Allison, who has only recently moved to Verdun, says that she loves the tight-knit community feel of the borough and it's proximity to everything.
Allison Pollack celebrates her Irish heritage
Most little girls want to be princesses in their childhood, but Allison Pollack has found that some dreams can be delayed and still mean just as much in adulthood. The 24-year-old Verdun resident will be one of the princesses at this year's St. Patrick's Day parade, this Sunday, March 18.
The minute you speak to Allison you realize that, while the selection for the Queen and her court, by the Irish United Societies, may sound a little antiquated, it has nothing to do with royalty and beauty contests, and everything to do with Irish heritage and public speaking.
Allison speaks eloquently and enthusiastically about the three rounds of public speaking she was judged and eventually chosen on and it's clear to anyone that this young student considers her selection a true honour and not just a chance to have an excellent vantage point for Montreal's most popular parade.
Reconnecting with her Irish heritage
"My father was born in Ireland and came here with his family at a very young age. I grew up having traditional Irish barley and chicken soup after church every Sunday, made by my Irish grandmother," she explains.
"But it wasn't until I became part of this event that I truly became involved with the United Irish Societies and reconnected with my Irish heritage," she explains.
More than anything, the past 2 months have been an eye-opening experience for the young Verdunite, as she came to realize the indispensable work that the United Irish Societies does for the Montreal community.
"We visited senior citizens who can't come out to the parade," says Allison. "We've gone to the Shriner's Hospital and the Montreal Children's Hospital and I've been honoured to be a part of it all."
St. Patrick's Day parade is the undisputed highlight
Having just submitted her Master's thesis two weeks ago (Allison is studying for her Master's in Food Science), she is now free to enjoy the final countdown to the parade and take it all in without the added stress of school.
"I can't even tell you how much I'm looking forward to the parade," she exclaims. "I know it will go by too fast and I want to make sure to relish the moment and enjoy it all."
par Toula Foscolos 
Steven Guilbeault - 
