Alison Burns, a senior at High School North, was crowned 2013 Miss St. Patrick on January 13 at the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Burns, who began studying Irish Dancing at the DeNogla School of Irish Dance when she was seven years old, has often danced in the Trenton St. Patrick Day parades. She learned about the scholarship program through her experiences with Irish dancing and became determined to become Miss St. Patrick. This was her first time entering the contest.
The contest is open to New Jersey residents who are single and never-married women of American citizenship and Irish ancestry between 17 and 21. They must attend a Mercer County school or college, have a parent, grandparent, or a sponsor belonging to a Mercer County Irish organization, or they must be a member in good standing in a Mercer County Irish organization. Eligible organizations include the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Sons and Daughters of Erin, the Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick, the Emerald Society, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Division, or the Original St. Patrick’s Parade & Scholarship Committee at Hamilton.
Burns had to submit an original essay titled “My Irish Heritage and Why It Is Important to Me” and a letter of recommendation from a community member. The Miss St. Patrick contest is divided into four categories that were evaluated separately by a panel of judges. The categories include an achievement as presented in the application, an essay evaluation, a personal interview with the judges, and final selection process.
Burns’ achievements include being involved in St. Paul’s Church in Princeton as a teen leader of the youth group, as well as being a member of the Trenton Diocese Youth Council. She received the St. Timothy Award in 2009, presented by Bishop O’Connell to young men or women for outstanding leadership and service to their church and community.
In 2010 she received the Billy Briggs scholarship and went to Donegal, Ireland, to attend the Gaeltacht to learn about the language, culture, music, and sports of the Irish homeland. She also is working toward EMT certification with Twin “W” rescue squad.
Burns, who has been speaking Mandarin Chinese since she was in the fourth grade, is in the honors class. She is planning to major in Asian and international studies at a Catholic university.
