Miss Smiling Irish Eyes, Court Member Have Edgewood Connections

Maggie Marie Donaldson, a student at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood, has been crowned as Miss Smiling Irish Eyes 2013.

Shea Shovlin of Edgewood is one of this year's Miss Smiling Irish Eyes’ court maidens, as is Erin Marie McMahon of South Park.

"Maggie, Shea and Erin are outstanding examples of the amazing young people that call Pittsburgh and Allegheny County home," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, who crowned the three young woman during a ceremony Friday. "Contrary to the perception of young people that many have, these three young women are engaged and accomplished students who are volunteers in the community who actively promote their Irish heritage.”

Maggie, the daughter of Tom and Lilli Donaldson, resides in West Deer Township. A student at Deer Lakes High School and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, she is an honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society. She is the Class of 2013 vice president, the student body government vice president and the valedictorian of the Class of 2013. 

Maggie lettered in track, volleyball, cheerleading and softball, and serves as president of the junior Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians-Division 23. Of her many volunteer efforts, Maggie organized volunteers to do the hair, makeup and nails for attendees of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Prom in 2012 and 2013. She also arranged a drive to collect prom gowns for the students at the school. 

After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in biology, to pursue a career in marine biology, specializing in environmental issues and the impact on marine life.

Shea Shovlin resides in Edgewood and is a senior honors student at Oakland Catholic High School. She plans on attending Rutgers University in the fall.

Erin Marie McMahon is from South Park. She is a senior and honor student at South Park High School, and intends to attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.

The crowning of Miss Smiling Irish Eyes is a tradition that dates back to the late 1960s when the Allegheny County Commissioners crowned the queen in session. The county executive now has the honor and privilege of crowning her.

Miss Smiling Irish Eyes must be a single woman between the ages of 17 and 22, of Irish birth or descent, of good moral character, and an active promoter of her Irish ancestry. As part of her duties, Miss Smiling Irish Eyes participates in ceremonial functions leading up to and including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

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