Photo-story: 141st Commencement celebrated by Bluffton High School
Photos by Jamie Nygaard
Seventy-five Bluffton High School seniors were transformed into graduates at May 28 commencement ceremonies in the school gym. Family and friends attended the event which began with a slide and video show of graduates--as they appear today and their baby pictures.
A welcome address including Pirate jokes was provided by Luke Shadle.
Superintendent Greg Denecker introduced the proceeding and school board members Larry Hoffman (president) and Brad Dailey, who presented graduates with their diplomas. Apollo representative Bruce Johnson was present in honor of career center graduates.
Two seniors presented speeches: Skyler Scoles and Eli Okuley.
Valedictorians Nicole Boyle, Sophia Bricker, Elizabeth Frazier, Reagan Mittendorf, Eliott Nickel, Eli Okuly, Skyler Scoles, Luke Shadle; and Saluditorian Cara Young were recognized.
Music was provided by Senior Choir members and the High School Band.
Principal Mike Minnig announced the names of graduates and honors received as they accepted their diplomas.
The event was also livestreamed HERE.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, November 13, 2026
- 55th annual Carol Sing at Riley Creek UMC, Dec. 6
- Next Generation 911 announced by Hancock County
- Christine Denecker appointed to Ohio Humanities Council
- Community Electric Aggregation notices are in the mail to Bluffton customers
- Nov. 13 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup
- Letter: What a fall for our Bluffton Pirates
Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Bluffton Middle School Honor Roll for 1st Quarter, 2026-2027
- Bluffton alumni to discuss lives and vocations in ministry
- Letter: Honoring 20 years of land preservation in West Central Ohio
- Prairie restoration research program on Nov. 20
- Bluffton Lions to hear presentation on humanitarian and disaster relief
- Separate the wheat from the chaff: Multi-ingredient botanicals for cholesterol
- Bluffton Council recap: $5,000 donated for Blaze lights installation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, November 2-8
- Veterans invited to Bluffton American Legion programs on Veterans Day
- James Raymond Harrod, Jr., 64, was a PGA professional
- Nathan Ulrey, 46, served in the Navy Seabees
- Letter: Thank you, Coach Richards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters launches 2026 year-end giving campaign
- Socktober drive collected 659 pairs for local distribution
- Jeanne Previte, 80, owned and operated Jeanne's Kitchen
- Bluffton Elementary Honor Roll for 1st Quarter 2026-2027
- Lego scarecrow earns GROB top honors from voters
- Former Blufftonite is lieutenant governor-elect of South Carolina
- University to stage costume drama that mixes emotion, humor and contemporary references
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Nov. 13 chamber program on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Monday, November 9, 2026
- Healing and life beyond incarceration explored at Forum
- Nov. 12 opportunity to learn Mahjong
- Door hanger craft class at Pandora library, November 17
- BPL after school movie, November 16
- Hailey's Wellness and Massage provide chair massages at Senior Center
- Bluffton area Women in Business Meeting November 19