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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Walters exhibit showcases rare missal linked to St. Francis, El Greco painting

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Just in time for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis declared by the Holy Father, the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore is exhibiting one of its most precious artifacts: the St. Francis Missal, an early 13th-century book of texts for the Mass that played a seminal role in the history of the Franciscan movement.

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Archbishop Lori calls for prayers following pope’s cancer diagnosis

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On the same day Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer, Archbishop William E. Lori called for prayers for the pope’s health Oct. 13.

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Radio Interview: The impact of immigration and welcoming the stranger

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Christopher Gunty speaks with Missionary of Jesus Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, about immigration, poverty and the Catholic call to welcome the stranger.

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PIE Homecoming Classic

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Seeking a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Partners In Excellence scholarship program, Roxanne Fiddler, director of the program, and her fellow PIE board of advisors brainstormed an idea especially fitting for the fall season.

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Charles Village comeback 

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Ss. Philip and James doesn’t measure its last five years in numbers, its pastor says. But the numbers tell a story anyway: Mass attendance has more than doubled, young families are filling out its ministries and the historic Charles Village parish posts one of the highest attendance rates for a Catholic church in Baltimore City, with more than 600 people at Sunday Mass when The Johns Hopkins University is in session.

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Speakers at Pastoral Staff Day say all are called to evangelize

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For generations, the Catholic parish was understood as a spiritual home for everyone who lived within its boundaries. But in an increasingly disconnected culture, parish leaders may not even know who lives in the houses just beyond their church doors.

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