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The Icon caught up with Meri Skilliter a couple days after she accepted the superintendent position at Ada schools. She holds her principal/superintendent certification from the University of Findlay. Her superintendent certification courses are from Ohio State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University and a master's in educational leadership from the University of Dayton.

Here’s a portion of our discussion.

When you were a student, what teacher excited you about making a career in education?

By Amy Eddings
In Dr. Suzanne Darmer’s office, there was a large pink hatbox crammed with colorful handmade cards from Ada’s 1st through 6th graders. She pulled one out and read it out loud.

“‘You did an awesome job, we will miss you,’” she said, her voice growing thick with emotion. “Merry Christmas, sincerely, Robert. Eight years old.”

Another one read, “Great job! Have fun in your retirement!” written in perfect block letters.

“My heart is just so full of joy and tenderness!” she exclaimed. “It means they’ve opened their hearts to me, and vice-versa. It means we’ve walked through the last 10 years together.”