Altadenans Luke and Colleen Welsh were named "Outstanding Community Leaders" by Catholic Charities, San Gabriel Valley Region.
The Welshes attend St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena. Their children attended St. Philip the Apostle School, St. Francis High School, Loyola High School, and one is currently a senior at Flintridge Sacred heart Academy. Luke Welsh is president of Washington Iron Works, based in Gardena.
The Welshes have been leaders in the local Catholic community for a long time: they have co-chaired the Fall Festival at St. Philip the Apostle Church, served as president of the PTO (Colleen) and president of the St. Philip the Apostle School Board (Luke). They were involved in the St. Philip the Apostle "Building On Our Faith" capital campaign leadership committee which built Holy Angel Hall and renovated the existing school.
At St. Francis High School (Luke is an alum from the class of 1982), they were parents of Keenan Welsh, now a 3rd Class Cadet at the Air Force Academy. Colleen chaired Mini POSH, homecoming, spring brunch, alumni weekend and served as president of the Mother's Guild.
At Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, their daughter, Nora, is a graduating senior. Colleen was active in the Parents Guild and has chaired the FSHA GALA twice, this year being the school's 80th anniversary.
Their friend and "Catholic Charities regional board member Michael Seymour says: "Colleen and Luke believe they receive way more than they give. They are truly humbled by those they are privileged to work with and pray God grants them the grace, wisdom and courage to continue helping others. "
