Xaverian establishes scholarship honoring Franklin man who perished

WESTWOOD -- A memorial scholarship fund for Michael J. Doherty has been established at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood.

A 2015 graduate of Xaverian and a rising junior studying engineering at Duke University, Doherty went missing on May 14 after attending a party near his home in Franklin. An exhaustive manhunt ended May 20 when his body was discovered in a wooded area near Route I-495.

The Michael J. Doherty Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the suggestion of alumnus, with the support of Doherty's family.

"Our community of faith remembers Michael, prays for him, and feels blessed because he made a difference in our lives," Xaverian Brothers High School posted on its website.

The school noted that Doherty was a "hardworking student and athlete, a brother, a leader, and a loyal friend."

"We are confident that Michael's legacy here is alive, and with the establishment of the scholarship in his name, it will continue for generations to come," it wrote.

Those who wish to make a gift to the fund in honor of Doherty may do so at xbhs.myschoolapp.com/page/michael-j-doherty-memorial-scholarship.