Knights of Columbus Council #2663 of Newton is a Columbian Award winner for the 2011-2012 fraternal year. The award is presented for excellence in the sponsorship of programs that serve the church, community, families, culture of life and youth development, as well as council members. 

The Knights of Columbus international headquarters, located in New Haven, Conn., made the announcement. Emigdio Lopez-Sanders, district deputy of the Iowa Knights of Columbus, presented the engraved plaque to the council at a special ceremony on Sept. 11. 

“Please accept my sincere congratulations on attaining this prestigious award,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, president of the international organization, when recognizing the local Knights of Columbus Council. “The dedication to the order shown by your council is seen in the high standards of excellence you have achieved. At the same time, I encourage you to carry forward this enthusiasm to meet the challenges that will face the Knights of Columbus in the years ahead.