Throughout his life, James Meador always made the education of children a priority. Whether it was the three children he raised, or the thousands of young people he taught throughout his almost fifty years as an educator - children always came first.

Mr. Meador began his teaching career in 1950 and by the time he retired as Dean and Professor at Richland College, in the Dallas County Community College System, he had touched lives from Brownsville to Dallas. During that time, he furthered his own education, obtaining his master’s degree in 1968, all while raising a family himself.

Mr. Meador's career included titles such as teacher, principal, counselor, and Dean. He taught in Pflugerville, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Austin, San Marcos, Richardson, and Dallas. He taught classes from elementary school to college. He taught life-sustaining career skills to boys who had none at Gary Job Corps in San Marcos. He taught engineering and robotics at Richland College. He taught fifth graders at Pflugerville Elementary – and just about everything in between.

He was so excited that a Teacher Grant was being established in his name. He knew what it was like to want to provide the very best for his students – and his family - on a teacher’s salary. If this grant can provide some relief for a teacher out there struggling to implement a special program for their students, Mr. Meador would be overjoyed!

Because of the example he set, one of my passions is the education of children. And I am in awe and respect those who teach and help mold our children. Frisco Education Foundation has always had my heart. I know what it is like to struggle to raise children, not knowing how I was going to provide for their education. FEF came through for me when I needed it most. And because of that – my goal is to pay it forward.

- Sarah Meador Claunch, daughter