“She is liked, loved, and respected by all who meet her and manages with an iron fist!” That is how Lee describes Dawn Melanson, who’s been involved with South Junior Deb Softball for over a decade and spent the last several years as the League President. The league is comprised of about 80 coaches and staff members as well as 250 girls ages 4-18. Despite other leagues shifting to more competitive travel venues, Dawn has held fast to the roots of the League, keeping it a place where any girl, regardless of ability, can come and play softball. With the tough economy and budget cuts from the city, the fields were in tough shape, but she made sure they were still ready and in good shape for the girls to play. Dawn is a full-time Office Manager for an industrial firm and runs this league in her spare time. She’s raised 2 kids as a single mother refusing the assistance of welfare because she felt someone might need it more, and over the years, has opened her home to both young women and men in their times of need. Dawn is a true inspiration to women and girls as a symbol of both strength and grace.