AUBURN — “A musician with a broad intellect, Patrick will no doubt surprise us all as he develops his strengths into a promising career,” said Edward Little guidance counselor Heidi D. Conn of Patrick W. Buzza, 2014 recipient of the $5,000 Donald M. Gay Scholarship.

The scholarship, which was created and is governed by the Edward Little Class of 1951, honors Gay who from 1944-1959 led Auburn’s music program and was an inspiration for ELHS students to pursue the arts, specifically music and drama.

Criteria for scholarship applicants is that they have contributed greatly to Edward Little arts programs throughout their four-year high school career. Patrick, who graduated fifth out of 190 seniors, referenced both his major, engineering, and his minor, music, as he enters Northeastern University in the fall.

“I am hoping to work in developing and integrating renewable energy into the grid and help reduce our fossil fuel dependence,” he said. “My long term goal will be to continue as a part-time musician playing in various bands, musical pits and orchestras. Music has been one of my passions since I first started playing the piano as a 6-year-old.” Patrick has formed his own rock band and won “Hard Rock Café” awards in Boston.

Beth LaBrie, EL director of choral music, describing Patrick commented, “He is an exceptional student both academically and musically. Academically he has taken the most challenging AP and Honors classes available to him and maintained an excellent GPA. Musically he has been a leader throughout high school. His exceptional skills, both vocally and at the piano, allow Patrick to be an exceptional leader in the choir. He has also been a part of my Honors Performance Class singing Schubert in German, playing Chopin on the piano as well as accompanying himself and others on the piano, bass and guitar.”

Patrick has also been a leader in EL’s drama program and received an award for his technical abilities in sound during the Maine Regional One-Act Festival. He has also shown leadership with the Boy Scouts and will shortly receive the high honor of becoming an Eagle Scout.

Anyone interested in supporting the Donald M. Gay Scholarship fund and ultimately the arts at ELHS, may make gifts or seek information by contacting Crockett, Philbrook and Crouch, 178 Court St., Auburn ME 04210, telephone 207-784-1587.