Politics & Government
LI Native Meets Biden At White House St. Patrick's Day Brunch
Denise Murphy McGraw is a 1985 graduate of Calhoun High School.
NORTH MERRICK, NY — Denise Murphy McGraw, a member of Calhoun High School's Class of 1985, had a memory to last a lifetime.
The North Merrick native spent St. Patrick's Day at the White House. McGraw joined about 120 Catholic leaders for brunch with President Biden, who took a selfie with her.
The gathering also featured Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
Find out what's happening in Merrickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Upon receiving the invitation, McGraw said: "What a completely unexpected surprise and honor. While I have been to the White House previously for other occasions, I am not sure anything compares to celebrating St. Patrick's Day with President Biden who cherishes his Irish Catholic heritage as much as I do mine."
The U.S. Marine Symphony Orchestra performed "Danny Boy" and "On Eagles Wings."
Find out what's happening in Merrickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
McGraw and the dozens of guests had eggs florentine, colcannon, Irish soda bread and shamrock cookies to enjoy from the menu.
McGraw, who now lives in Albany, NY, is national co-chairwoman of the Catholics Vote Common Good organization.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
