Knights of Columbus announce annual awards

Friday, Jun. 19, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — Due to pandemic restrictions, the Utah Knights of Columbus canceled its 2020 state convention, which had been scheduled for May 2. However, on May 30, the Knights’ State Council made its annual state awards announcements by web conference and phone.

“Tonight is a special gathering for all of us,” State Deputy Greg Keller said.  “We are recognizing the council and assembly activities around the state and announcing awards to the best of the best.  Everyone here should be proud of your council’s or assembly’s accomplishments.  We can all learn from each other, be inspired by each other and take new ideas back to our councils.”

For the web gathering, Keller and the other state officers logged on remotely. 

Keller reported that the Utah councils raised $9,186 in the past year for funds for the Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Bishop of Salt Lake City, to use to support vocations, the Culture of Life and other programs. Through the Refund Support Vocations Program, 21 councils and one assembly provided $20,550 in support of the diocese’s 10 seminarians. Additionally, the state organization donated $2,045 for the Diocesan Development Drive from funds received from donors and contributors for the annual convention, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Utah Knights also donated $10,945 to Special Olympics, which will sponsor 44 Special Olympians for a year.  

Anna Barry of Stansbury High School was named as the winner of the Utah State Council scholarship. She was presented the $1,000 award at a ceremony held at St. Marguerite Catholic Church on May 11 by State Treasurer Mac McManaman and Faithful Navigator Barry Stine.

This year, there were two winners in the Utah Knights of Columbus Endowment Scholarship. Jamie Gomez, Jr., from Judge Memorial High School, received a $3,000 award, which was presented in memory of Past State Deputy Dan Higgins. Madeline Klement, also from Judge, received a $2,000 award. 

To Be a Patriot Award — Wahlen Veteran’s Home Beatification Service Project, Assembly 1429 Monsignor Cushnahan, greater Ogden area 

Faith Award — Adopt a Parish, St. Ambrose Council 15418, Salt Lake City

Family Award — Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets for the Less Fortunate, St. Francis Xavier Council 5214, Kearns

Community Award — Two Automated External Defibrillator Machines, St. Marguerite Council 6739, Tooele 

Life Award — Novena for Life, St. Vincent de Paul Council 13297, Holladay

Chaplain of the Year — Monsignor Terence Moore, St. Teresa of Calcutta Council 12181, Draper 

Family of the Year — MacGilvery Family, Kevin, Kristen and daughter Keira, St. Thomas More Council 11479, Sandy 

Knight of the Year —  Jerry Angus, Bishop Hunt Council 5214, Kearns.

State officials hope to present these awards at a June 27 organization meeting to be held at St Olaf Parish in Bountiful. Convention books will be distributed at that meeting.