Generous Donor Honors a Friend and Teacher

The Sharon Education Foundation is the grateful recipient of a $10,000 gift made in memory of Clista Dow, a Sharon resident and beloved former teacher who passed away suddenly in 2010.

The gift was announced by Maggie Jackson who, along with her sister Lisa, were former students of Clista’s.  Maggie and Lisa’s parents were also teachers in Sharon. Maggie speaks of Clista as an inspiration and a lover of knowledge. Often referred to as a Renaissance woman and a “giver” Clista was a tireless advocate for children. She was a woman who embraced computers long before they were commonplace. At the same time Clista devoted time to the arts ranging from performance art to painting and sketching with her students.  It seems fitting that such an inspirational teacher would leave the kind of impression that has resulted in a donation of this kind. This gift emphasizes the kind of lifelong and meaningful impact that inspirational teachers can have on their students. What a beautiful legacy Clista leaves to the Sharon Public Schools.  It is a lasting gift which demonstrates how a teacher can touch the lives of her students well beyond the classroom walls.

The Clista Dow Fund for the Creative Study of Asia and the Arts will fund grants directed at studies of Asia or any area in the arts.

Sharon Education Foundation is honored to be the vehicle through which these funds will be dispersed. The donors feel strongly that, along with their contribution, SEF invite the community to match this gift. By growing this fund through additional donations we can extend the life and the impact on Sharon students and residents.

SEF encourages the community to send donations in memory or honor of Clista Dow to SEF, P.O. Box 470 Sharon, MA 02067, or to use our Donate button, located on the top left of this website.