Ellie Dillon, who has been with the school district for the past 37 years and is a Junction City High School alumnus, is retiring from her position as an information systems specialist. Dillon handles an important logistical duty to our school where she manages the master schedule, which includes student’s grades and transcripts, student demographics, and handles a majority of data entry for the school as information system specialist.
She started her career at the Junction City Middle School back in 1988 where she stayed for 17 years before transferred to working at the high school in 2005, where she has been ever since up.
She is set to retire near the end of January and afterwards plans to become the new director the Junction City C.L. Hoover Opera House.
“It’ll be my job to bring in different kinds of shows, like maybe a comedian or, some singer or, some act, and things like that,” said Mrs. Dillon.
Dillon is a lifelong Junction City resident. She explained how being born and raised in our community has impacted her in such a positive way.
“Living in Junction City allows you the opportunity to really embrace the world in a small place. I went to New York back in 2009, and it was my first time ever in New York, and I rode the subway, and I thought, that it really isn’t any different than Junction City. And it really wasn’t because we have so many diverse groups, and so many different people that bring their world experiences here. You guys don’t even understand how much of an opportunity it is to grow up in this small little community that has so many people; you know what we say we’re Blue Jay nation. Really, we are a nation of Blue Jays, who come from all over the country. So, I would say it’s impacted me in the sense that I can go just about anywhere and feel comfortable with where I’m at and be okay with talking to just about anybody,” Dillon said.
She further explained how special Junction City is in comparison to other places in Kansas. “There’s a lot of communities and in our state alone, just even if you go 20 minutes east of here and you find it a small community, their dynamics look so different than what is here in Junction City so, we are very fortunate,” Dillon elaborated.
To those graduating high school soon, Dillon had this to say.
“I did not go to college, and I would say to you if college is not your thing, that’s fine. But find something that is so find a trade school or a career. Say that maybe plumbing is something that fascinates you. Go to the trade school and get that trade so that you always have something to fall back on. Don’t ever not do something just because you’re afraid of it, try it at least. College is not for everyone but I would say to you, find something that you can trademark out, whether it be a plumber or a photographer, or a videographer, or something some kind of a trade like an electrician, especially as those kind of skilled laborers are few and far between. Do what you think you love, and if that doesn’t work, do something else.”
“Junction City is my home. I grew up here and raised my family here and I don’t dream of living anywhere else,” said Dillon.