The Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has awarded college scholarships to eight young women who participated in the 2016 Colleen Contest last February. The scholarship awards were based on academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities and other significant accomplishments. They were presented by Committee President John Beaulieu at a reception at Collegian Court Restaurant on Wednesday June 15.

Left to Right: Natalia Kaczor; Mia Faccini; Sara Dymek; Briana O’Connell; Stephanie Lopes; Amanda LaBonte; Karen Boisjolie, accepting for her daughter Taylor; and Donna O’Shea, accepting for her daughter Lynn.

Scholarship Recipients

The following awards in the amount of $500 each were given:

• Parade Committee Scholarship, in memory of William J. Hurley, awarded to Briana O’Connell, Chicopee Comprehensive High School, who plans to attend Western New England University.
• Parade Committee Scholarship, in memory of Peter Graham, awarded to Lynn O’Shea, Chicopee High School, who plans to attend Fairfield University.
• Parade Committee Scholarship, in memory of Stephen Waldron, awarded to Taylor Boisjolie, Chicopee High School, who plans to attend University of New Hampshire.
• Interstate Towing, Inc. Scholarship, awarded to Amanda LaBonte, Chicopee Comprehensive High School, who plans to attend Elms College.
• Health New England Health & Wellness Scholarship, awarded to Sara Dymek, Chicopee High School, who plans to attend University of New Hampshire.
• Health New England Health & Wellness Scholarship, awarded to Natalia Kaczor, Chicopee High School, who plans to attend Assumption College.
• Ruth and William Corridan Scholarship, awarded to Stephanie Lopes, Chicopee Comprehensive High School, who plans to attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
• Rodowicz Family Scholarship, in memory of Leo O’Brien, awarded to Mia Facchini, Chicopee High School, who plans to Stonehill College.

For over 60 years, the Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has overseen the city’s participation in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. With the support of many generous sponsors, its members organize the Colleen Contest and Coronation Ball, design and build the Colleen’s award-winning float, and promote Irish pride and culture through many events. In addition to these activities, the committee awards scholarships to young women who plan to further their education at a college or university.