AUBURN — Jonathan Knight of Lisbon, who graduated from Central Maine Community College in May, has been awarded the prestigious George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship.

The Maine Community College System bestows the scholarship to two students every year with the purpose of creating exchange opportunities between Maine and Ireland. It’s named after former Maine Sen. George Mitchell, who played a historic role in brokering peace accords between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Beginning in January 2017, Knight will spend a semester studying at the Cork Institute of Technology located on the southern coast of Ireland. All tuition, fees, books and room and board costs will be covered by the scholarship.

Knight earned associate degrees with high honors in general studies and business administration and management with a concentration in culinary arts/hospitality management. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.