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
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