By: Kelsey Brownlee

Each year, the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey (IAPSNJ) honors a woman with the title of Queen of NYC Columbus Day Parade. Elizabeth Kelly of Phillipsburg High School had the honor of representing her Italian American family heritage in the 2022 parade.

The honor was incredibly close to her heart because her father and brother are both a part of the Italian American Police Society. Her father has served in the police force for 35 years. He is a retired deputy of New Jersey Transit and now serves as police chief in Pennsylvania. Her brother has been a police officer in New Jersey Transit for almost three years.

Kelly is excited to have been chosen for such a significant honor.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. It was very different for me and a very surreal experience and not something you get to do every day, so I was very grateful for the opportunity.”

The parade, held in Manhattan annually, brings together people from all walks of life. Bringing people together and representing the great people of her high school and heritage is one thing Kelly loved about being chosen as Queen. Kelly is a high school senior this year and wants to go to college to major in sociology and pursue something involving the law. She is inspired by the IAPS and would love to share their inspiring work with their community.

The New Jersey-based nonprofit organization is comprised of law enforcement officers and Italian American individuals across the state. Their mission is to create a sense of unity and connection within their community by hosting multiple events every year.

“The IAPS host a Special Olympic event, saluting essential workers, supply drives, college scholarships, cars for cops, and a bunch of things like that. I definitely think it’s something that I want to stay involved in, it’s a great cause, and there are so many people of all ages in the organization and it’s a great thing to get people to stay in touch with each other.”

Kelly is an excellent example of how Italian American heritage can be celebrated and shared. She has taken full advantage of this fantastic opportunity to represent her family and community in the Columbus Day parade. She is proud to be part of such an incredible organization and will continue to support them and their mission for years to come.

“My grandmother and dad are Italian, and it’s very nice to be able to represent my heritage. I want to thank my family and the IAPSNJ for giving me this amazing opportunity and unforgettable experience.”

Kelly’s heartwarming story as the Queen of NYC Columbus Day Parade will be a memory she cherishes forever. She is thrilled to have been chosen for such an important and unique opportunity and looks forward to staying connected with the IAPSNJ and continuing to support its mission.

Visit www.IAPSNJ.org for more information about the Italian American Police Society and the work they do in the community.