Acton's Unsung Heroines

They don’t make the news…they make the difference.” This is how our state’s Commission on the Status of Women describes the Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts they recognize on an annual basis. One hundred women, nominated by people who are familiar with their  selfless dedication to a wide variety of causes, were honored in a ceremony at the State  House in Boston on May 18, 2011.

Two of Acton’s own were among those chosen for this commendation.  They are Karen  Herther, who was nominated by Sarah Fletcher, director of the Middlesex West Chamber ofCommerce, and Lauren Rosenzweig Morton, who was recommended by Senator Jamie Eldridge. 

Karen is known by many as the face of Acton-Boxborough’s Parent Involvement Program (PIP). She has served as co-chair of AB PIP since the proposal was awarded Massachusetts Department of Education and National Science Foundation start-up funding in 2000. PIP’s stated goal was to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to elementary school students in the Acton Public Schools.  This fit nicely with Karen’s goals of encouraging students to develop “an early interest and passion” to pursue these academic fields and teaching students and families that “math and science are all around us.”

PIP offers students the chance to participate in fun, engaging, hands-on experiences such as Market Math, Star Parties, Family Math Game Nights, Robotics, Discover STEM  Interactive Career Fairs, and Green Energy Fairs.  In addition, PIP helps sponsor an advanced driving course designed to teach crash prevention to teenagers.  An annual  Family Skate fundraiser benefits not only PIP, but the Acton Food Pantry and teen wellness programs.

Clearly, PIP’s original mission has been realized and expanded upon under Karen’s skillful guidance. In the ten years that Karen has been at the helm, PIP has grown to include  educational events for children in grades K-12 in both Acton and Boxborough.  Funding has been maintained through the cultivation of business partnerships. 

Karen hopes that her award will spotlight the programs she helped to create. Because they require a great deal of adult and student volunteer hours, they need visibility.  “My biggest hope is that the initiatives will continue,” she said. “I’m building connections and  documenting everything. Sustainability is the challenge.”

Lauren Rosenzweig Morton was honored for her years of service to the people of Acton. Lauren was a member of the Acton Planning Board and was formerly the chairperson of the Board of Selectman.  She has been praised for her willingness to listen to the opinions of those whom she represented. Lauren has been described as having brought diverse groups together around common goals, particularly regarding issues related to education.

Both honorees expressed humility at having been awarded the Unsung Heroine title.  “I was in awe standing in the Great Hall at the State House hearing the myriad of contributions made by women across the Commonwealth,” said Karen.  Lauren shared, “I felt thrilled to be nominated after hearing what all the other women had done in their communities.”