Connie Fry Ament ’65 began paying it forward earlier than most people – and has continued doing so for more than 40 years. While at SHS Connie was a member of the Biology and 4-H Clubs and the National Honor Society. She was editor of Whippet Tales and co-editor of the 1965 Scarlet S. Connie cites the late Joan Arrington, an SHS English teacher, for helping prepare her for the rigors of college: “She was demanding and really made a difference in my life, preparing me to communicate in writing starting in college and continuing throughout my life.”
After graduating from SHS, Conniie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Case Western Reserve University and a master’s in rehabilitation administration at DePaul University. After a year as a social worker, she launched a career that has had her working with developmentally disabled adults and children. For 27 years she worked at Richland Newhope Center, finishing as superintendent. She then moved to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for six years, first as deputy director of community services and then as assistant director. Currently she is superintendent of the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities. There she has initiated a special employment program with area businesses. “It’s been a delight to see what folks with developmental disabilities can do,” says Connie. “Connie is and always has been a person with a quiet yet inspiring devotion to others,” observes a fellow SHS alum. “She has found her true purpose in serving those less fortunate.”
Connie lives in Shelby with her husband, Mic, to whom she has been
married for 34 years. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Kelly, who
also graduated from SHS. Nominator: Pat
Lee Carlisle ’65.