Bluffton HS homecoming weekend
It's Bluffton High School homecoming weekend.
Although there is no parade this year, the queen and king will be crowned in a pre-game ceremony on Harmon Field at 6:20 p.m. Friday. Bluffton HS football team plays Delphos Jefferson on Friday.
Here are members of the court, beginning with the senior queen and king candidates.
Senior: Bella Basinger, Grant Klinger, Laykin Garmatter,
Simon Derstine, Tre’ Bender and Julia Smallcombe
• Bella is the daughter of Tim and Amanda Basinger. She is on the soccer team where she is also a captain and runs track. Bella is also the yearbook editor, an aide in the Kindergarten, a member of Renaissance, and Spanish and Art Clubs.
Outside of school, she has been dancing at Cindy’s Tap on Wood for 15 years, is a member of Ebenezer Mennonite Youth Group, and works at BFR and as an assistant manager at the Bluffton pool.
When she has the time, Bella enjoys going on walks with her family and dog, Lucy, hanging out with friends, watching Grey’s Anatomy, dancing, and playing sports. Upon graduation, she plans to study marketing at an undecided university.
• Grant is the son of Wes and Mandy Klinger. He is a member of the tennis team and show choir. He works at Padrone’s Pizza. Grant likes to read, watch TV, and play tennis. He is still undecided on his plans after high school.
• Laykin is the daughter of Eric and Julie Garmatter. Laykin is a member of the soccer, basketball, and track teams. She is also on the yearbook staff, a member of the National Honor Society and Renaissance. She works at the Shannon Theatre and is a member of First United Methodist Church.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and playing sports. After high school, Laykin plans pursue a career in nursing.
• Simon is the son of Matt and Jannie Derstine. Simon is a member of the soccer and track teams. He is also a member of Student Senate and National Honor Society.
Outside of school he enjoys running, biking, golfing, and hanging out with friends and family. He was also on the homecoming court as a freshman. At this time, he is undecided on his post-high school plans.
• Julia is the daughter of Marykay and Rick Smallcombe. Julia is on the girl’s tennis and track teams. She is also a member of Student Senate, the yearbook staff, Show Choir, National Honor Society, Renaissance, Academic Team and Math and Latin Clubs.
Outside of school, Julia is on the swim team, the Ohio Teen Ambassador Board, and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where she participates in God Squad and youth group.
In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, hanging out with her sisters and friends, meeting new people, listening to music, and creating playlists. She was also on homecoming court as a sophomore. Next year, Julia plans to major in pre-law and philosophy, and hopes to be admitted to Miami University.
• Tre' is the son of Russell and Kelli Bender. He is involved in show choir, soccer, tennis, and band. He is also employed at McDonald's. In his free time, Tre’ enjoys drawing, painting, and learning new instruments. Upon graduation he intends to pursue early childhood education.
Junior attendants: Riley Busch and Kaden Basil
• Riley is the daughter of Brian and Jackie Busch. Riley is on the varsity basketball and softball teams. Outside of school, she plays travel softball and attends Ebenezer Mennonite Church. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, taking naps, and hanging out with friends and family.
• Kaden is the son of Jeremiah and Megan Weyer. He plays soccer and wrestles for the Pirates. In his spare time, he enjoys lifting, playing video games, and attending sports camps.
Sophomore attendants: Olivia Smallcombe and Landon Shutler
• Olivia is the daughter of Marykay and Rick Smallcombe. Olivia plays soccer and is a member of Art Club, Spanish Club and Renaissance. She is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where she participates in God Squad. When given the time, she enjoys thrift shopping, photography, hanging out with her friends and sisters, and getting iced coffee.
• Landon is the son of Chad and Wendy Shutler. He plays football and basketball for the Pirates. Outside of school, he is a member of the First United Methodist youth group. In his free time, he enjoys playing football outside and hanging out with friends.
Freshman attendants: Adanna Johnstone and Riley Greer
• Adanna is the daughter of David and Jennifer Johnstone. At BHS, she is involved in JV volleyball, band, and choir. She is also a member of the Lima Area Youth Orchestra. In her spare time, she enjoys playing violin, singing and rollerskating.
• Riley is the son of Greg and Vanessa Greer. He plays football and baseball and is involved in choir, and show choir. In his spare time, he likes to fish, play football, and hang out with friends.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 2
- Obituary for Lois C. Fischer
- 4th of July events celebrating American 250 in Bluffton
- Watercolor Workshop scheduled at Bluffton Public Library
- Mobile Health Clinic coming on July 9
- T-Rex Tea Party at the Bluffton Public Library
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Surveyor James Riley will time travel on July 4
- The Air That I Breathe: Air Pollution and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 1
- June School Board: Bernal resigns as elementary principal, lunch prices increase
- WOAL League Champs in Kenton July 10 and 11
- 2026 Swiss Day celebration focuses on past and future
- Senior Center offers Bus Trips with Debbie
- Senior Center's July Dinner meeting topic: The history of Dixie Highway
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, Jun 29
- Lima Meijer closed on June 29 following shots fired
- Ohio EMA tips for extreme heat conditions this week
- Scavenger hunt at Senior Center
- Bluffton University streamlines MBA program for working professionals
- July 2026: What brings you to Bluffton?
- America 250 Quilt Raffle is underway
- More than a car show: 58th annual Festival of Wheels
- Allen County residents invited to provide feedback on Hazard Mitigation Plan