Michael McCall of Lansford was honored Friday night for his commitment to his church, community and family by being presented with the 2017 Shamrock Award.

The award was given by the Irish-American Association of the Panther Valley during its 70th annual banquet, held at the Hilltop Community Center in Summit Hill.Justin O’Gurek, president of the Irish-American Association, said in making the presentation, “Mike is the definition of the perfect candidate for the Shamrock Award. He has shown his devotion toward his church, community and family by working hard without complaint, thus deserving his guest of honor status tonight.”Besides the Shamrock Award, McCall was also given special recognition by state Reps. Jerry Knowles and Doyle Heffley.McCall is the son of Emmett McCall of Lansford and the late Mary Ellen McCall. His father was a recipient of the award in 1986.His grandfather, the late Patrick J. McCall, was among those of Irish descent who started the organization in 1948 and served as its president in 1950.“I am truly honored to be accepting this award,” Michael McCall said.He said to the gathering of about 100 people, “Let me just say I wouldn’t trade the life I have lived for anything. Growing up in the Panther Valley area, and still living here today, I wouldn’t want it any other way.“The people that live here are some of the best people in the world,” he said. “They always stick together, care for each other in time of need, and are always there to lend a helping hand. This is something you can’t find just anywhere and that alone is good enough reason to live in this area.”He said, “So count your blessings. Be nice to people, get involved and never forget who you are or where you came from.”The award recipient is a 1983 graduate of Marian Catholic High School.He has been employed by the State Workers Insurance Fund for the past 26 years. For the past 12 years, he has served as district manager in the Pottsville office.His community involvement includes volunteering at the former St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lansford, Our Lady of the Valley CYO basketball coach, and at Marian High School where he is a member of the Men of Marian and the Marian High School Hall of Fame Committee.For many years he has served on the Carbon County Democratic Executive Committee.He is a longtime member of the Summit Hill Memorial day Parade Committee. He helped to organize and run the former Summit Hill Youth Basketball League.He is a double organ transplant recipient, receiving kidney and pancreas organ donations in July 1989.The invocation and benediction were offered by the Rev. James Burdess, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Summit Hill.Entertainment was provided by Jay Smarr.The Irish-American Association of the Panther Valley holds its annual banquet on St. Patrick’s Day each year.