MAY 1 MEDIA RELEASE__Since 1988, Rhodes State College has annually recognized one alumnus who has been exemplary in their career, service to community, and to the College with the Outstanding Alumni Award. The 2026 Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is Greg Ring of Bluffton, who is a 1982 graduate of the former Lima Technical College, now Rhodes State College.
MAY 1 MEDIA RELEASE__A team of teachers from the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools and representing Northwest OHSAA District was a top school in the most recent Health Action Council Step It Up Challenge.
The team of eleven participants logged 566,835average total steps. Team members included Jaime Combs, Heidi Steiner, Julie Garmatter, Nicole Anderson, Brandie Bogart, Ryan Dunlap, Lauren Huelsman, Rachel Skilliter, Robin Ault, Emily Ellerbrock and Joanna Gratz.
BLUFFTON __On May 1, Pirate senior Jenna Downey signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Ohio Northern University, where she will swim for the Polar Bears.
Downey is a three-time state qualifier and holds school records in the 50-yard freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly. She is also part of record-setting teams in the 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay, and 200 medley relay.
In addition to her success in the pool, she is a member of the Bluffton High School soccer team.
MEDIA RELEASE__The University of Findlay will host Commencement ceremonies for 2026 graduates on Saturday, May 2 with Christine Denecker, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs, as the keynote speaker for the morning’s graduate ceremony. She oversees five colleges and more than 80 academic programs.
Steve and Susie Stratton, owners of Stratton Greenhouses and roots by Strattons, were celebrated as the Bluffton Lions Club Citizens of the Year for 2025 at an April 21 dinner and reception at Bluffton Town Hall.
Bluffton Lions emcee Brigette Hoff remarked, “Tonight, we gather to honor Steve and Susie Stratton, who have gone above and beyond in their selfless giving to our community. Many people serve with no promise of personal gain or recognition.
Ava Smallcombe is a Bluffton High School senior and a 2026 Lee Volunteer Award winner.
She will attend the awards banquet on April 22, when she will find out if she is the Youth Winner for this award. She has already donated an initial award to Bluffton’s Leo Club. She is planning to attend college at The Ohio State University main campus.
