2026 Grand Colleen Pageant Finalists Announced
Celebrating 70 years of the Holyoke Colleen Tradition
Holyoke, Massachusetts – The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke held the 70th annual Grand Colleen Pageant on January 3rd, 2026. Fifteen young women competed to become 2026 Holyoke Grand Colleen finalists.
Eligible applicants were between the ages of 17 and 22 as of March 17, 2026; be single (never married and without children); reside in Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, or South Hadley; and be able to trace their Irish ancestry.
Contestants completed an application highlighting their involvement in school, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, special interests, and future aspirations. Earlier today, the contestants participated in personal interviews with the judges followed by the evening program at Holyoke High School. During the pageant, each contestant was introduced to the community and took the stage in evening wear before judges, family members, friends, and local residents.
Scores from both the interviews and the evening program were combined to select the five Colleens. In addition, the contestants themselves vote to recognize a fellow participant with the “Miss Congeniality” award, honoring the individual who best embodies kindness, support, and friendship throughout the experience.
While the judges were tabulating the scores, the 2025 Grand Colleen, Moira Catherine Reardon gave a farewell speech with her court, Erin Marie Gauthier, Abigail Katherine Huebner, Erin Frances O’Donnell, and Maura Catherine Joseph, who was also Miss Congeniality. Additionally, many former Grand Colleens, Colleen Court and Miss Congeniality members were recognized as part of the celebration of the 70th Grand Colleen Pageant.
With the scores tabulated, the five finalists are:
Paige Brady Leahy, 19 (Holyoke)
Jadyn Christie, 19 (South Hadley)
Bridie Bowler, 22 (Holyoke)
Anna Mary Evans, 22 (Holyoke)
Olivia Rose Royland, 20 (Holyoke)
The Bonnie Baker Award for Ms. Congeniality was also announced, and who was chosen by the contestants as the young woman who was the most helpful, kind, and personable. The 2026 Ms. Congeniality is Amanda Royland, 17 (Holyoke).
The Grand Colleen will be selected at the 70th Coronation Ball and Awards Night on Saturday, February 14 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. For more details or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://holyokestpatricksparade.com/events/2025-grand-colleen-coronation-ball-ratrn
The Colleen Pageant is part of Holyoke’s larger St. Patrick’s season, which concludes with the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
MORE INFO:
www.holyokestpatricksparade.com
Facebook: @HolyokeStPatsCommittee
Instagram: @holyokestpatricksparade
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