People like Mary Jannides touched so many lives over the years that it’s impossible for the those outside Sidney to understand. But I do, because I know her son – everyone knows Michael – and the family impact on Sidney doesn’t come by accident.
There aren’t many people you’ll meet over time who are named Jannides.
So when I saw on social media this weekend that Mary Jannides, of Sidney, Ohio, had passed away, I immediately read about her because of her son Michael (Mike), owner of the Spot Restaurant and catering service, and long-time institution in Sidney. And what I read made me smile.
I smiled because I come from a long line of school teachers – parents, aunts, uncles, and my spouse. And I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the imparted impact from those who helped shaped my life at Piqua High School, 55 years ago. – none more than Donald Flinn, my senior English teacher.
So when I read on an Instagram post that Mrs. Jannides had devoted eight decades to teaching and coaching at Sidney High School that’s hard to overlook, but easy for me, at least, to appreciate!
I read the credits…of her being the one who started the ‘Block S’ cheer club, something that’s taken for granted over time. And yet, how many people over the course of their life will share with you that one of their best high school experiences was being in cheer club?
I read where she started the swimming program at Sidney, and coached for four decades.
She was responsible for there being a tennis team, boys and girls, and she coached both.
The list of her contributions seemed endless, and again, how easy it is not appreciate the impact on so many lives by a person who did so much…simply because it was the right thing to do.
Fast forward a few decades and my chance meeting with her son Michael at the Spot in the summer of 2010…and his interest at the time with having a supporting relationship with Press Pros Magazine, not just for Sidney, but on behalf of all Shelby County schools. And for years Mike and the Spot have been the presenting sponsor of our OHSAA State Tournament coverage. Because, more than anything else, I think he believed it was the right thing to do.
When I read about Mary, her history, and her passion for Sidney and its kids for so many years, and I saw this accompanying black and white photo…well, it all came together. How could anyone have given more to a community than through its schools – more than Mary and her family?
Our prayers and appreciation go out to them all this week, with renewed focus on what just one person can mean being magnified. What greater tribute can be expressed than by simply remembering.
Or, by saying thank you to those like Mary Jannides – so many like her – who’ve done so much because it seemed the right thing to do.
And still does!