Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Joseph Khachan, center, of Bishop Walsh poses at the Knott Scholarship Funds pin ceremony with members of the Knott foundation, Mimie Helm, executive director, and Owen Knott, board member.  (Courtesy Katie Johnson/Knott Scholarship Funds)

Cumberland Knott scholar Joseph Khachan a perfect fit for program’s mission in Western Maryland  


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

As the first Knott Secondary Scholarship recipient from Western Maryland, Joseph Khachan fits the foundation’s mold nearly perfectly – pairing academic success with community involvement. 

Bishop Walsh School student Joseph Khachan has been selected as the first Knott Scholar from the western region of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. (Courtesy Khachan family)

Joseph is heavily involved as a volunteer at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in Cumberland. He serves as a lector and plays the piano at Mass, and volunteers in the parish’s summer lunchbox program for those in need. 

He’s a well-rounded eighth-grade student at Bishop Walsh School, taking a lead role in the school’s aquaponics lab and participating in the school’s Bible, book, chess and music clubs. He also excelled in Mathcounts (reaching state competition for three straight years) and the National Civics Bee (a local finalist). He even performed a classical music piano recital to raise $500 for the Cumberland school. 

Away from school, he participates in soccer and Taekwondo (preparing for his black belt).  

He has attended Bishop Walsh School since he was in pre-kindergarten. 

“Catholic education has always been of importance to me because it provides a faith-based curriculum that promotes academic excellence and service to others,” Joseph, 14, wrote in his application. “This award is such a blessing for me as well as my parents, who have worked tirelessly to nurture me with a Catholic education. It is such a motivation to keep up the academic achievements and a recognition of the hard work.” 

Bishop Walsh School student Joseph Khachan, right, is pictured with his father, Dr. George Khachan, and mother, Carol. (Courtesy Khachan family)

After earning the scholarship, he said, “It’s very exciting. I love my school and I’m so happy I’m going to continue there in high school.” 

Joseph, born in Cumberland, is the only son of Carol and Dr. George Khachan. His father is a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology who has practiced in Western Maryland for 30 years and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Surgeons. His mother holds a master’s degree in business 
and management. She left her job in banking to take care of her family. 

The family has been parishioners of Our Lady of the Mountains since 2012. 

“We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments and achievements,” Carol Khachan said. “It’s very important for us to have him in Catholic school. This school is the gem of the western part of the state. It’s a place where he can practice his faith and learn more about it.” 

In January, Knott Scholarship Funds expanded its geographical footprint. The charitable foundation changed its application criteria to make students who live in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties eligible for its university and secondary school scholarships. 

Bishop Walsh School student Joseph Khachan serves in many volunteer roles, including as a lector at Our Lady of the Mountains. (Courtesy Khachan family)

Originally, the scholarships were limited to students living in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  

Academically talented Catholic students receive Knott Scholarships so that they will become leaders in their communities, schools and the Catholic Church. 

Approximately 140 Knott Scholars per year receive awards, attending 33 Catholic institutions in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Annually, the organization awards about $3.4 million in scholarships. There are more than 2,100 Knott Scholar alumni. 

 “It was important for us to make a change and involve every student in the Archdiocese of Baltimore,” said Martin Knott, a board member and son of the founders of the Knott Scholarship Funds, Marion and Henry Knott. “To involve the entire diocese, we had to look outside the beltway. We wanted to let the western counties know they are not alone. We are going to look for the best student leaders no matter where they are. 

“A lot of effort goes into granting these scholarships,” Knott said. “Our team really pores over the applications. We look extensively at the students and let them know exactly what they are committing to because we want to help produce our future faith-filled Catholic leaders.” 

George Khachan called the scholarship “God’s gift,” adding that his family “loves” the atmosphere at Bishop Walsh. 

Bishop Walsh Principal Jennifer Flinn said the entire school community is excited about the scholarship. 

“The Knott Secondary Scholarship is a prestigious recognition, and Joseph is a perfect example of academic excellence, amazing talents and deep faith,” Flinn said. “This milestone brings great attention to the quality of students and education here in Western Maryland. Joseph is a trailblazer, and we can’t wait to see all he accomplishes in the future.”  

Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org

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Sister Kathleen Marie Engers, beloved founder of Baltimore’s Pumpkin Theater, dies at 101

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School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Marie Engers, whose Pumpkin Theatre introduced generations of Baltimore-area children to the performing arts, died June 10 at age 101. A longtime Notre Dame of Maryland professor, she viewed the theater as a ministry that inspired a lifelong love of the arts.

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Archdiocese of Baltimore will host fourth annual gun buyback

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The Archdiocese of Baltimore will host its annual gun buyback event Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Westside Shopping Center, 2413 Frederick Ave., Baltimore.

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A quiet vigil with Jesus

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In the quiet hours before dawn, while most Marylanders slept, Janine Sterner kept watch in perpetual adoration at Immaculate Conception in Towson. Her story reflects the enduring devotion of those who answer the call to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

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Capuchin Franciscan Father William Graham remembered for pastoral presence to those seeking annulments

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After arriving in Baltimore and taking residence at St. Ambrose Friary in Park Heights, Father Graham was appointed interim judicial vicar for the Tribunal of the Province of Baltimore. His responsibilities included overseeing annulments and causes for sainthood, and he also served as the archbishop’s delegate for marriage dispensations and marriage delegation.

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Howard County parish explores patriotism’s Catholic roots for America’s 250th 

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A nearly full audience filled St. Louis Church’s social hall in Clarksville July 9 to hear Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale College’s Graduate School of Government, make a case for falling back in love with America through its founding document.

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