Holyoke Community Honors Late President John F.

Kennedy with Annual Award

On Friday, members of the Holyoke community came together to celebrate the life of President John F.

Kennedy before the big parade.

This annual celebration includes presenting an award in his name to a resident of the area who has distinguished themselves in their chosen field.

This year, actor Lenny Jacobson was awarded the John F Kennedy National Award by the Saint Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke.

Jacobson, a Holyoke native, expressed that receiving the award was one of the great honors of his life.

He has a successful career in Hollywood, starring in TV shows and movies like Modern Family and the Steve Jobs biopic, but has never forgotten about his hometown and his heritage.

The JFK Award reception takes place annually at the walkout and has previously honored governors, astronauts, and more.

The award specifically honors an American of Irish descent.

Prior to the reception dinner, there was an annual JFK Award mass at Saint Jerome’s Church in Holyoke.

Father Michael trying celebrated the mass, with local dignitaries, the Colleens, Jacobson, and more in attendance.

President John F.

Kennedy was of Irish heritage and the first Catholic president, making this annual celebration a way for the Holyoke community to honor his legacy and their Catholic heritage.