Shrewsbury Woman Named 'Commonwealth Heroine' By Women's Commission

SHREWSBURY, MA — A prolific civic volunteer in Shrewsbury is being honored as one of the state's "Commonwealth Heroines" in 2024. Melanie Petrucci has served on many town boards and commissions, is a Town Meeting member and a rotary club member.

Here's more from a news release from state Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury:

The Commonwealth Heroines are the backbone of local communities. They are the women who use their time, talent, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together, and every community is better because of their contribution. Every year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities.

Melanie Petrucci is deeply involved in the Shrewsbury community, demonstrating her dedication to the town every day. She has served on the board of Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, the Shrewsbury Education Foundation, volunteered on the Celebration in the Garden Party to raise funds for Shrewsbury Public Schools, and has supported the Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team. Currently, she serves on the Shrewsbury Town Center Association, the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, and has been a member of the Shrewsbury Rotary Club. Melanie is also active in town government, serving as a Town Meeting Member and as an appointed member of the Shrewsbury Historic District Commission.

“I'm honored to nominate Melanie Petrucci as a 2024 Commonwealth Heroine,” said Representative Hannah Kane. “Her willingness to help in any way she can has made our community stronger, and I am grateful for her incredible passion for Shrewsbury.”

“When I learned that I was nominated for this award, I had to do a double take,” said Melanie Petrucci. “To say that I am humbled is an understatement. I am honored to be among other like-minded women who care deeply for their communities and are making a difference. To me that’s really what it’s all about…making a difference to maintain the present and shape the future of Shrewsbury for future generations.”

Representative Kane presented a citation from the House of Representatives recognizing Melanie’s accomplishments to her at the Shrewsbury Town Center Association meet and greet on May 30, 2024. Melanie and her family plan to attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heroines award ceremony at the State House on June 14, 2024.

“The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities,” said MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. “Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.