Going to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend? You’ll see Melanie Rayl, a 2022 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and this year’s Miss Smiling Irish Eyes, in her crown, emerald green gown and embroidered sash. Melanie is a second-generation Queen — her mother, Mary Rayl, Oak Park Place, held the title in 1991.

For more than six decades, the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes committee has chosen one accomplished young woman to represent the Pittsburgh Irish Community during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Miss Smiling Irish Eyes must be a Pittsburgh native of Irish descent, between 17-22 years old, demonstrate strong morality and ethics, and be involved in local civic and charitable organizations. The Mt. Lebanon native checks all these boxes and more as this year’s winner.

“I used to dance in the parade with Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance, and I knew that my mom had been a Smiling Irish. I saw Miss Smiling Irish every year and I always wanted to have the honor myself. It’s been a very big aspiration for me,” said Melanie.

A third year student at Trinity College in Connecticut, double-majoring in English literature and religious studies, Melanie has a wide variety of interests and passions — she sings in Trinity College’s all-women a cappella group, edits the school’s literary magazine, writes for the college newspaper and leads a student club for Irish dance and culture. And if that weren’t enough, she’s an active community volunteer. In Hartford, Connecticut, she volunteers at Hands on Hartford, a shelter for food and housing insecurity, and the Trinity College Homelessness Project.

“I really care about giving back to my community, so it’s easy to find the time,” Melanie said.

“Melanie has proudly embraced her Irish heritage and honored her family’s legacy in all of her pursuits. As an Irish dancer in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for many years and through her immersive study abroad experience in the Irish language program at Trinity College, Melanie has exemplified a deep pride in her family background,” said Laura Allison from the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Committee.

Irish heritage has always been important to the Rayl family. At 14-years-old, Mary’s great grandmother immigrated to the United States to help her sister. Her sister’s husband died and she needed help raising the children in a foreign country.

“I think it’s particularly inspiring because she took a leap of faith at a very young age by coming to the United States,” said Mary. “She created our family here, so that’s particularly special.”

Visiting Ireland was a full circle moment for Melanie, who said it reaffirmed the importance of her Irish heritage and identity. “It was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. I got off the plane and I immediately felt so overwhelmed by how beautiful the country was, and by the culture and the people.”

Inspired by the trip, Melanie is focusing her senior thesis on the cultural and historical influence of the Irish community on the city of Pittsburgh. Melanie plans to return to Ireland for graduate school in 2026 to continue studying either English literature or religious studies. Ultimately, she hopes to work in academia or law.

“Melanie’s exceptional dedication and hard work make her a remarkable example of scholastic and community achievement,” said Allison. “We are immensely proud of her.”

Mary agreed, adding, “It’s just a really special, unique thing to share with Melanie and I’m really proud of her.”

On Saturday, Melanie hopes to inspire other young girls, just as she and her mother were inspired by the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes before them. “If there are other little girls dancing in the parade, I hope I can be the kind of person they can look up to. The way I used to look up to others,” said Melanie. “I’m so just excited to celebrate with members of my community and contribute to such a great celebration.”

The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held this Saturday, March 15, beginning at 10 a.m. on Grant Street.