By Nisali Fernando – Entertainment Editor

Royalty walks the halls of Jonathan Law in the person of Colleen Hugo.

Hugo, a junior at Jonathan Law High School, was recently awarded the prestigious title of Miss Emerald Isle. This honor is annually awarded to one young woman in the Milford community who embraces her Irish roots.

During the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11 at the Milford Green, Hugo will be enrobed in a beautiful gown, tiara in tow, greeting her friends, family, and fellow community members.

“I wanted to be Miss Emerald Isle because I had always seen her in the parade from the time I was little, and it looked like a fun thing to do,” Hugo said. “It also seemed very honorable to me to be part of Milford’s annual ‘royal Irish family’.”

Aside from an appearance at the parade, Hugo’s duties as Miss Emerald Isle require her attendance at the dinner at which she is crowned, a ceremony at city hall to raise the Irish flag, a pancake breakfast, and the Milford Irish heritage festival in September.

“I’ve also only been in the parade once before (when I was a Girl Scout), so I’m thrilled to be part of it again,” Hugo said.

Hugo heard of the opportunity through Eagle Eye News and despite her loss the year before, she persisted and with her essay submission and successful interview was awarded the honorary title.

Her friends and classmates are convinced Hugo was royalty before her coronation and believe she is very deserving of her success.

“I believe Colleen embodies Miss Emerald Isle as she is a natural leader and she has always been proud of her heritage for as long as I have known her,” junior Grace Piselli said. “Colleen is kind and supportive, and is quite fit be named to the position she holds.”

Though this contest highlighted Hugo’s caring nature and plethora of extracurricular activities, she also had to learn more about her Irish heritage.

“While writing the essay, I had to learn more about my ancestry because I wasn’t entirely clear on it- but after I called up relatives and did research, I felt much more pride in being Irish,” Hugo said. “Attending the dinner, flag raising, and breakfast with the society also helped me to feel much more apart of Milford’s Irish community.”

Hugo decided to research her family roots for what seemed like a requirement for a fun contest and managed instead to reconnect with her culture.

Her demeanor and devotion to her heritage prove why she snagged the crown.

“Colleen has such a good heart and devotes her time to helping others, I think this enthusiasm for community service shows how she embodies miss emerald isles,” junior Rhea Grant said.

The Law and Milford communities are ecstatic to support their fellow community member this coming week at the parade.

“I’m extremely excited to see Colleen at the parade! She has been looking forward to the event for months and has been ardently preparing for it,” Piselli said. “I’m excited to see Colleen show her Irish spirit and hold an important position in the parade.”

Hugo implored next year’s winner to have fun with the entire experience because it goes by quickly and to practice their wave and signature.