The next day in New England, loads of green-clad, Irish cap-wearing students and faculty families celebrated a St. Patrick’s Day party of their own in the Bl. Frassati Student Center.
Everything was covered in green and shamrocks in honor of the great patron of Ireland. For entertainment, a large group of students played and sang traditional Irish folk songs, encouraging the crowd to sing along and clap with the music. Anna Mae Hinkle (’24) and Cecilia Macik (’27) amazed the crowd with three Irish step dance routines, a first for the New England campus.
After the music and dancing came time for the Irish soda-bread competition. All manner of soda bread was on the judging table, including traditional Irish recipes, sourdough varieties, and even one sans raisins. The judges carefully sampled each entry during the musical performances, debating over texture and tastiness. Finally, they announced the best overall winner: a loaf baked by Helen Hoff (’27) and second-time winner Cecilia Alvarez (’24).
“I was really surprised to win again,” said Cecilia. “Helen and I had a lot of fun baking it together, so I’m glad it turned out well!”
