Bill and Sally Powers have been married for 62 years and lived in Needham for over 50 of them. Both were career educators: Sally as a special education teacher and Bill as a teacher and administrator, serving 19 years as Needham’s Superintendent. They have also served in town government: Sally as a town meeting member and a library trustee for 24 years; Bill served 45 years in town meeting as well as serving on the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen. Prior to moving to Needham Bill was an alderman in Newton. They have both been involved in many civic activities.

Sally has spent several years on the board of the League of Women Voters. She was a founder of the Democratic Women of MetroWest and was elected a Democratic State Committeewoman. Sally has been involved in the Congregational Church; teaching Sunday school, serving as a deacon, and helping found the Guatemala Project including travelling to the village the project supports. Sally currently teaches English as a second language through the Needham Community Council and is a member of the Needham Immigration Task Force.

Bill, a World War II, Battle of the Bulge veteran belongs to the VFW and American Legion. An avid and ranked tennis player Bill has served as regional vice president of the United States Tennis Association. He has been a member of Needham Rotary. He was a founder of the Melick Foundation. In their retirement they enjoy writing, reading, and their grandchildren. We are pleased to honor Sally and Bill with the Richard Patton Melick Award.