• She’s so passionate about youth learning to swim and has spent countless hours and years championing the swim lesson program in Ada.
• She’s instrumental in keeping the program going by seeking local sponsors to assist in providing a low-cost program for those who sign up.
• She has helped countless youth to overcome fears of the water.
• She’s been involved in providing swimming lessons for over 48 years.

“She” is Sandra Neely – the 2015 Ada Town and Gown Distinguished Citizen of the Year. The announcement took place during the Nov. 2 banquet in McIntosh Center at ONU.

Myra Berger offered several interesting clues leading up to announcing this year’s citizen – but the audience figured out the winner very quickly.

Here are of the Neely’s accomplishments, demonstrating extensive and diverse participation and leadership in the community:
• Board member, Hardin County Red Cross Advisory Board (over four decades)
• Member, Ada Junior Civic League (since 1977)
• Member, Ada Kiwanis Club (since early 2000s)
• Trustee, Hardin County Community Foundation (past three years)
• Member, First United Methodist Church, Ada (currently on staff-parish relations committee

Neely is a retired school teacher. She taught elementary physical education at Upper Scioto Valley Junior High and at Ada. After retiring from teaching she returned to school to obtain her funeral director’s license.

Neely’s impact on Ada was described as a ripple in the water. It startaed with her providing swimming lessons. It expanded as she took on more leadership roles to improve the quality of life in Ada.

PHOTO IDS:

• Sandy Neely talking following the banquet
• Myra Berger and Neely
• Neely following the annoucement
• All former award winners who attended the banquet - click here for group photo names