The Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and the Sons of Erin have announced the four finalists of the 2012 Colleen Pageant.  In conjunction with the parade each year, a Colleen Queen and three court members are awarded college scholarships and ride on a special float in the parade.  This year’s winners include Eliza Bowes of West Yarmouth, Emily Brouillette of Harwich, Meaghan Callahan of Harwich and Lucey Gorrill of Centerville.  The Queen will be announced during the coronation ceremony on Friday, March 9^th at the parade’s annual Grand Marshal’s Dinner Dance held at the Irish Village.

The four Colleens were selected by members of the St. Patrick’s parade committee and Sons of Erin.  All applicants were required to be a female high school senior of Irish descent with plans for continued education in an accredited program and at least a B average in school.  Along with the applications, applicants needed a letter of reference from a high school teacher, member of the clergy or community/civic department leader, and an essay describing what her Irish heritage means to her.  The Colleen Queen will receive a $1,000 college scholarship and the three runner-up court winners will each receive a $500 scholarship.  Bios on the four Colleens are below.

The Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade steps off at 11 AM on Saturday, March 10^th, following Route 28 from School Street in Dennis to Forest Road in Yarmouth.  Now in its seventh year, it will feature marching bands from all over New England, colorful floats created by local companies, antique cars, special guests and family friendly entertainment. Team Hoyt, the inspirational father/son team of Dick and Rick Hoyt have been named the Grand Marshals. The well-known duo has competed in more than 1070 athletic events, including 29 Boston Marathons, with father Dick pushing Rick, a quadriplegic, in a special running chair.

For more information on the parade and the Grand Marshals Dinner Dance, visit www.capecodstpatsparade.com or  www.facebook.com/capestpatsparade. 

Meet the 2012 Colleens…

Lucey Gorrill

Lucey is a senior at Barnstable High School. She is looking forward to attending Holy Cross or the University of Massachusetts in the fall as a history major. Lucey is excited about studying abroad in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Honors Society. Athletically, she participates at the varsity level in track and field, cross country, and on the swim team. Lucey’s volunteer activities have included helping out at Our Lady of Victory Christmas Fair and assuming the role of assistant coach for the Cape Cod Harriers Running Club. Lucey summarized her Irish heritage when she said, “Being half Irish means more to me than just having easily burnt skin and a multitude of freckles. It is an accumulation of little things; a fascination with an ancient culture, an integration of customs into daily life, and a namesake which makes my Irish heritage so important to me.”

Emily Brouillette

Emily is a senior attending Harwich High School. She will be attending Emmanuel College in the fall as an education major. Emily has excelled academically as evidenced by her honor roll status and success in her AP and honors classes. She is very active beyond the classroom with activities that include yearbook editor, peer mediator, class Treasurer, four years of varsity tennis, and Key Club. Her community involvement has included the Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Walk for Hunger. Emily enjoys spending her spare time with her family. In her essay she wrote, “Growing up in an Irish family has influenced my life significantly. My love of my Irish heritage comes from my grandfather because he took pride in his heritage and learned important values at an early age.”

Meaghan Callahan

Meaghan is a senior at Harwich High School. She would like to attend Boston College in the fall as political science major. Meaghan is the president of the National Honor Society and ranks third in her class academically. She combines an intense academic drive with a warm personality, and excels outside the academic arena by being a member of the select choir, captain of the sailing team, member of the mock trial team and an accomplished violinist. She has been able to take four trips to Ireland, and especially enjoyed that time spent with extended family. Her community service has included the Walk for Hunger and Cranberry Harvest Pancake Breakfast. As quoted in her essay, “My red hair is from my grandmother, my singing voice from my Great-Aunt Kathleen, my love of ice cream is from my grandfather and my determination is from all my relatives that were brave enough to start their lives in a new country.”

Eliza Bowes

Eliza is a senior at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. She will be attending the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth in the fall as a music major. Eliza is an accomplished and talented fiddle player and Scottish Highland Dancer. Her guidance counselor said it best, “When Eliza performs, it brings out some of her best qualities- she self-assured and composed while remaining humble.” She is a member of the National Honor Society, Chamber Orchestra, and Career Day Committee. Eliza has been a valued member of the volleyball team for four years and was named co-captain her senior year. She has won numerous awards in fiddle playing and Scottish Highland dance, also took the initiative to teach fiddle to younger children after school. Eliza’s Irish heritage will be constant as she said, “I plan to keep my ethnicity alive through my music and dance, making sure my family is part of my present and future.”