2013 REGIONAL COLLEENS AND AWARD WINNERS
Agawam
The Agawam St. Patrick's Committee has named Fr. John Brennan as its 2013 Parade Marshal. He will lead the Agawam contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade in March. Former state Rep. Rosemary Sandlin was chosen for the Anne Sullivan award and Emile Cote is the recipient of the Citizenship Award.
AGAWAM 2013 COLLEEN AND HER COURT
Paige Circosta, center, was named 2013 Agawam colleen Sunday.
Her court, from left, is Carolyn Donahue, Kelsey Williams, Alycia Rackliffe and Faith Rheault.
Being named the 2013 colleen is just a bonus for Paige Circosta, who entered the contest to honor her grandfather who passed away in August, as well as her grandmother whom she wanted to make proud.
“I wanted to do this because my grandpa was really proud of his Irish heritage, and I know how proud he would be of me right now,” said Paige Circosta, a 17-year-old senior at Agawam High School.
Taking part in the competition, she added, was also a way to help her grandmother, Dorothy A. Circosta, cope with the loss of her husband, George.
“I’m so proud, just so proud,” said Dorothy Circosta. “We talked about her entering the contest, and she did it all by herself. I’m really just speechless.”
The best part of seeing her granddaughter crowned the Agawam colleen, she added, was knowing that the judges saw the beautiful person Paige is underneath the outer beauty with which she was born.
“She really is as nice as she is beautiful,” said Dorothy Circosta. “The judges saw who she really is. She is my Irish heritage child.”
Paige Circosta was named the colleen from a contestant pool of eight young women, all students at Agawam High School. The four girls who comprise her court are Carolyn Donahue, Alycia Rackliffe, the recipient of the William G. Pfau Cultural Award, Faith Rheault and Kelsey Williams, all 17.
The contest was held Sunday, February 3 during the annual coronation brunch at Chez Josef.
On hand to congratulate Paige and the members of her court and to bid farewell to her year of events was 2012 Colleen Allison McCluskey.
CHICOPEE 2013 AWARD WINNERS:
COLLEEN AND HER COURT
McKenzie Vershon, seated, is crowned the 2013 Chicopee Colleen coronation ball held at the Castle of Knights. McKenzie, 20,is a student at Framingham State University. Her court members, from left, are Ashley Sanocki, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School and also chosen "Miss Congeniality"; Taylor Berube, 19, a student at Springfield College; Laura Gibb, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School and Kari Ribadeneyra, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.
From as far back as she can remember, McKenzie Vershon watched the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade from her grandfather’s home on the parade route and imagined she would one day ride atop a float as a colleen.
That dream came true Saturday night when Mckenzie Vershon, 20, was crowned the Chicopee colleen from among 24 contestants who vied for the title during the Coronation Ball held at The Castle of Knights.
Joining Vershon on the float will be her court: Taylor Berube, Ashley Sanocki, Kari Ribadeneyra and Laura Gibb.
Even more thrilled than Vershon was her family, a group of at least 10, some of whom traveled from New York for the event, who shouted and screamed with enthusiasm.
“She’s wanted this all her life,” said her mother, Margaret Vershon. “She grew up watching the parade from my dad’s house.”
McKenzie capturing the colleen crown continues the family’s legacy of honoring its Irish heritage, her mother said, adding that her other daughter, Kelsey, was a member of the colleen court in 2010.
“I am so extremely proud,” Margaret Vershon said. “I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I told her to follow her heart, and my gosh, she did it.”
McKenzie Vershon, a dean’s list junior at Framingham State University, is a member of the ski and snowboard club, soccer team, and a note taker for disabled students. She is also a waitress at the Copperline Eatery, volunteers for the Rays of Hope Walk and is an executive board member for the Special Olympics. Her plans are to work toward a master’s degree in secondary education in order to become a teacher in her hometown of Chicopee.
“I can’t put into words how excited I am for the coming year,” Vershon said after being crowned. “I used to watch the parade from my grandfather’s house and gaze down at the girls on those floats.”
Having a big support system rooting for her, Vershon said, helped her in the competition to focus on her goal.
“I was confident going in, but having everyone here for me gave me even more confidence,” she said.
As the colleen, Vershon was awarded a trip for two to Ireland, which she visited once before with her family. Traveling to her family’s homeland as a colleen, though, will deepen the experience and allow her to appreciate the detail of the country and her heritage.
“I’ll be able to take in even more this time,” she said.
The Johnny Yee Foundation, 2013 George and Buddy Atkinson Award Recipient
The award, named after the founding members of the committee, is given each year to a person or persons who are non-committee members who have assisted the committee by either personal involvement or with fundraising, scholarships, or supporting and contributing to Parade Committee functions and events, including the Colleen Coronation Ball.
The Foundation, named after the late Johnny Yee, provides generous college scholarships for local students. Through the annual Johnny Yee Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, over $358,000 has been raised to fund individual scholarships as well as equipment and supplies to educational institutions. In addition to overseeing the Foundation and its many charitable endeavors, the Yee Family owns the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee; Johnny’s Bar and Grill, Johnny’s Tap Room, and IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen in South Hadley; and Johnny’s Tavern in Amherst.
Foundation President Andy Yee, his family, and Board of Directors, have been long time supporters of the Chicopee Parade Committee. The Foundation funds a cash gift awarded to the newly-crowned Colleen and her Court members on the night of the Coronation Ball.
Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee
VIP Biographies
Judith Corridan Danek, 2013 President
Judith Corridan Danek was elected President after serving on the Parade Committee in many capacities since 2000. She has been the chairman of the Colleen Ball Program book for several years, and is active in fundraising and soliciting sponsorships for the committee. She is also a member of the Scholarship Committee.
As a Contestant, Danek participated in the Colleen Contest in 1981. Her daughter followed in her footsteps in 2008 and her son was a senior escort in 2009. In 2010 she and her father William were the recipients of the Woods Award.
Judith Danek has been employed as Executive Assistant and Secretary of the Corporation for Health New England since 2007. Among her personal accomplishments is the completion of two U.S. Marine Corps Marathons, two Tough Mudder endurance events and several Fight for Air stair climbing competitions. She is a champion for healthy lifestyles and has a background in personal coaching for health and wellness. Her numerous volunteer activities include work with Mercy Medical Center’s Continuing the Legacy and Catch the Spirit committees, and animal welfare advocacy.
She is married to Bernard T. Danek, Jr. and has a daughter, Elizabeth Crippin and a son, Shea Crippin, currently serving on active duty in the US Marine Corps.
Timothy O. O’Shea, 2013 Parade Marshall
The Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has selected Timothy O. O’Shea as the city’s 2013 Parade Marshal. O’Shea will lead the Chicopee contingent down the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Route on March 17, 2013. A Chicopee native and long-time member of the Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, he has been active on many subcommittees over the years, as well as serving as Treasurer and President.
Tim O’Shea recently retired from the Chicopee Fire Department, after 33 years of service. While a firefighter, he served on the board of directors and as treasurer of the International Association of Firefighters Chicopee, Local 1710. In addition, he was chairperson of the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the local union. Both as an active firefighter and retiree, he has chaired the Chicopee Retirement Board, and serves as Sargent of Arms of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems.
Tim O’Shea’s numerous volunteer activities exemplify pride in his Irish heritage as well as dedication to family and community. A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 Holyoke, he has served as President and Financial Secretary. He is a member of the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, Knights of Columbus Council 69, Chicopee Tigers, Springfield Stamp Club, Moose Lodge, and Granby Lions.
Tim O’Shea is a graduate of Chicopee High School. He received an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston. He has been a trust member of Alpha Kappa Sigma Inc. since 1990, and has held the position of Secretary.
Tim O’Shea and his wife of 21 years, Sally, have a daughter Maggie and son Conor, all of whom are looking forward to marching with him in the Parade next March.
Paul Rouillard, 2013 Jack Woods Award Recipient
The Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has awarded the 2013 Jack Woods Award to Paul Rouillard. Named after E. Jack Woods, a long time Parade Committee member, the award recognizes an individual who has served ten or more years on the Committee and assisted on many subcommittees.
Rouillard’s involvement dates back to 1987, when he was Grand Knight of Elder Council 69, which hosted the Chicopee Colleen’s Coronation Ball. That year, he was asked to play organ music for the occasion, a role he continued for the next twenty years. In 1988, as President of Council 69’s Home Association, he became more involved with the Parade Committee. Over the years, he assisted with its many subcommittees and projects, eventually assuming leadership positions as Coronation Ball Chairperson, Trustee, and Vice President. In 2007, he served as the Committee President.
Parade Committee President Judith Corridan Danek hailed the committee’s selection. “The Woods Award is bestowed upon a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Committee, helping ensure its continued success, and Paul is an excellent choice. We look forward to celebrating his years of service during the upcoming parade season.”
In addition to his dedication to the Parade Committee, Rouillard has been involved in a number of other civic and charitable organizations. He is a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a former State District Deputy. In 1993 he was Knight of the Year. As a member of Elder Council 69, he has helped to organize the annual Beer and Wine Tasting gathering for the past twelve years, the proceeds of which benefit Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen. He is a an active member of the Galaxy Council, which supports the overall mission of the United States Air Force, particularly at Westover Air Reserve Base. In this capacity, he is a regular volunteer at the Great New England Air Show.
Rouillard and his wife of 25 years, Jean, are lifelong residents of Chicopee. He is currently employed as Sales Manager for Summerlin Floors Inc. in Amherst.
The Johnny Yee Foundation, 2013 George and Buddy Atkinson Award Recipient
The award, named after the founding members of the committee, is given each year to a person or persons who are non-committee members who have assisted the committee by either personal involvement or with fundraising, scholarships, or supporting and contributing to Parade Committee functions and events, including the Colleen Coronation Ball.
The Foundation, named after the late Johnny Yee, provides generous college scholarships for local students. Through the annual Johnny Yee Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, over $358,000 has been raised to fund individual scholarships as well as equipment and supplies to educational institutions. In addition to overseeing the Foundation and its many charitable endeavors, the Yee Family owns the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee; Johnny’s Bar and Grill, Johnny’s Tap Room, and IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen in South Hadley; and Johnny’s Tavern in Amherst.
Foundation President Andy Yee, his family, and Board of Directors, have been long time supporters of the Chicopee Parade Committee. The Foundation funds a cash gift awarded to the newly-crowned Colleen and her Court members on the night of the Coronation Ball.
The Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee events include:
Jan. 25: President’s dinner, Castle of Knights
Feb. 10: Colleen contestants get-acquainted tea, Elms College
Feb. 23: Colleen contest, ball, Castle of Knights
March 1: Irish family night, Knights of Columbus Council 69
March 16: Parade Committee, Colleen Mass, Elms College
Easthampton
Mary Jane Mathers
is the 2013 Gallivan Award Winner
Left William Sullivan, Steve Zavisza, Nancy Lech
Grand Marshall 2013 William M. Sullivan Jr.
Lifelong resident of Easthampton, married to Claire with 5 children "Sully" has been an active committee member for many years. Sully has also served in a variety of political and civil roles in our community including the democratic party and various city committees.
Gallagher-Walker Award Recipient Mrs. Nancy Lech
Resident of Southampton with her husband Stan. Mother of two and Grandmother of 4 Active in the communities of Easthampton and Southampton including 25 years working in the Child Birth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, school committee, and Southampton Democratic committee. Nancy is the former President Of The greater Easthampton St Patrick's Day Parade committee and previous Grand Marshall.
Shamrock Award winner given to a person or institution who actively supports our committee Stephen J. Zavisza
Stephen is a lifelong resident of Easthampton, 25 year employee at Cernak Buick. Steve has graciously driven our past Marshall's in a Cernak Buick car in the parade. Steve is also active in a variety of community boards including Dollars for Scholars, The Emily Williston Library and Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Northampton
The Northampton St. Patrick’s Association is pleased to announce its Marshal for 2013: Col. Jim Keefe. He will be leading the Northampton contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 17th.
Our Brennan Award winner this year is Atty. Sean T. Sullivan
Our Corned Beef Dinner and Awards Night to honor both of these gentlemen will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the SEAS Church Hall on Hawley Street. Entertainment by Banish Misfortune. Tickets $20 kids 7-12 $10 and 6 & under free. Contact Tom Dunphy at thomasdunphy@comcast.net for tickets. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!
Tickets to Irish Night are $40, which includes a raffle ticket. Grand prize is a trip for two to Ireland.
In South Hadley, tickets are available by contacting Schenker at (413) 536-4646 or Reardon at (413) 536-7732.
Springfield
SPRINGFIELD 2013 COLLEEN FINALISTS
The five Grand Colleen finalists chosen Saturday are, from left,
MaryKate Sullivan, Darcy Ann Fortune, Christina Zuraw, Alexa deVillier and Hannah McFarlin Epstein
Springfield College Mary Kate Sullivan
MaryKate Sullivan was crowned the 2013 Springfield Colleen to a standing ovation from the audience.
The event was held at the Cedar’s Banquet Hall in Springfield, in front of an audience of 200 people. With this honor, MaryKate Sullivan will begin a yearlong adventure of promoting her Irish heritage.
The 17-year-old Springfield resident and Cathedral High School senior was selected from a group of five finalists. The remaining four will also get to ride on the Springfield Colleen float as the Colleen’s court in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 17th.
“I’m so shocked. I’ve always been so proud of my Irish heritage, and competing in the Colleen contest was something I’ve always dreamed of doing, but never expected,” said the newly crowned MaryKate Sullivan.
14 contestants competed in the preliminary competition in January, and the top five were selected as finalists. The remaining four finalists were Alexa de Villier of Springfield, Hannah McFarlin Epstein of Longmeadow, Darcy Ann Fortune of Palmer and Christina Zuraw of East Longmeadow.
MaryKate Sullivan was also the recipient of a $500 Mossie and Kathleen Murphy scholarship.
“We’re just so proud, and she was so excited to enter the contest to represent the Irish community, so we’re just very happy that this dream has come true for her. She has always aspired to be a Colleen,” said father Patrick Sullivan. Mother Nancy Sullivan was ecstatic as well, with tears in her eyes as her daughter was announced the winner.
Sullivan was crowned by the 2012 Springfield Colleen Meghan Sullivan, who shared some of her experiences and memories with the audience.
“Being colleen was much more than having the chance to ride on a float or wear a pretty crown. These were bonuses to the experience. I have dreamed of serving as a Colleen since I was a little girl. Every aspect of the colleen experience has exceeded my dreams and what I hoped it would be,” said Meghan Sullivan.
All of the 14 Colleen contestants will receive a scholarship of $10,000 each year for four years to American International College in Springfield, if they choose to attend. This scholarship was made possible by Springfield Parade Marshall Edward Noonan.
The contest was hosted by Kim Zachary and Dan Williams, best known for their radio show “Dan and Kim in the Morning” formerly on WHYN-FM, and morning television show “Dan and Kim,” previously on WGGB-TV abc40.
Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee members were also given awards of recognition for outstanding service.
Springfield Parade Marshal Ed Noonan was on hand, giving words of encouragement to the Committee and the newly crowned Colleen.
“We look forward to representing the city at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holyoke on the 17th,” said Noonan.
John Goonan was awarded the John and Agnes Burke Award, presented for outstanding service to the Irish community in Springfield.
John Goonan, who was raised in Chicopee and has lived in Springfield most of his adult life, said he is thankful for the award. "I like to help out whenever I can. And I really like raffles, so if anyone is selling tickets I will always buy some," he said.
The Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award was given to Alan and Paul Siok, owners of Siok and Son Farms in Ludlow. Although they are not residents of Springfield, the couple donate their services to create a float for the Colleens every year and also donate the truck to haul the float.
Sullivan said the awards are the first sign that March and the parade in Holyoke are soon approaching and the awards acknowledge people who are often behind the scenes helping out. “It’s important for us as a committee to honor and recognized people who help out and are a big part of our success,” Sullivan said.
"All of the events leading up to the parade are a lot of fun and this one is special because we get to honor people who really contribute to our community and are proud of their Irish heritage," he said. "And even if they are not Irish, they are people who care about the community and want to help."
Westfield
Parade Marshals are Jack and Denise Quinn
Thomas M. Kane Irish Man of the Year is Patrick Murphy
Dorothy Griffin Irish Woman of the Year is Karen Casey
The 3rd annual Bill Buzzee Irish Night is on March 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Sons of Erin. Tickets are $15.00 per person which includes a corned beef and cabbage dinner and music by the Green Rovers! Cash bar and raffles too! Seating is limited, tables of 8 or 10 may be reserved. Tickets will be available at the Sons of Erin or see one of the Westfield Parade Committee members! (413) 562-5927
WESTFIELD 2013 COLLEEN AND HER COURT
Colleen Meghan S. Hurley 17, of Longmeadow, center, with her court,
from left, Susan R. Callahan, 22, of Westfield, Samantha L. Whalen, 22, of Westfield, Kayleen A. Gerow, 17,
of Southwick, and Ashlee Q. O'Connor, 18, of Westfield, at the Sons of Erin 32nd Colleen Ball
Meghan F. Hurley, of Longmeadow, was named the Sons of Erin colleen Friday night and will represent Westfield in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, an honor she did not expect to receive.
Megan and her court were selected by a panel of independent judges from among 28 contestants during the Sons of Erin’s hallmark event.
Being crowned the colleen and having the dark green velvet cape draped around her shoulders, Hurley said, “was a dream come true.” “I’m so excited,” she said. “This is important to me because it gives me a bigger role in the Irish community and puts me more in touch with my Irish heritage.”
Meghan Hurley, a senior at Longmeadow High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Key Club, choral program and track and field team. Among her many interests, she enjoys singing, hiking, pottery and running and plans to attend college in the fall where she will major in creative writing and environmental studies.
At 22, Samantha Whalen and Susan Callahan succeeded in being named to the colleen court at their last chance. The contest is open to young women of Irish descent from the ages of 16 to 22.
For Susan Callahan, a 2011 graduate of Westfield State University majoring in psychology and currently employed by HSB Global Standards in Hartford, the honor of being a member of the court is especially meaningful because it gave her the opportunity to honor her beloved grandfather, Carl E. Callahan, who died last year at the age of 78
" He really made me appreciate my Irish heritage," Susan Callahan said. " He passed away a year ago last week. He always wanted me to enter the colleen contest and I never did, so since this was my last chance I did it in memory of him.” "
"Traditionally," she said, "a Sons of Erin member’s number is usually passed onto that member’s child, and when the club gave her grandfather’s number to her father, John M. Callahan, he in turn gave it to Susan as she had recently turned 21, technically giving her more seniority than him. "
" I inherited my grandfather’s number – 168," She said. " My dad gave it to me instead of keeping it. He thought it would be nice." " My dad’s number is 583 " Susan Callahan added with a laugh.
West Springfield
Congratulations go out to Ann Morrison....our 2013 Jinx Powers Award Winner!!!! Thanks for all you do for the Committee!
The Committee is thrilled to congratulate Sullivan Paper Company as this years' Olde Mitt Award winner....and Our Citizenship Award was given to our friend Jack Pinkerman.....
2013 COLLEEN and COURT
Colleen Morgan L. McDonough, seated in center, is surrounded by her court,
from left, Caitlin F. Sullivan, Darrelle J. Powell, Katelyn B. Gilhooly and Mary J. Solitario.
Standing behind Morgan McDonough is the town's parade marshal Edward Foley.
