Congratulations Queen Kerry!
Kerry Elizabeth Barley, 2010 Queen Colleen
Sponsors: Ann and Michael O’Neill
Kerry is a junior at Metropolitan State College of Denver where she is majoring in Speech Communications and Human Services. She is a member of Metro’s Urban Leadership Program and is also the treasurer of the Communications Honor Society. Upon graduation, she plans on continuing her education and pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Kerry gets her name from County Kerry, which her mother, Deb, discovered during studies at the University College, Galway, Ireland.
“I want to follow in the ways of St. Patrick and be a great speaker and leader,” says Kerry, who also mentioned how she has been influenced by her family’s Irish heritage.
Kerry intends to promote Irish unity and cultural identity utilizing her organizational and leadership skills.
Kerry grew up watching the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade from the sidewalks of downtown Denver. As a member of a step dancing group, she participates as a dancer in four parades. Now, as Queen Colleen, she will represent the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee throughout the year and will reign in the 48th annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
First Runner Up - Caitlin O’Conner Shobe
Sponsor: Colorado United Irish Societies
Caitlin is a full-time student in her senior year at the University of Colorado, where she is studying Economics. She plans on continuing her education working to obtain a second Bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master’s degree in Finance.
She has been an accounting intern for the Weitz Company, a construction firm in Englewood. She is also the Managing Financial Partner for Kerreen O’Connor Irish Goods in Littleton.
Caitlin’s involvement in the Irish community has included work as treasurer of the Colorado Youth Pipe Band and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado United Irish Societies. She was also committee chair for the 2009 Colorado Irish Festival. She also has led an Irish dance group that has appeared with various pipe bands in the Denver area.
“It is incredibly important for us to start getting younger generations more involved in the Irish community,” Caitlin believes.
Second Runner Up – Taylor May
Sponsor: Sonata Laser Aesthetics
Taylor is in her first year at the Community College of Denver seeking a marketing degree with a minor in business.
She volunteers with Imagine!, a community-centered organization for people with developmental disabilities, serving as a companion/support staff for recreational outings and in a group-home setting.
Taylor is enthusiastic about participating in the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee events and wants to use her social network to share her Irish heritage and promote the Parade Committee.
Kelly Kretschmar, Queen Colleen 2008-2009
Sponsor: The American Legion Post #1
Looking back on my reign as Queen Colleen 2008-09 is indescribable. I have bonded with people, who, without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have connected with. I am filled with endless positive memories, which I will always keep with me. Some of the fondest are the 2008 and 2009 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parades, the Greeley parade, Pub Crawls, and countless other events.
It has been an incredible blessing to represent the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. To the outstanding committee members, thank you for an unforgettable experience and opportunity. The kindness and generosity I have received leaves me speechless.
I would also like to thank my sponsor, American Legion Post 1, who made this experience possible. I would like also to thank everyone who has supported me and believed in me, including my family and God.
To the next Queen Colleen: Best of wishes.
Former Queen Colleens:
Top Row, left to right: Elizabeth (Solomon) Hawkins - 1987; Erin O’Neill - 2002; Erin Hartman - 2006; Corinne Rogan - 1st Runner-Up - 1979; Maureen (Gargan) Caldwell - 1978; Sara Myers - 2007; Bottom Row, left to right: Laura Elaine (Morales) Loughry - 1989; Caitlin Hamilton - 2004; Clairisa Smith - 2005; Kelly Kretschmar - 2008 & 2009; Keelin (Rosaleen) Burke - 2000; Jeanne Wallace - 1981; Debi (Dorrough) Wein - 1971
Would You Like To Be The
2011 Queen Of Our Parade?
The Denver
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
2011 Queen Colleen
Candidate entry forms will be available online in July.
The 2011 Queen Colleen Coronation
will be held October/November 2010.
Event Sponsors For The
2010 Queen Colleen
Coronation
Colorado Emerald Society
American Legion Post 1
Sam’s Liquors at Sam’s Club, Aurora Pkwy.
– Bob Archibald
SPECIAL THANKS
Clairisa Smith – Gifts for Candidates
Cyndi Murren Swift – Candidate Support
Shawn Hegarty – Candidate Support
Linda and Michael Foley – Event Support
Kim Harrison – Odd Bits –
Jewelry for the Queen and her Court
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Celtic Tavern at Riverside Downs –
Littleton, Colo.
Queen Colleen
Committee 2010
Beth Wiseman-Kline – Co-Chair
Kelly Kretschmar – Co-Chair
Clairisa Smith – Co-Chair
Cyndi Murren Swift – Board Liaison
Maureen Caldwell
Terri Carrigan
Linda Foley
Michael Foley
Emily Frazzini
Doc Powell
Bob O’Haire
Pat Richardson
Mary Watson
Linda Wilson
Special Recognition:
Louann Nelson
Judy Repp
Parade Info:
Thanks to all our sponsors!
