SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Volunteering is in Beth Casavant’s blood. Growing up, she saw her parents volunteer within the community, and it pushed her to give back, seeing it as a great way to meet people and make a difference.

“It’s ingrained in me,” Casavant said. “My father was on the school board.”

When Casavant moved to Shrewsbury in 2008 with her family, she jumped right into the community. Currently serving her second term as a Selectman, she was previously a library trustee and worked on various campaigns focused on the schools, the police station and two overrides. Casavant is also a member of the rotary club, which she says provides a lot of opportunities for volunteerism. She is also a trustee for Seven Hills Foundation and Framingham State University.

“I recognize that I’m very fortunate to have the time to do that,” Casavant said. “I’ve always felt that if you have the opportunity to do something constructive with your time, set a great example for your children and help the community, it’s an important thing to do.”

For all that she’s done, State Representative Hannah Kane nominated Casavant as a 2021 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

“It was completely a surprise,” Casavant said. “Representative Kane is a huge supporter of women, and she’s the person who actually got me involved with what I do today. She’s such a great example for other women to do things that they maybe didn’t think that they could.”

The award is presented each year to a woman who might not receive the recognition she deserves.

“Beth has worked tirelessly to make the community stronger ever since she and her family moved to Shrewsbury in 2008,” Kane wrote in a Facebook post. “A truly selfless and humble volunteer, Beth has successfully led enormous, community-wide efforts to pass Shrewsbury’s first operational override and was instrumental in efforts to build new schools and a police station.”

Kane said that she nominated Casavant for “her willingness to step into any role.”

“She excels at leading critical community efforts and yet she is willing to do any task,” Kane wrote. “No matter what she does, Beth constantly exhibits the true meaning of community service.”

Casavant’s family is also involved in her activism and politics, especially during COVID-19. Her two daughters held signs and her youngest knocked on doors when she ran for Selectman. Her eldest daughter has been her personal graphic designer for a few campaigns now, including making videos, graphic designs, logos, and mailings.

“They’re no strangers to campaign work and what it means to do something in the community that’s meaningful,” Casavant said.

Casavant wants the Commonwealth Heroine award to inspire her daughters and other women alike.

“There’s always an army of others helping you achieve those goals,” Casavant said. “The award belongs to everyone that’s involved with any project that I’m involved with. I hope it energizes other people to take a role in things and do more volunteer work — because there’s plenty of need and organizations that could use help.”