2026 Colleen Court

Bridie is a Holyoke native and the daughter of Maureen and Brian Bowler. She was raised alongside her sister, Maisie, in a family with strong Irish roots on both sides. Her maternal heritage traces to Dingle and County Kerry, with relatives currently living in Peterswell, County Galway, while her paternal ancestors emigrated from the West Dingle Peninsula.

Bridie graduated from Smith Academy in 2022, where she was deeply involved in student leadership and the arts. She served as vice president of her class for all four years and was editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper. A dedicated performer, Bridie participated in the school musical every year beginning in seventh grade, fostering a lifelong passion for theater.

In the fall of 2022, Bridie enrolled at Mount Holyoke College, majoring in Film, Media, Theater, and English. She completed her graduation requirements a semester early and remained actively engaged in campus theater, participating in a production each semester and earning lead roles in two shows.

From January to May of 2025, she studied abroad at the University of Galway in Ireland, further strengthening her academic and cultural connection to her heritage.

Bridie has gained professional experience as a stage manager with Starlight Youth Theater and has worked at Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream for five years, where she was recently promoted to supervisor. She also works as a nanny and babysitter.

In her free time, Bridie enjoys writing and has completed a full-length novel. She hopes to build a career in theater and one day live and work in a major city.

Anna is a Holyoke native and the daughter of Michael and Kim Evans. She was raised alongside her sister, Katherine, in a family proud of its Irish heritage, with ancestral roots in County Donegal and County Monaghan.

Anna graduated from South Hadley High School in 2021 with a 4.16 GPA, where she was a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, and track, a member of the National Honor Society, and a two-time Purple Heart Voice of Democracy Scholarship recipient.

In 2022, Anna enrolled at Siena College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. During her time at Siena, she served as a resident assistant, earned Dean’s List recognition, and was treasurer of the Biochemistry Club.

She conducted undergraduate research on CLC Porphyrin Synthesis, which she presented at the Academic Showcase. Anna also remained active in service, volunteering with Best Buddies and the Social Work Club.

A defining part of Anna’s college experience was studying abroad in Siena, Italy, where she became proficient in Italian and earned certification as a base-level Emergency Medical Technician in the Tuscan region. While abroad, she also assisted Pakistani refugees with cultural assimilation. Anna graduated from Siena College in 2025 with a 3.5 GPA.

Currently, Anna is completing additional science prerequisites at Springfield Technical Community College and works as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke.

In August 2025, she joined the Air National Guard as an Enlisted Airman First Class and will attend Basic Military Training and Technical School in 2026 for Aircraft Armament Systems.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Anna enjoys fitness, travel, and time with family and friends. Having visited 18 states and 22 countries, she plans to apply to Physician Assistant graduate programs and pursue a career in medicine.

Paige is a proud Holyoke native and the daughter of James and Eileen Leahy. She is one of three children, with a brother, Brendan, and an older sister, Caroline. Deeply connected to her Irish heritage, Paige traces her family roots to Dingle in County Kerry; Faulmore in County Mayo; and Counties Waterford and Cavan. Her paternal grandfather immigrated to the United States from Dingle, County Kerry, in 1963, a legacy that continues to shape her identity today.

Paige is a 2024 graduate of St. Mary’s Parish High School in Westfield, where she distinguished herself both academically and as a leader. She was elected Senior Class President and served as Vice President of the Student Council.

A dedicated student-athlete, Paige competed in soccer, basketball, and softball, earning varsity letters in soccer and basketball all four years and serving as captain of the basketball team during her senior season. She was also Head Editor of the Yearbook Committee and a four-year member of the Respect Life Club.

Her achievements include selection to the Pioneer Valley High School Art Show and being a recipient of the John Boyle O’Riley Club Scholarship.

Currently, Paige is a freshman at Our Lady of the Elms College, majoring in nursing and studying Gaelic. She volunteers extensively in her community and works as a babysitter, banquet server at the Log Cabin, and staff member at the Holyoke Children’s Museum, while also working summers as a farmhand at Long Plain Farm.

A member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Paige hopes to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, pursue a career as a pediatric nurse, and ultimately become a nurse practitioner.

Olivia is a Holyoke native and the daughter of John and Theresa Royland. She has two sisters, Abigail and Amanda, and comes from a family with strong Irish heritage. Her maternal ancestry traces to County Mayo, while her paternal roots come from Counties Kerry and Cork.

Olivia received a Christian, classical homeschool education through Classical Conversations, completing honors and college-level coursework. She earned the distinction of “Memory Master,” demonstrating full mastery of the program’s memorization curriculum.

During her studies, Olivia participated in Mock Trial, Team Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, defended a senior thesis, and remained active in Evangel Theater.

She is currently enrolled full-time at Holyoke Community College, where she has been studying toward a music degree. While at HCC, Olivia has earned Dean’s List recognition, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has performed as a soloist in multiple college concerts.

Outside of academics, Olivia works as a baker and barista at Circuit Coffee in Westfield and is a professional Christmas caroler at the Student Prince in Springfield. Since 2020, she has served as a worship leader at Cornerstone Church and has spent the past five years mentoring youth and serving the congregation through music.

Olivia is committed to service and has volunteered with the Springfield Rescue Mission, Convoy of Hope, and the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. In 2025, she served at the New York City Dream Center. In her free time, she studies theology, history, and the arts.

Olivia plans to continue mentoring others, grow in her musical education, and build a faith-centered future.

Amanda is a Holyoke native and the daughter of Theresa and John Royland. She has two sisters, Olivia and Abigail, and comes from a family with strong Irish roots. Her maternal ancestry traces to County Mayo, while her paternal lineage comes from Counties Kerry and Cork. Amanda’s family history is deeply connected to Holyoke through her grandfather, Peter Delaney, a descendant of John Delaney, a stone mason who helped construct the city’s canal system and several local landmarks.

Amanda is currently a twelfth-grade homeschool student through Classical Conversations and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2026. Her classical education emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and rigorous academics. She memorized world cartography in seventh grade, served as Class Administrator for mock trials in eighth and ninth grades, and for the past two years has led student discussions in theology, world history, debate, and literature.

She has also studied Latin and completed a semester of music theory, composing original pieces. Beyond academics, Amanda works as a personal care assistant providing overnight care for an elderly patient.

She is a dance teacher and choreographer with High Praise Dance Ministry and has trained extensively in tumbling and acrobatics. Through her church’s youth ministry, she volunteers with programs serving the elderly, food shelters, community gardens, and children.

Amanda has participated in mission trips to Northern Ireland, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Ireland, supporting children’s camps, food pantries, and nonprofit outreach.

In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, guitar, and ukulele, writing music, and leading worship. She plans to apply for Irish citizenship, intern in Dundalk, Ireland, attend cosmetology school, and continue mission-based service.