As this year's graduation fast approaches, the Icon looks to past valedictorians of Bluffton High School to inspire this year's graduates as they set sail on adventures unknown.

The Icon interviews Stacy (Geiger) Stumbaugh, BHS valedictorian of the class of 2005.

What advice do you have for the BHS graduates of 2019? What would you tell your newly-graduated self, as you left the high school building after graduation day?

Explore your options, don’t be pressured to pursue a 4-year degree just because your friends are.  Trade programs and other skill-based occupations may be a better fit.

What activities were you involved in as a BHS student? Feel free to include all your extra-curricular activities, even if they're from church or other organizations, not just school.

During high school I was a member of the marching and pep bands, Envirothon team, Science Olympiad team, and Softball team.  I also sang in the choir at church.

What of the above were your favorite(s)? Why was it your favorite?  Are you still doing any part of that activity now?

I really enjoyed Envirothon, which is a team competition program that focuses on areas of natural resources including soil conservation, watersheds, plant diversity, and native animals.  I was on the team all four years of high school.  Our team went to the state competition 3 of those years.

What was your least favorite class from high school?

Gym,  I didn’t enjoy sweating and then having to go to my next class.

What achievement(s), if anything, are you most proud of from your high school career? Did you get the academic award for any classes? Were you part of a winning sports team? Did you just survive gym class or did you thrive there?

I received multiple academic awards in a variety of study areas, I think in home economics, science, and English, maybe, but it's been awhile.

Where are you now? Did you go to college, what did you study, what do you do for a living, etc? Married? Kids?

I am currently the Bluffton Branch Manager of The First National Bank of Pandora.  I went to Rhodes State College and studied Early Childhood Education.  I have been married for 6 years to Garrett, and we have two daughters, Avery (3) and Jemma (2 months).

Please note, Stumbaugh was one of nine valedictorians from the class of 2005. 

This is part of a series; to read previous interviews in this series, click here.

If you were a BHS valedictorian (or equivalent), the Icon would love to interview you. Please contact [email protected].