01/11/26 Lewiston, Maine – Saint Dominic Regional High School (SDRHS) today announced a transformational $1 million scholarship commitment from Don and Cathy Dion, to be distributed over the next four years, expanding access to catholic education for students across the Lewiston–Auburn region. The multi-year pledge represents a major investment in the school’s future and in families seeking a values-based education grounded in faith, service, and academic excellence.
Dr. Claude Berube and the Board of Directors also announced that Don Dion, a 1972 graduate of Saint Dominic’s, has agreed to join the school’s Board of Directors, further strengthening leadership and long-term stewardship of the institution.
The Dions are issuing the Dion Donor Challenge, inviting 500 individuals, families, and businesses to join them at any level of giving. of unrestricted funds to raise $2 million in unrestricted donations for the school’s capital campaign. Donations to the Dion Donor Challenge will support the build-out of the school. Their goal is to turn this commitment into a groundswell of shared support, ensuring the Dion Scholarship Fund is a catalyst for lasting impact. Together, these partners can help secure the SDRHS future, expand scholarship opportunities, and send a powerful message that the school’s mission and students are a shared priority throughout the region.
The Dion Scholarships will be dedicated primarily to helping Catholic students of French Canadian heritage, reflecting the Dion family’s deep appreciation for both their faith and cultural background. The program is intended to strengthen the school’s historic ties to the regional French Canadian Catholic community and ensure that future generations can share in that tradition. In addition to the focus on Catholic students from French Canadian heritage, awards will be based on a combination of financial need, academic merit, and a demonstrated record of community service. This holistic approach is designed to identify young people who not only excel in the classroom, but who also embody the values of service and leadership central to the mission of Saint Dominic Regional High School.
“We are grateful to Don and Cathy Dion for their extraordinary generosity and vision,” said Sean Andrews, Chair of the Board. “Their commitment will open doors for many deserving students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Saint Dominic high school education, while also honoring the French Canadian Catholic roots that have helped shape our school community.”
Beginning with the upcoming school year, forty $5,000 Dion Scholarships are expected to be awarded to both new and returning students who meet eligibility criteria. Details regarding application procedures, deadlines, and selection processes will be shared directly with families and published through the school’s official communication channels as the program launches.
Families interested in learning more about SDRHS are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming open houses:
Thursday, January 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, January 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To join the Dion $1 Million Scholarship Challenge go to https://saintdominicrhs.org/dion-challenge/ or to learn more about admissions, go to https://saintdominicrhs.org/enroll/