Maria Regina High School’s acclaimed, history-making marching band, which made its debut five years ago, will again stand out as the only all-girls ensemble to participate in the 265th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11 AM, Tuesday, March 17.
Their participation will also coincide with Ronald Hicks’ first celebration of the world’s largest parade honoring the patron saint of Ireland as the new Archbishop of New York. On December 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, appointed Bishop Hicks to succeed Timothy Cardinal Dolan as the 11th Archbishop of New York.
Archbishop Hicks will continue the tradition of his predecessors in reviewing the parade procession, which will include Maria Regina’s ensemble from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.
The talented musicians and their music director, Steven Finkelstein, will be accompanied by a contingent of Maria Regina’s students, parents, alumnae, and members of the administration and faculty. As many as two million spectators are expected to line both sides of the route from 44th Street to 79th Street.
Principal Maria Carozza-McCaffrey (Class of ’99) said: “Maria Regina is absolutely thrilled that our trailblazing all-girls marching band will participate in this historic moment as we celebrate and welcome Archbishop Hicks,” adding: “Our amazing musicians look forward and are very proud to delight the throngs of St. Patrick’s Day celebrants with their distinctive, joyful musicianship, precision marching and colorful attire.”
As in prior years, Maria Regina’s ever-popular marching band has been invited to participate in several other St. Patrick’s Day parades in the region. They include:
● City of White Plains, 12 noon, Saturday, March 14
● Throggs Neck, morning, Sunday, March 15
● Eastchester, 1:00 pm Sunday, March 15
● City of Yonkers at 1 PM, Saturday, March 21
● Sound Shore Parade in Mamaroneck, 1:30 PM, Saturday, March 22
Members of the Maria Regina marching band are:
BELLS
Francesca Costa, Yonkers
Kailyn Quinones, Yonkers
Naomi Castellanos, Port Chester
DRUMS
Skyla Fred, Bronx
Diamond Ogebolu, Elmsford
Nicolina Galaz, White Plains
Celeste Korcz, Peekskill
Crystal Delgado, Mount Vernon
Madison Walker, Elmsford
Darianny Fernandez, New York City
BANNER CARRIERS:
Sophia Angelopoulos and Rachael Angelopoulos, Hartsdale, will carry the banner for the White Plains, New York City, Yonkers, Throggs Neck, and Eastchester parades
Maria Regina High School Mission
Maria Regina High School is a Catholic school where young women are encouraged
to achieve academic excellence, empowered to be compassionate, empowered to be
compassionate leaders, and enriched with the Spirit to live a life of Charity, Truth, and service to others. To learn more, visit www.mariaregina.org
