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By Alec Keller

Conelia Dixon, AHS class of 1966, is a retired teacher who currently resides in Shelby County as a Master Gardener Volunteer. After graduating from Ohio Northern University in 1970, she moved to Michigan, where she taught physical education and other subjects at the junior high level for 30 years.

Today, she raises fresh vegetables, particularly salad greens, at The People's Garden in Sidney, Ohio. She provided the Icon with some reflections on her hometown, teaching career, and her faith.

Q. What keeps you connected to Ada, Ohio? How did it shape you as an individual? Any particular fond memories?

A. My childhood home was in Ada, so that is what keeps me connected. There are places that are still familiar to me there. Growing up in Ada taught me to be community-minded, to work hard, to be trustworthy, loyal and reliable. My fondest memory from Ada High School is physical education class with Helen Ludwig, and playing percussion in the band with Mr. Ansley.

Q. What drew you to Ohio Northern University?

A. I attended ONU because my mother, Martha Miller, was the secretary to the President of ONU for thirty years, starting with Dr. McIntosh. 

Q. What have been the adjustments you’ve made to transition to life in Michigan and later in Sydney, Ohio?

A. The adjustments I needed to make moving from Ada to Michigan was the change from safety of Ada to being vigilant in a large, rather dangerous city. Moving back to Ohio, I left friends, family, familiar places I have known for 30 years, but I moved back to Ohio and to friends, family, and familiar places. 

Q. You mentioned you are a Master Gardener Volunteer in Sydney. What draws you to gardening?

A. I am drawn to gardening because I love the outdoors. I helped my Dad in the garden when I was very young. I have a mission of helping others who need food to be healthier. I am a Master Gardener in Shelby County and in charge of The People's Garden in Sidney, a pantry garden with 56 raised beds. One thing I learned last week is that tomatillos need two plants, not just one to grow near each other.

Q. What was a memorable experience you had as a teacher? What example did you set for students?

A. A memorable experience I had when I was teaching was that a former student came back after being in the Army and told me I saved his life, because in gym class I taught him how to do the "dive roll". The Example I set for students was to be a reliable worker, and be there every day. I also demonstrated in the gym classes, provided safety info and rules for each sport. I studied and learned how to teach other subjects in a classroom, like geography, earth science, and English. I did whatever was needed when they were losing teachers because of the economy at the time.

Q. Do you have words of advice for children and young adults who are growing up in Ada today?

A. Words of advice I have for young people in Ada are to appreciate your community and be a part of it. Volunteer. Do something to help others. Use your skills to serve others.   

Q. Anything else you'd like to share?

A. I would like to share that there are two things I think are extremely important for younger people to know. One is be involved in your church. It is a guide for your life. I had a good experience in church in Ada and now I am connected with a wonderful church family in Sidney and I am so thankful. Also I believe that communication skills are so valuable when you are starting to go out on your own and seek to have a job and a family.