Gathering of Support Planned for Sharon Ash

 A gathering of support will be held for Sharon Ash at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 6 at the Baker Firemen's Fountain in downtown Owego.  This is not a rally. This is an event designed to show Mrs. Ash the community supports her and what she has done for us over the years.

Born 60 years ago in East Smithfield, Pennsylvania, Sharon Burleigh moved to Owego in 1953 where she has lived, married (to Tom Ash) and raised her family.  Currently divorced, she has two children (a daughter and son) and three granddaughters and a grandson who have all been born and raised in the Owego-Apalachin area. Sharon Ash started working for the Owego-Apalachin School District in 1986. She worked in the resource room at the high school until moving into a temporary position of secretary for the Athletic Director in 1990. This position became a permanent position (and most would say her home) in 1991 until September 2004 when she was moved to the Administration Building. As a member of the community she has been involved in a great many organizations and is currently a member of the Board of Directors at the Owego Boys Club. She filled in as a Village Trustee for one year.

 Her pride for the Owego Indians has had her on several committees throughout the years as well. As a representative for the O-A school, she has served on Leadership Council, Communication Team, and Wall of Fame Committee to name a few. She was a past president of OFA Alumni Association, a position which she held for 10 years, and is an Executive Board Member of OAEA. While working for the OACSD she has earned awards for the dedication she has shown in her position at the Athletic Department. She won the Al Parker Community Service Award in 1996 and another award called the New York State Athletic Administrator Association Secretarial Award of Excellence in 1999.  In 1998, the OFA Tomahawk Yearbook was dedicated to her.

Known for her community spirit and pride of the Red and Blue, her dedication to the students - past and present - at OFA is one of the most outstanding characteristics you will find. All students at OFA know who Mrs. Ash is and will approach her with anything.

They know they will have an ear to listen and sound advice when needed whether they are an athlete or not.  She is always willing to help and the kids know she is the first one to stand up and fight for them or be the one to explain to them when they don't understand why. Parents, teachers, and coaches know that if there is something that has to work out for an event Mrs. Ash will be the one to get it done. Her devotion to OFA and the athletic department should stand as an inspiration to everyone.