HOLYOKE – T. J. Jagodowski said that when he first learned he had been chosen as this year’s John F. Kennedy Award winner, he joked, “There must be some kind of mistake.”

The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Award is “presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished in their chosen field.” Past award winners include President John F. Kennedy (presented while he was a senator); journalist Jimmy Breslin; actress Maureen O’Hara; author Tom Clancy; Commissioner of the National Basketball Association Lawrence O’Brien and; historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Jagodowski, a Holyoke native, has had a successful career as an actor and in comedy improvisation. Although he has appeared in movies such as “The Ice Harvest,” and “Oz the Great and Powerful,” as well as television series such as “Prison break “ and “Chicago Fire,” he is best known for his long-time co-starring role as one of the two guys sitting in a car in Sonic Drive-In commercials.

A member of the acclaimed Second City comedy troupe in Chicago, IL, he teamed up with fellow improviser Dave Pasquesi in 2002 and has been performing with him.

Their act was the subject of the documentary film, “Trust Us, This is All made Up.”

Although Jagodowski was not in person at The Wherehouse? for the announcement, he was on the phone and members of the Parade Committee heard his response.

“You should raise your standards,” he said and recalled how he would see the notables chosen for the award marching in the parade.

He continued, “This means the world to me … it’s the honor of my life.”

Although based in Chicago, Jagodowski comes home to Holyoke several times a year – for Christmas and Memorial Day at least.

He explained he grew up in a home on the parade route. He said he is “fully acquainted” with the parade and its conditions, “You get up at 6 a.m. to get all of your folding chairs down to the sidewalk,” he said.

Because his family’s home was on the parade route, “anyone could use the bathroom.”

He said that growing up he particularly liked watching the Mummers perform and “I always loved the sound of a pipe band.”

Jagodowski said he has tried to explain the event to people from other parts of the country, but the concept of the parade celebrating the Irish-American experience eludes some people.

He said, “I try then I quit after awhile. It’s like telling someone your dream … you don’t get it.”

Jagodowski said that on Parade Day, “Everyone wants to be in Holyoke.”