Lauren Mayhew, a senior at Westfield High School, is a member of the student council, a varsity soccer player, helps coach the Westfield United Soccer mini camps during the fall and summer months and studies lyrical and jazz dance.
AGAWAM – With tears streaming down her face, 17-year-old Lauren D. Mayhew, said she was speechless after being named the 2011 Sons of Erin colleen.
“There are so many things going through my mind,” she said while family and friends crowded around her with hugs, kisses and congratulations.
Winning the crown, Mayhew added, was a tribute to her beloved grandmother and aunt, both of whom have passed away.
“This means more than the crown and flowers,” she said. “I’m here for my grandma and aunt. I know they’re looking down on me. This is all for them.”
Mayhew, a senior at Westfield High School, is a member of the student council, a varsity soccer player, helps coach the Westfield United Soccer mini camps during the fall and summer months and studies lyrical and jazz dance.
Mayhew won the title from a contestant pool of 25 young women during the Sons of Erin 30th annual Colleen Ball held Friday at Chez Josef in Agawam, and will be joined at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 20 by her court, also selected during the event.
The court members named are Hilary L. Brady, 18, Lindsay C. Dodge, 17, and Amy E. Hewins, 18, all of Westfield, as well as Rebecka M. Hills-McGarry, 17, of Southwick.
During the festive evening, an annual tradition that marked a 30-year milestone Friday night, the Westfield parade contingent’s marshal selection was also made, as well as the Sons of Erin Irish man and woman of the year.
Former Westfield Mayor Richard K. Sullivan Jr., state energy and environmental secretary, will head the city’s parade contingent as marshal, a title that he said is “an honor and humbling.”
“It’s an honor to represent Westfield and lead the best band in the parade,” he said, referring to the Westfield High School band.
Sullivan also said he is proud “to follow in the footsteps” of his father, Richard K. Sullivan Sr., and his brother, Brian, both of whom also served as parade marshals in 2001 and 2006, respectively.
Named Irishman of the Year was Ed Tymeson, while Maryalyce Morrissey was selected as Irishwoman of the Year.