Simmons student and Miss Massachusetts Collegiate USA walks in St. Patrick’s Day parade

Laura Donohue (middle) with Miss Boston and Miss Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of Laura Donohue.

Simmons senior and Miss Massachusetts Collegiate USA Laura Donohue walked alongside Miss Boston and Miss Massachusetts in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston on March 20.

Donohue is a political science major and said she was thrilled to represent her state and see the support from Boston and Simmons at the parade. 

“It was honestly so much fun,” said Donohue. “I saw half of Simmons there!” 

Laura Donohue’s Miss Massachusetts Collegiate USA headshot.

“So many young women had that look of ‘you’re what I want to be when I grow up,’” said Donohue, a choreographer for the Simmons University Dance Company. 

Donahue said she felt excitement and support from the entire crowd. “Boston really supports pageant queens in a way I don’t see in many other cities,” said Donohue. 

Donohue cites her time at Simmons as something that helped give her the confidence needed to be Miss Massachusetts Collegiate USA. “I feel like I’ve become more empowered to do pageants from going to Simmons,” said Donohue.

Donohue won their title in November, after what they describe as an “extensive interview process.”

Donohue will be representing Massachusetts in the national Miss Collegiate USA pageant this summer, after graduating from Simmons. She is considering going to graduate school for secondary education and public policy after the pageant. 

Olivia Ray

Olivia Ray is 22News’ State House Reporter. She’s proud to create meaning-making TV coverage of state politics for western Massachusetts viewers. She graduated from Simmons University in May 2024 with a BA in Journalism and minors in Political Science, History, and Integrated Media. Olivia is passionate about cycling, good coffee, affordable housing, and making politics accessible.

Previous
Previous

Lauren Weintraub encapsulates heartbreak with new single “Missing You”

Next
Next

Cuban sensation Daymé Arocena talks inspiration before headlining Berklee event