Author Sharon Rushton
A veteran freelance writer, Sharon Rushton’s articles have appeared in U.S. and Canadian publications. In addition, she has combined her skills in management, education, public relations, marketing, writing, film/video production, photography and speaking to communicate issues and develop programs in the field of fish and wildlife and youth development.
She was the founding executive director for the Future Fisherman Foundation and helped to establish aquatic resource education programs throughout the country. She also developed an award winning program called “Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs.” She has been honored with numerous awards throughout her career.
Why she wrote No Paved Road To Freedom
Story of one of the first interviews
Books
Awards
Cancer Survivor
Why she wrote No Paved Road To Freedom
Sharon first heard the story of Cornel Dolana from his son, Cornel Dolana Jr., whom she knows as Corey. She and six others had gathered for an evening drink at a marina on Long Island Sound. During conversation, Corey mentioned he was Romanian. Sharon asked if he or his parents had immigrated. His answer was the beginning of the most enlightening and penetrating story she had ever heard.
Over the next few hours, Corey related stories his father had told him. Corey’s account kept the group pinned to their seats as if they were watching an Academy Award-winning drama.
A few days later, Corey introduced Sharon to his father. Cornel greeted her with a big smile. She could tell right away he had a wonderful enthusiasm for life. The handsome, silver-haired man, born April 11, 1938, spoke in a very thick Romanian accent as he summarized his experiences in Romania and his escape attempts.
Cornel’s incredible escape drew her to his story. She says that his family’s bravery captured her soul. She knew, without a doubt, she had to write this book. She has written people’s stories for magazines, but never felt compelled to turn one into a book until she heard about his life.
Story of one of the first interviews
Sharon said. “I had a horrible migraine headache going into one of the first interview sessions. As he talked, my headache disappeared. Learning how he lived helped me put my own life and perceived problems in perspective.”
Books
- No Paved Road To Freedom - Author
- Best Practices Workbook for Boating, Fishing and Aquatic Resource Stewardship Education – Co-editor
- Fishing Fun For Kids – Co-author
- Sport Fishing and Aquatic Resources Handbook – Associate Editor
- Advanced Sport Fishing and Aquatic Resources Handbook – Associate Editor
- Parent’s Guide to Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs – Contributor/Editor
- Teacher’s Guide to Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs – Editor/co-author
- National Fishing Week Action Manual – Editor/co-author
- STEP OUTSIDE Guide to Getting it Done – Group Activity Guide – Author
- STEP OUTSIDE One-On-One – Author
- STEP OUTSIDE Guide for Partners and Marketing Tools- Author
- National 4-H Sportfishing Angling Skills – Co-author
Awards
- Enshrinement into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
- American Sportfishing Association and Southeastern Outdoor Press Association jointly created the Sharon Rushton Special Award for Outstanding Writing to recognize her contribution to youth programs for sport fishing. The award is given annually to recognize the very best writing that encourages youth to participate in outdoor activities.
- Ohio Division of Wildlife Award for distinguished service to conservation of Ohio’s wildlife resources.
- Aquatic Resource Education Association Award in recognition of many years of work and support for aquatic resource education.
- Southeastern Outdoor Press Association’s “Life Member Award” for longstanding contributions to the organization
- Southeastern Outdoor Press Association’s Tom Rollins Award for outstanding devotion and service to the organization.
- People’s Choice Award, Outdoor Writers Association of America for color slide of tranquil fishing setting.
- Best Television Program, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association’s Excellence in Craft Competition for video documentary on Reelfoot Lake.
- Golden Eagle Award from CINE for 16 mm film documentary on pronghorn antelope entitled Pawnee Pronghorn
- Outdoor Writers Association of America Scholarship
Cancer survivor
The development of No Paved Road To Freedom was put on hold for a couple of years as Sharon fought for her life after being diagnosed with Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. Sharon and her family believe that prayers and the need to complete the book are why she is in remission today.