Knights of Columbus Tri-Cities Council 1098 of Granite City earned the Holy Grail Award (1st Tier) while St. Cecilia Council 13216, Glen Carbon, Troy Council 9266 and the Joseph C. Zajicek Council 6625, Maryville were winners of the King Arthur Awards (2nd Tier). The SIUE Cardinal John Newman College Council 8343 in Edwardsville was the winner of the Excalibur Award (4th Tier).

The Illinois Spirit Awards are the highest award presented to Illinois Knights of Columbus Councils recognizing achievement in the areas of service program areas of church, family, youth, community and council.

Illinois State Deputy Paul Havrilka of Mount Vernon, while recognizing the local winners, gave his sincere congratulations for attaining these prestigious awards.

"The dedication to the principles and aims of the order shown by officers and members of these councils was exemplified by the high standard of excellence they have achieved," Havrilka said.

He said it was his hope that the awards would serve as reminders and inspirations to the members of the councils to continue promoting the ideals of Columbianism for the good of the church, your community, and the Order."

District 76 councils are active in the local area, supporting local public and parochial school programs; food and clothing pantry drives, Special Olympics programs as well as other government, community and church efforts.