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

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. 

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.” 

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. 

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

Read More Local News

Dorothy Day’s granddaughter reflects on faith, social justice and dignity of all human life

George P. Matysek Jr.

November 2, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/dorothy-day.jpg’, description: ‘Dorothy Day’s granddaughter reflects on faith, social justice and dignity of all human life’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Hennessy will speak about Dorothy Day’s life and legacy at a symposium beginning at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at St. Joseph’s Monastery in Baltimore. Jesuit Father Timothy Brown, associate professor of law and social responsibility at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, will also speak.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/dorothy-day.jpg’, description: ‘Dorothy Day’s granddaughter reflects on faith, social justice and dignity of all human life’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298550’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Dorothy Day’s granddaughter reflects on faith, social justice and dignity of all human life

Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane 

Catholic Review Staff

November 2, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/aob-crest-768×512-1.jpg’, description: ‘Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Archbishop William E. Lori has announced the appointment of several priests to serve as pastors, vicar for clergy, vocations director and vicars forane. A vicar forane assists and supports the pastors and parishes within a geographic region of the archdiocese, serving as a liaison between local parishes and the archbishop while helping coordinate pastoral initiatives and fostering collaboration among clergy.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/aob-crest-768×512-1.jpg’, description: ‘Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298164’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane 

Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities

Catholic Review Staff

November 2, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/election-2026.jpg’, description: ‘Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

The superior general of the Baltimore-based St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart is urging Catholics to defend the right of all eligible Americans to participate in the nation’s democratic process, expressing concern about public rhetoric that questions the civic participation of vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/election-2026.jpg’, description: ‘Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298514’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities

Archbishop Lori brings message of hope, redemption to Maryland inmates

George P. Matysek Jr.

November 1, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/103126_PrisonMass_KP-1058.jpg’, description: ‘Archbishop Lori brings message of hope, redemption to Maryland inmates’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Archbishop William E. Lori brought a message of hope and redemption to nearly 75 inmates in Hagerstown, urging them to see themselves as God does and to make their prison “a sanctuary.”

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/103126_PrisonMass_KP-1058.jpg’, description: ‘Archbishop Lori brings message of hope, redemption to Maryland inmates’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298469’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Archbishop Lori brings message of hope, redemption to Maryland inmates

Catholic Charities names chief strategy officer 

Catholic Review Staff

October 29, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Untitled-Design-2.jpg’, description: ‘Catholic Charities names chief strategy officer ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Catholic Charities of Baltimore announced Oct. 29 that Annemarie Reilly will serve as  the agency’s chief strategy officer, a newly created position.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Untitled-Design-2.jpg’, description: ‘Catholic Charities names chief strategy officer ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298400’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Catholic Charities names chief strategy officer 

Genealogist helps families uncover their past 

Jenna Mattern

October 29, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/101426_Geneology_RitaDoerr_NewCathedral_KP-9607.jpg’, description: ‘Genealogist helps families uncover their past ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Tammy Mellema is more than just the office administrator at New Cathedral Cemetery in Baltimore. She’s the “detective of the dead.” Her nickname, coined by a fellow colleague, comes from her longtime passion for genealogy, the study of family history, ancestry and lineages over generations.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/101426_Geneology_RitaDoerr_NewCathedral_KP-9607.jpg’, description: ‘Genealogist helps families uncover their past ‘ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-298301’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Genealogist helps families uncover their past 

Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media

 Print