Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque (center), is surrounded by members of her court (from left), Madelynne “Maddie” Szemela, Summer Smith, Samantha Machos, Hannah Newsome and Zoie Leopardi.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
AGAWAM — Waiting with the five other contenders vying to become Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque was nervous, but tried her best to stay calm.
Her anxiety quickly turned to joy when her name was announced as the new colleen.
“I’m very excited to be the colleen, but it was surreal to hear my name called,” said Levesque afterwards, adding that she didn’t expect to win. “In all honesty. I was with a bunch of great girls, very experienced, very knowledgeable, sweet, beautiful girls. They’re amazing,” said Levesque.
The 20-year-old was crowned at the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee’s 24th annual coronation event last Saturday night, Feb. 7, at St. Anne’s Country Club in Feeding Hills. The five runners-up selected for Levesque court are Zoie Leopardi, Samantha Machos, Hannah Newsome, Summer Smith and Madelynne “Maddie” Szemela.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
Levesque is a graduate of Agawam High School and now attends Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing in Hamden, Connecticut. At Quinnipiac, she’s the treasurer-elect for the nurses’ association. Levesque also job shadows in the Pediatric Procedures Unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
She started Irish step dancing when she was very young. Once she learned everything about her Irish heritage, Levesque knew that becoming colleen was an option for her. “It had been on my mind ever since high school. But it just never panned out for me — it was never a good time. I was always busy or there was some other event going on and I couldn’t commit myself.”
But Levesque believes everything happens for a reason and waiting to become colleen was fortitudinous. “I definitely think that waiting those few years worked in my favor. I was able to gain some public speaking skills and become more confident about myself. I’m definitely not the same person I was two years ago.”
Levesque said representing Agawam as its colleen means a lot to her, adding she has some “big shoes to fill.” Levesque has dreamed of this moment since she was little, so she believes she’s prepared for her new role.
“I’m excited to see the younger kids along the parade route in Holyoke. I’m going into a pediatric nursing setting, so it will be great to see all the younger kids, especially knowing that I used to be there,” she said. “They’re going to be looking up at me now. I want to serve as their role model. It’s going to be very rewarding for me this year as colleen.”
A panel of three out-of-town judges made the difficult decision to choose Levesque. Judges based their decision on contestants’ biographies, interviews and essays they wrote. They were asked about their academics, athletics, extra-curriculars/volunteer activities as well as interest in their Irish heritage.
Levesque and her court will represent Agawam at the 73nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, which is Sunday, March 22. They also will attend numerous events and functions throughout the year, including Agawam’s Memorial Day Parade.
Smith won the William Pfau Cultural Award for her essay about a person of Irish descent — living or deceased — who made a significant difference in her life. All contestants were required to write a 200- to 300-word essay on this topic.
In her essay, Smith wrote about her father Sahwn who “profoundly shaped” her life. “He has steadfast loyalty to our family, continuously displays perseverance, despite daily challenges that come with an autoimmune disorder and has offered me his strength and guidance as not only my coach in athletics, but also as one of my biggest role models,” wrote Smith.
Karen Pfau Turmel, the daughter of William Pfau, a founding member of Agawam’s St. Patrick’s Committee in 1999, presented the award on behalf of her family. She said her dad was “a very proud Irishman” who wanted to share his knowledge and love of his Irish heritage not only with his family but also with his community.
“He was a blend of wit and warmth, had an amazing work ethic, was fiercely loyal, loving, very involved with all of our activities. He carried a strong sense of humor, was a vivid storyteller, and a man of great faith. The two greatest legacy’s he left us are love of family and love of his Irish heritage. My family and I are thankful to the committee for continuing to keep his legacy alive,” said Turmel.
Abaigeal “Abbie” Fiore, president of the committee, said the coronation was. “a wonderful evening.” She added that the colleen and her court did a great job of sharing what their culture means to them. “They shared their talents, passion and achievements in academics, athletics and extra-curricular activities. We’re very excited as a committee to share the Irish season with them.”
At the coronation event, the committee also presented awards to three individuals – all Agawam residents — who will lead the Agawam contingency on parade day.
Former Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli was named parade marshal for contributing to the growth of the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee.
The Anne Sullivan Award was presented to Kristine Sills, the committee’s new vice president, for her exceptional volunteerism in her community that “epitomizes the values” represented by Sullivan. A Feeding Hills native, Sullivan was the companion and teacher to Helen Keller.
Agawam Junior High School teacher Lisa Bruno Santaniello received the Vera Conway Citizenship Award in recognition of her “extraordinary dedication” to education and community service.
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