Although experiencing great success in our programs, the economy has also affected the level of financial support that is needed, as well as depleting the number of volunteers required to continue these contests at the level of excellence we all desire. Please consider assisting us in one way or another. Financial sponsorships are $10 up to $350 for a total budget of $700 for each of these events; we would like to have our budget secured by September 30 to ensure we have the means to continue their promotion. Volunteers are needed at any of the specific programs; for planning a specific event of interest; or to serve on the Colleen Programs Committee year-round. Please contact Ann.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire Committee announces exciting 2011 opportunities to recognize all young women with at least a wee bit of Irish ancestry. The 3rd annual Arizona Irish Lass program for teens (ages 13-17) and the 4th annual Little Miss Shamrock (ages 6-12) selections will be held back-to-back on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. Tickets are $3 per person at the door, which includes light refreshments.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Ann Niemann, Chair of the Arizona Colleen Programs, to be a part of our email list as details are finalized. She is available at ann@azcolleen.org or 602-568-3455. Applications (one-page contact information, a recent close-up photo, and $20 nonrefundable fee for t-shirt and participation costs), can be submitted immediately and will be available on the website at www.azcolleen.org or you can request one to be mailed. Next, each young lady completes an official questionnaire about her interests, school, family, about being Irish, and career aspirations. In honor of the great Irish poets and writers, Lasses complete a short essay selecting one of three 2011 topics.

Both programs help build self-confidence and poise on stage. At their Selection, each girl gives a brief introduction of herself while her questionnaire forms the basis from which a three member judges’ panel asks questions during her on-stage interview. For the talent portion, young ladies may use their time to present one or more interests such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument, reciting a poem, telling a story, sharing about athletic achievements, bringing a food item they’ve prepared in advance for the judges to taste, examples of artwork, and any other variety. We can help her be creative; just ask for coaching in this area. Lasses may use a PowerPoint as part of their talent to better depict their skills and awards. Read and follow all the guidelines for competition.

Again this year, Queen Beatrice from the Arizona Renaissance Festival, has been invited to be one of the judges for the Shamrocks. She and a loyal knight participate in full costume and will issue an invitation for all the titleholders to join her for a joust and to perform their talent during Celtic weekend in March 2011.

Two titleholders are selected for each program and receive a tiara, flowers, and gifts and will debut at the Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection (ages 18-27) on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at the Herberger Theatre in Phoenix. They represent the Irish Community at area events throughout their reign. All contestants are invited to ride in the 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2011. New this year, Jack and Mary Moriarty are presenting a $100 scholarship to each of the 2011 Lass titleholders.

For more information about participating, details will soon be posted at www.azcolleen.org or contact Ann at the information above.