Rachel Hennessey chosen as "Miss Colleen"

Rachel Marie Hennessy was born in the Greenville section of Jersey City in 2004. Currently a senior at Hudson Catholic Regional High School, Rachel attended P.S. # 28 for elementary school. In the 7^th grade her science team won 1^st place in the Lexis Eco Challenge for Science.  During her four years at Hudson Catholic, she founded the school Debate club, assisted in establishing a school wide book club, sponsored fundraisers to support Women Rising in Jersey City and has received numerous awards and accolades, including First Team All-County- Volleyball, and Student Council President.  An honor roll student and a leader at Hudson Catholic, Rachel never hesitates to give back to the Jersey City community.

That gift for giving back was instilled in her at a young age. Her parents the late Laurie Hennessy and Mark Hennessy are well known throughout Jersey City for their contributions to the community.  Mark Hennessy serves Jersey City as a Police Detective and Laurie spent her life serving the students of Jersey City as a beloved teacher at P.S. # 28.  The Jersey City community all mourned her passing in 2018, and Rachel still works daily to follow her mother’s inspiring life. 

Rachel can trace her Irish origins back into the pages of history. Her family immigrated from Cork County, Ireland to Jersey City and laid down strong roots in the community. When not at school, Rachel continues the “family tradition” begun by her uncle Kevin Hennessy, founder of O’ Leary’s Public House by working in yet another Jersey City institution- Edward’s Steakhouse.  Rachel has been accepted to Saint Peter’s University, Monmouth University, Seton Hall University and Monroe University, all with significant academic awards.  Although not sure yet where she will attend, Rachel plans to study Political Science and hopes to one day serve Jersey City and Hudson County as an attorney. 

Rachel dedicates her honor at being named Miss Colleen to the memory of her mother and thanks her dad and her older sister Alyssa, former Miss Colleen 2018 for all of their love and support.