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
The impact of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts extends well beyond the baseball field. In 2023, the organization celebrated the opening of the Miracle League Playground for All at Kennedy Park in Holyoke, the city’s first fully inclusive and ADA-accessible playground. Years in the making, the playground features wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play elements, therapeutic swings, and ramps designed to allow children of all abilities to play side by side. Located next to an existing playground, the space was intentionally designed to foster inclusion, connection, and shared experiences for families throughout the community.
More than just baseball or a playground, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts creates a true sense of belonging. Whether on the field or at the park, each experience celebrates ability, determination, and community, ensuring that every athlete and every child has the chance to shine.
The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by Tammy and Ernie Fitzell Jr. with a mission to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. What began as a vision to bring adaptive baseball to local families has grown into a strong regional community rooted in encouragement, teamwork, and joy.
The League’s adaptive baseball program removes barriers to participation by meeting the unique needs of every athlete. With the support of a dedicated Board of Directors, volunteers, families, and community partners, players are empowered to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and experience the pride of being part of a team. The organization’s work is truly a labor of love, driven by a shared commitment to the players and families it serves.
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