AUBURN – Knights of Columbus Council 8742 of Auburn has earned the Star Council Award, one of the organization’s top international awards, for the 2006-2007 fraternal year.

The organization’s headquarters in New Haven, Conn., made the announcement. The award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership recruitment and retention, promotion of the fraternal insurance program and sponsorship of service-oriented activities.

The award was presented to Grand Knight Roland Bergeron by State Advocate Phil Lizzotte at a special ceremony on Oct. 9.

In announcing the local winner, Carl A Anderson, chief executive officer of the organization, said, “Please accept my sincere congratulations upon attaining this prestigious award. Your dedication to the order is seen in the high standard 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. May this award be a reminder and an inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of Columbianism for the good of the church, your community and the order.”

“Receiving the Star Council Award is quite an honor for us. We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment,” said Grand Knight, Roland Bergeron.