By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bob Simmons, former Ada Council member and educator, is the 2025 Citizen of the Year as awarded at the February 28 Ada Distinguished Awards.

“Buckeye Bob” was introduced by Village Administrator Amanda Sears, who noted that he is one person who truly needs no introduction given his associations with “education, service, high school basketball, village council meetings… and a whole lot of scarlet and gray.”

Simmons’ resume includes a 38-year career in education, including teaching at Lima State Hospital and at Kenton City Schools. He served as Transition Coordinator for the Hardin County Schools, directed the Hardin County Academy for 10 years and organized track meets for over 15 years. Bob also coached basketball and volleyball for over 30 years.

Sears described Simmons as “someone who has never met a stranger.” As a member of the Ada Council, he went out of his way to spend time with every village employee. Sears concluded, “tonight, we celebrate not just the accomplishments, but the energy, the enthusiasm, and the genuine joy, [Bob] brings to our community.”

At the podium, Simmons noted that his wife Jill suggested that he “just say, thank you, sit down. 
But that's not me.” Bob told the story of how he was surprised by Chamber director Lindsay Hollar showing up at a lunch meeting with balloons to reveal that he was the 2025 Citizen of the Year. He also noted that after 12 years on the council, he’s looking forward to spending more time on the golf course.

But Simmons will still find ways to contribute to the Village of Ada. “In golf, as in life, it's the follow through the counts,” he told the audience. “I'm not sure what my role will be, but I'll probably come up with something.” Regarding his various contributions, he noted, “As you can see, this all deals with people. And it is certainly my opinion that you can't do it by yourself… You need everybody. 
We need all of you to accomplish things.”

Speaking about his years on council, Bob said, “I’d like to thank the people in the Village of Ada for your support, for your questions, for your phone calls.” While his focus was trying to make Ada a better place, he noted that he did get yelled at occasionally, but that it was part of the job. He also thanked the “outstanding people” who work for the Village.

In his wrap-up, Simmons talked about the support of his wife, Jill: “We've been married 34 years. 
We dated for, I don't know, 10, 12, 14, 20, who knows? But you made me a better person than I was before. You inspire me. 
You certainly give good advice… Thank you, Jill, for all that you’ve done for me.”

Then he quoted Harry Belafonte: “Each and every one of you has the power, the will, and the capacity to make a difference in the world in which we live. Thank you.”

Joining Simmons and his wife Jill for the evening and pictured above were Gail and Ron Peterson, Connie and Brad Johnson, and Andrea and Steve King.