WESTFIELD — Twelve contestants competing to be the 2026 Sons of Erin colleen gathered on the morning of Jan. 18 to have their photos taken, get to know each other, and learn about all the responsibilities of the colleen and her court.
The breakfast meet-and-greet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each contestant brings her own personality, drive and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community. It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Jan. 18 and to read their accomplishments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said.
The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
The judging process takes place over two days. Every year, Oleksak said the committee works very hard to have an unbiased three-person judging panel in order to give all of the contestants a fair shot at the crown. Judges cannot live or work in Westfield, they cannot be a member of the Sons of Erin and must not know any of the contestants.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up 25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
Tickets for the Colleen Ball at the Tekoa Country Club, which is open to the public, are $75 — $30 for children —and may be purchased at the Sons of Erin on 22 William St. Checks are payable to SOE Colleen Ball or on Venmo at @SOEColleen-Committee. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Jan. 26.
Cocktail hour begins at the Tekoa Country Club at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m., and the main event starts immediately afterward. Music by The Bards and dancing will follow.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
