Alison Borrelli earns Unsung Heroine Award

Alison Borrelli has been recognized for her efforts to make Needham a better place to live.

A native of the town, Borrelli was presented with a 2017 Unsung Heroine Award at the Board of Selectmen meeting July 25.

Created in 2004, the award is dedicated to women across the state who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities.

The accolade was presented by state Rep. Denise Garlick, D-Needham, and state Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, on behalf of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). The MCSW awarded 117 women from towns and cities across the state.

Ross nominated Borrelli in May due to her work as a math teacher at Needham High School, as president of the Needham Historical Society, as the former director of the library foundation, a local photographer, member of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Scholarship Committee and for her fundraising efforts, which led to the construction of a 9/11 memorial and renovations to Greene's Field.

“I want to congratulate Alison for her many incredible accomplishments. I think that she is a tremendous strength in our community and I look forward to years and years of her work. I know people here know and love her,” said Garlick.

The MCSW is a state-established body charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality.

“It sounds cheesy, but Needham gave us such great opportunities that we really wanted to give back. My husband (Selectman Matt Borrelli) chose the political path and I’ve given back in other ways,” said Borrelli. “There’s always something to do, something to give, some place to donate your time and efforts.”

The MCSW gathered all of the 2017 Unsung Heroine winners at the State House at the end of July to recognize their achievements and sing their praises. Borrelli brought her grandmother as a guest to the ceremony to honor one of her own female role models.

“I was a little embarrassed, actually. Excited and embarrassed. I guess I wasn’t looking for recognition and when I looked at all the other women who have previously won the award, they have done so much, that I was humbled to be a part of that group,” said Borrelli.

As to how Borrelli is able to juggle all the separate groups and volunteer programs she takes part in, she said, “I don’t sit still, I always have something going on. I like to be busy, I like to be involved, I like to do things.”

Medfield resident and Needham town employee Carol Read was also presented the award at the selectmen’s meeting. Read was selected for her work in the health department and at the Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention.

“The Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to Carol Read in recognition of her commitment to her community through substance abuse prevention and education, and your leadership on the many social, emotional and educational needs of our youth,” said Garlick.

“Not only do both (Borrelli and Read) do a lot for the community but they are both wonderful role models,” said Ross.