District of Columbia State Council Recognizes Outstanding Service and Leadership at 2026 Annual Awards Presentation
The District of Columbia State Council recognized outstanding councils, families, clergy, students, and Brother Knights during its 2026 Annual Awards Presentation, honoring exemplary service across the jurisdiction. The awards celebrated the many ways local councils live the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism through the Order's Faith in Action programs and leadership initiatives.
Several award recipients will now represent the District of Columbia at the Supreme Council level through the Knights of Columbus international awards program.
Faith in Action Service Program Awards
Each year, councils nominate their most impactful Faith in Action programs for statewide recognition. A panel of District of Columbia Past State Deputies selected this year's winners.
Faith Award
Keane Council #353 — Sacramental Gifts
Family Award
Immaculate Conception Shrine Council #4944 — Support of Annual Community Thanksgiving Meals
Community Award
George Washington University Council #13242 — Pancake Breakfasts
Life Award
Catholic University Council #9542 — Solidarity in Suffering Week
Congratulations to each council for developing programs that strengthen parish life, serve those in need, and put faith into action throughout the District.
Family of the Year
The 2026 DC Family of the Year was awarded to the Estil Family of Immaculate Conception Shrine Council #4944.
The family was recognized for its active participation in parish life, dedication to charitable service, leadership within the Knights of Columbus, and witness to Catholic family life. As the jurisdiction's Family of the Year, the Estil Family will also advance for consideration in the Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year program.
Blessed Michael McGivney Medal
The District of Columbia State Council presented the 2026 Blessed Michael McGivney Medal to Rev. Pawel Sass, former State Chaplain and current Associate State Chaplain.
Father Sass was recognized for his faithful priestly ministry, commitment to evangelization, and longstanding support of the Knights of Columbus. His nomination will also advance for consideration at the Supreme Council level.
DC Knights of Columbus Charities Scholarships
DC Knights of Columbus Charities awarded four $500 scholarships to District of Columbia students attending local Catholic high schools. This year's recipients are:
Christopher Clarke — DeMatha Catholic High School
Ruby Reed — Bishop McNamara High School
Abigail Ho — Georgetown Visitation
Angelina Bonilla Sanchez — St. John's College High School
The scholarships are funded through the annual DC Knights of Columbus Charities Golf Tournament.
Grand Knights of the Year
State Deputy Nicholas Shields recognized one outstanding Grand Knight from each district for exceptional leadership during the fraternal year.
District 1: Arthur Linder
District 2: Peter Gervais
District 3: Peter Loh
Each was recognized for strengthening his council through leadership, service, and dedication to the mission of the Order.
Additional Honors
The St. Joseph the Worker Award was presented to Past State Deputies Timothy Saccoccia, Brandon Brown, and Chris Pierno for their leadership as co-chairmen of the host committee for the 143rd Supreme Convention.
The State Council also recognized Rev. Frank Donio, SAC, State Chaplain, following his recent receipt of the International Blessed Michael McGivney Award. The presentation also marked his 40th year as a Pallottine, and the State Council presented him with a Third Degree chalice in appreciation for his faithful service to the Church and the Order.
Congratulations to All Honorees
The District of Columbia State Council congratulates every council, family, student, priest, and Brother Knight recognized during this year's awards presentation. Their commitment to serving their parishes and communities continues to strengthen the mission of the Knights of Columbus throughout the nation's capital.
