Michael Hay (2)

Born: June 23, 1953 in Norwalk, Ohio Died: April 14, 1999 in Norwalk, Ohio Michael H. Hay was a dedicated and gifted teacher, music editor, liturgical advisor, recording artist, producer, songwriter, composer and pastoral musician. A scholarship program has been established in his name to honor Mike’s service and dedication as he lent his many talents to St. Paul school and church -- and to all our Norwalk community – until his untimely death in 1999 at age 45. The scholarship seeks to encourage young students to follow Mike’s example by pursuing excellence in music and in the sciences. Mike graduated from St. Paul High School in 1971 and continued his education at Saint Meinrad College in Indiana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and at Loyola Chicago and DePaul University respectively, where he earned two masters degrees in music. While music was his passion, he also excelled in math and sciences throughout his academic career. A serious automobile accident shortly after his high school graduation left Mike wheelchair bound and plagued by pain and numerous surgeries for many years. But he was greatly admired for the way he fought through his physical limitations throughout his adult life. His passion for music, his spirituality and his love of the church enriched his remarkable attitude and fueled his desire to teach and to minister to others. One of Mike’s musical compositions, “Trilingual Intercessions,” was even performed at three Prayer of the Faithful masses celebrated by Pope Benedict during his US visit in April of 2008. It is the desire of the founders of the Michael H. Hay Scholarship Program that the students of St. Paul school are inspired by Mike’s life, his passion, his devotion to the liturgy and his mission of service as they pursue their own academic careers and their spiritual growth.