Citizenship Award
The Citizenship Award is presented to a person or organization that may be of non-Irish descent that has made substantial contributions to the Parade and/or the Parade Committee.
2026 Citizenship Award Recipient:
The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts
“Each year, the Citizenship Award recognizes an individual or organization whose impact strengthens our community and reflects the values of service, inclusivity, and pride,” said Jim Wildman, 2026 Parade President. “The Miracle League embodies those ideals through their unwavering dedication to making sports accessible to every child. Their work truly reflects the spirit of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.”
Founded in 2015 by Ernie and Tammy Fitzell on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of play, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts provides adaptive baseball to children of all abilities. Through the support of volunteers, families, and community partners, the League has become a beacon of compassion and innovation, fostering friendships, confidence, and community connections for children across Western Massachusetts.
“It is such an incredible honor to be part of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, and we are deeply grateful to the St. Patrick’s Committee for recognizing our mission,” said Kerry Parsons, a member of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts’ Board of Directors. “Each Sunday, our players take the field - many of whom may never have had the chance to play otherwise - and discover not only the game of baseball, but also friendship, confidence and joy. The dedication of the volunteers, who give so much of themselves week after week, is what makes these moments possible. Our board, families and athletes are beyond excited to celebrate together at the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade!”.
The Miracle League’s impact extends beyond the baseball diamond. Its Miracle League Playground for All, located at Kennedy Field in Holyoke, is the city’s first all-abilities park, designed to ensure that children of all physical abilities can play together without limitations.
The Citizenship Award will be formally presented to the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts at the Grand Coronation Ball on Saturday, February 14, 2026. For tickets or more information about the Grand Coronation Ball, please contact Devin Sheehan at devinsheehan413@gmail.com.
The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts has transformed the lives of countless children and families in the region by creating inclusive opportunities for kids of all abilities to play the game of baseball. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that every child, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges, has the chance to play, grow, and belong.
Past Citizenship Award Recipients
1966 Leo J. Simard*
1967 Michael X. Andrews*
1968 Samuel Resnic*
1969 Robert E. Barrett*
1970 Robert K. Steiger*
1971 Fernando “Pat” Paradis*
1972 William Dwight*
1973 Eugene P. Tamburi*
1974 Wayne Alderman*
1975 Edna Williams*
1976 Louis J. Ryback*
1977 Lawrence A. Graham*
1978 Frank H. Cataldo*
1979 R. Robert Grenier*
1980 Robert H. Bourassa*
1981 Jack and Charlie Kramer*
1982 Donald N. Lafrennie*
1983 Frank A. Banks*
1984 Benjamin H. Marcus
1985 Nicholas Cosmos*
1986 Leo W. Simard*
1987 John V. Czelusniak*
1988 William Dwight, Jr.*
1989 Warren A. Rhoades*
1990 Congressman Silvio O’Conte*
1991 William L. Putnam*
1992 Shriners of the Melha Temple
1993 Oscar* and Christopher Bail
1994 Michael A. Zwirko
1995 Holyoke Gas & Electric Department
1996 Congressman John Olver*
1997 Joseph D. LoBello*
1998 Peter Picknelly, Sr.*
1999 Holyoke Department of Public Works Employees
2000 Dr. Harold R. Ratchford*
2001 Sr. Joan A. Ryziewicz
2002 John E. Kane
2003 Michael Corduff, Lawrence Perreault and Peter Rosskothen
2004 David G. Healey
2005 Michael J. Burke*
2006 Hank J. Porten
2007 Sheriff Michael J. Ashe, Jr.
2008 Holyoke Police, Auxiliary Police and Fire Departments
2009 Tommy Leonard*
2010 Barbara C. Bernard*
2011 Thomas P. Moriarty, Jr.*
2012 Massachusetts State Police, Troop B
2013 Douglas A. Bowen
2014 Bob Cameron
2015 Dan Kane
2016 Dinn Bros. Inc., the “Trophy People”
2017 Irma Perez Gourde
2018 Paul Hogan*
2019 Joe Weisse
2020 - 2022 Eileen Curran
2023 - Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
2024 - Billy Harbilas
2025 - Rev. Fr. Robert A. Gentile, Jr.
* Denotes Deceased