College-bound students receive a boost from benefactor

St. Jude parishioner David Mantwill honors the memory of his son by helping students with the Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship Awards.

LINDA REEVES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PALM BEACH BUREAU EDITOR

Posted: 06.25.09

Father Benedict Ndeyekito, parochial vicar at St. Jude Parish, introduces Niamh Wals, Michael Carras and Michael Cote as the first winners of the Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship awards.

LINDA REEVES | FC
Father Benedict Ndeyekito, parochial vicar at St. Jude Parish, introduces Niamh Wals, Michael Carras and Michael Cote as the first winners of the Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship awards.

TEQUESTA | A St. Jude parishioner who wished to honor the memory of his son is helping several high school graduates pay for college.

A ceremony to present the Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship Awards took place after Mass June 21 at the parish. Frank Faranda, a St. Jude youth minister, and Father Benedict Ndeyekiyo, parochial vicar and member of the Apostolic Life Community of Priests in the Opus Spiritus Sancti order, made presentations to the winners, all 2009 graduates and members of the parish youth ministry.

Faranda said that selecting winners for the parish’s first scholarship awards program was difficult, because all of the youths competing for awards were “incredible.”

“The award is given in memory of Paul,” David Mantwill explained. “He did light maintenance at the church for almost five years. The Lord called him home.”

The Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship Awards are made possible through the generosity of David Mantwill, a St. Jude parishioner for the past 10 years.

In order to be considered, high school graduates filled out applications. They were chosen through a committee selection process, based on service to Church and community. Applicants had to provide letters of acceptance from the universities they plan to attend.

Niamh Walsh, the top winner, received $1,500.

“I am blessed to get it and will put it to good use and toward my education in philosophy,” the Florida State University-bound teen told the Florida Catholic.

Michael Carras, who will attend the University of Central Florida to study mechanical engineering, received $1,000.

“It is a great honor to be able to win the award,” said Carras. “I thank Mr. Mantwill and all the priests of the church for presenting this opportunity. It is a great honor.”

Michael Cote, who is also heading for the University of Central Florida and plans to study criminal justice, took home $750.

The Paul Mantwill Memorial College Scholarship Awards are made possible through the generosity of David Mantwill, a St. Jude parishioner for the past 10 years.

“The award is given in memory of Paul,” Mantwill explained. “He did light maintenance at the church for almost five years. The Lord called him home.”

Paul Mantwill, who was mentally challenged, overcame obstacles and was strong in faith and service. He attended St. Jude with his family, served as an usher and was a member of the Msgr. Jerome Reddy Knights of Columbus Council 6569. He was also a member of the color guard for the fourth-degree Knights of Columbus. He died in an accident in August 2007 at age 41. (His mother, Pauline Mantwill, died in February 2007.)

Father Ndeyekiyo praised David Mantwill, thanking him for his service to others and for his generosity.

“Education is the key to the future,” Mantwill said. “These children are the future of the Church. This scholarship will be an annual event if I have my way.”

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