2026 State Essay Winners
In January, 28 essays were received from students from all over the state.
The theme this year was an interesting topic for the youth to research and write about: “Out of 267 Popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorites?”
Essays were well written and contained some creative insight. The winners were Arianna Boukouris 8th grade (Council 4401), Violet Osantowske 9th grade (Council 13983), Michael Mondry 10th grade (Council 13983), William Laprise 11th grade (Council 13983) and Sienna Nguyen 12th grade (Council 13983).
Their essays have been submitted to Supreme for consideration in the International Essay competition. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated!
2026 State Spelling Bee Winners
The State Spelling Bee finals was held at Fr. Van Rooy Council 2740 in Essexville, MI on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Twenty-four competitors from around the State competed in the two different levels (Grades 4,5,6 and Grades 7,8,9). Following a challenging competition, both the winners and runners-up achieved success. Level 1 Winner Marguerite Raths (Saginaw Diocese), Level 1 Runner-Up Vincent Stanza (AOD), Level 2 Winner Elise Tranchida (AOD) and Level 2 Runner-Up Jonathan Manrique (AOD)
Please join me in congratulating the winners and continue to encourage future champions to compete in the Michigan State Spelling Bee.
2025 State Free Throw Championship
The State Free Throw Championship was held at Sacred Heart Parish Gym (Council
1297) in Mt Pleasant on Sunday March 15th. We had approximately 70 participants in the competition this year. After 2 hours of competitions, we had 12 State Champions.
Please join me in congratulating the winners and continue to encourage future
champions to compete in the Michigan State Free Throw Challenge.
Brynlee Walker Council 2724, Lilly Rogers Council 7418, Blaise Basler Council 13641,
Keelei Latoski Council 8554, Kamden Kraemer Council 9523, Aubrey Farrand Council 7623,
Levi Luitinen Council 6293, Samuel Rossi Council 1585, Charlie Curcio Council
2975, Isabella Bennett Council 8892, Bennett Basler Council 13641, Emilia Schultz Council 13526
Larry J Herman, FDM
State Community Director
In recent months, Michigan has received multiple recognitions for its Community Programs.
The Coats for Kids initiative achieved significant success within the state this year. As of March 10, 2026, Michigan ranks first nationally for this program. With the collaboration of local councils, the state distributed 18,504 coats—purchasing 1,540 cases containing 12 coats each. This total represents an increase of 385 coats compared to the previous year. Washington State holds second place, trailing Michigan by 241 cases. Sincere congratulations are extended to all who contributed to the success of this impactful program.
In February Keira Mackmiller, sponsored by Council 7891 in Brighton, was named the international winner of the Soccer Challenge in the 12-year-old category.
During the month of February, the State level judging for the Supreme Essay Contest was concluded. There were thirty students that participated in the essay contest, and they did an excellent job on writing their essay based on the topic “Out of 267 Popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorites”? The State of Michigan had three international runners-up out of a possible five. Congratulations to the following students:
District 118 conducted a Charity/Unity/Fraternity Exemplification on March 24 and welcomed two new members to our Order. Andrew Skwara joined Au Lac Council 10724 and Shaun Kelley joined Anchor Bay Council 5981. The ceremony was hosted by the Au Lac Council and was led by the Anchor Bay Council Degree Team.
Anchor Bay Council 5981 and Au Lac Council 10724 held their annual Lenten Onion Bag Food Drive this month at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ira Township. Empty onion bags were handed out to parishioners beginning on February 28 and full bags of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items were collected on March 21 & 22. The full bags were then delivered to the St. Mary Food Pantry in New Baltimore for distribution to needy individuals and families. The final number of bags and pounds collected will be determined soon and a report submitted to the State Council.
On Sunday, March 22, Richmond Council welcomed three new Knights to the Order and fulfilled our requirements for the Join ASAP promotion.
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