“I’ve been involved in the Irish community for years. I’ve been a
competitive Irish dancer since I was 5, for the Bell School of Irish
Dance,” Bench says. “Now that I am in college, I still dance for Penn
State’s Irish Dance team, Rince na Leon. Both of my mom’s parents
are from Ireland, so my heritage is definitely a big part of my life that is
expressed and talked about often.”
Bench is a freshman at Penn State University where she majors in
kinesiology. She has also served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion, a member of the Kinesiology Club and a member of the
Dancer Relations Committee of THON.
“It was truly an honor to be a part of this year’s Miss Smiling Irish
Eyes court. I had an amazing time and was so proud to be able to
(L to r): Megan Rohde, Sydney Diulus and Colleen Bench with
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
represent the Pittsburgh Irish community,” Bench says. “I am grateful
for the opportunity, and met some really great people — especially
Sydney and Megan.”
Being part of the court also comes with a $500 scholarship to help
with school costs.
The title of Miss Smiling Irish Eyes has been presented for more
than 50 years. The queen and her court participate in various festivi-
ties held the week leading up to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and also
have the honor of participating in the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day
parade in the country.
“Crowning Pittsburgh’s Miss Smiling Irish Eyes is always one of the
highlights of my year. This year is no exception, and I congratulate
Sydney, Colleen and Megan on the honor of representing our commu-
nity,” says Fitzgerald. “In this community, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebra-
tion of all things Irish, even by some who are only Irish in spirit. On
St. Patrick’s Day, we welcome them all.”
Pittsburgh’s Miss Smiling Irish Eyes is open to all local young wom-
en who meet the following criteria:
• A single woman, between the ages of 17 and 22, of Irish birth or
descent, currently residing in the Pittsburgh area.
• An outstanding representative of the Irish community of Pitts-
burgh by demonstrating excellent moral character, ethical ideals
and poise.
• Actively promote pride in her Irish heritage and ancestry, and
show a dedicated involvement to local civic and charitable orga-
nizations.
For more information on the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes award or the
St. Patrick’s Day parade, go to pittsburghirish.org. ■
Keystone Oaks | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 17