George E. O’Connell Award

Born and raised in Holyoke, Johnny is a proud alumnus of Holyoke High School, where he participated in Cross Country and school musicals. He earned an associate degree in Multi-Media from STCC and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University in 2018. Currently, he works at Big Y Foods, Inc. in Longmeadow and is an enthusiastic fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Dave Mathews Band. Additionally, he contributes to political campaigns for various candidates.

During his tenure on the Committee, Johnny has contributed significantly, serving on the Music Committee, Parade Coordination, Grand Marshal’s Reception Committee, and Coronation Ball Committee. He co-chaired the $100 Past President’s Raffle, the Golf Committee, and the Marshal Mania Committee, playing a pivotal role in fundraising for the Parade. He also served as the Parade’s Town Crier, energizing the crowds along the route. Recently, he was elected to the Parade Committee Board of Directors.

Johnny's involvement is deeply rooted in his family history. His mother Eileen, a retired public school teacher and literacy coach, was part of the Parade’s Grand Colleen Court in 1973. His father John, a Holyoke attorney, served as the Grand Marshal from 2020 to 2022. His Grandfather, Dr. John J. Driscoll, was the 1960 Parade Grand Marshal and the 1973 George E. O’Connell Award recipient. His sister Nora also joined the Colleen Court in 2002.

As the unofficial countdown keeper for Parade Weekend, Johnny eagerly anticipates marching this year with his family, including his parents, sisters Nora and Kat, brothers-in-law Joe and Matt, and his nieces and nephew.