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Date: 1/25/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee will crown its 2023 Colleen on Jan. 28 during a pageant at the Springfield Country Club. Tickets are sold out.
Three out-of-town judges will decide which one of the 12 candidates will be named colleen and who will be her court. They will be judged on their biographies (35 percent), essays submitted (10 percent), and interviews (40 percent). There is also a beauty and poise portion, which will be the first time the judges will learn their names.
Following this, five will be selected and asked a question on stage. Judges will then decide who will be the colleen. The remaining four will form her court. Together they will represent West Springfield in the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 19.
The candidates are:
Isabella Ashley Carter, a senior at West Springfield High School. She’s a National Honor Society member and the recipient of the AP Capstone Certificate. She also was awarded the Rensselaer Medal Award for outstanding academic achievement in math and science. She aspires to create television shows and movies and explore the many opportunities the industry offers. She also plans to return to Ireland with her family following graduation from Syracuse University.
Brenna Cauley, a junior at West Springfield High School. A National Honor Society member, she’s a three-year recipient of the Renaissance Award and was honored with the WSHS Teacher Award for Business during her sophomore year. She’s served as a member of the student government during her three years at WSHS. She plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a degree in sports physical therapy.
Natalie Ava Collins, a senior at West Springfield High School. A four-year recipient of the Renaissance Gold Card, she also was honored with the outstanding student award in physical education. Additionally, she’s on track to complete her high school career with perfect attendance. Following graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a degree in business. One of her aspirations is to travel the world.
Paige Davis, a senior at West Springfield High School who has maintained a nearly 4.3 grade point average. A member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, she plans to attend a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science. She also plans to earn a juris doctor degree for a career in civil rights law.
Lauren Eleanor Fletcher, a 2021 graduate of West Springfield High School. She’s currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Worcester State University with a dual major in criminal justice and political science. She plans to study abroad while in college, ideally in Ireland, and after graduation earn a juris doctor degree. She studied at Elms College for three semesters and made the dean’s list with a 3.9 grade point average.
Gillian Elizabeth Gray, a 2021 graduate of West Springfield High School. Currently in her first year of studies at Springfield Technical Community College, she’s pursuing an accelerated associate’s degree in general studies. She plans to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports marketing. Her goal is to work with professional sports teams.
Olivia May Lyons, a junior at West Springfield High School who is a member of student government. She takes AP classes and maintains a high academic standing while on the girls varsity volleyball and tennis teams. She’s also a member of the Irish Club and has a range of volunteer experience, giving back to her community in many ways over the years.
Emily Elaine Martin, a senior at West Springfield High School, where she’s an honor roll student and achieved perfect attendance during her junior year. She enjoys drawing with pencils and markers, and painting. In the future, she’s considering attending cosmetology school before pursuing a business degree. She hopes to open her own salon and also travel the world.
Kadyn Faith McDonough, a 2021 graduate of West Springfield High School and a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island. A dual major in political science and criminology, she’s on a pre-law track. During her junior year, she plans to study abroad in Spain. After graduation, she plans to attend law school.
Emma Teresa Paglia is a senior at West Springfield High School. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, the Renaissance Program, and takes AP classes. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, with the goal of becoming a speech pathologist in a school or a hospital. She hopes to one day open her own private speech pathology practice.
Emmalee Spear, a senior at Pope Francis Preparatory School. She holds high honors as a member of both the National Honor Society and the Pope Francis Preparatory School Pathways Program. Following graduation, she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Sacred Heart University. She will continue her volunteer work and remains dedicated to serving her community while in college.
Jillian Elizabeth Stopa, who has a 4.3 grade point average and ranks 15th in her class at West Springfield High School, A senior, she completed six college-level classes at Westfield State University and Springfield Technical Community College. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marine biology at the University of Tampa, with the goal of working in a lab or doing field work related to conservation.
The board of directors for the West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee consists of Karen Demers, president; Lexis Deitz, vice president; Deb Heady, treasurer; and Charlene Joseph, secretary.