama Club, concert, marching and ensemble bands, plus our a cappella show choir, but he has been involved in Community Little Theatre, the Portland Youth Ensemble and the Androscoggin Chorale.”

A unanimous choice of the Donald Gay Scholarship Trustees, Lacasse graduated 15th of 230 seniors.

The scholarship honors the man who brought New England prominence to Auburn’s music program from 1944-1959. During those years, the Edward Little marching band, orchestra and chorus were recognized as among the best in the Northeast region.

Gay resides in Houlton and continues his passion for music at age 97. The fund was founded by the Edward Little Class of 1951 at its 50th reunion and has been majority supported by 1951 class members as well as other Edward Little classes and individuals.

Anyone interested in supporting the fund may do so by contacting the law offices of Malcolm W. Philbrook, Esq., co-chair of the fund and a member of the class of 1951, at 178 Court St. or call 784-1587.

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