"Just remember that you come from Bluffton, a small Northwest Ohio town that has watched you grow up over the years and they are still going to be here to support you along the way."
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 managed to catch Landon Cluts for a quick chat - he is a valedictorian of the class of 2014.
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.
Note: Bluffton sixth graders in the 1953-54 school year (graduating class of 1960) created a booklet titled "The Bluffton Story." The following article is part of that booklet, which is now in the history collection at the Bluffton Public Library. This series continues each week on the Icon. By John Ebersole and Richard Reichenbach
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.
Interestingly, a few valedictorians, such as Brigitte Herr, came back to BHS as teachers. She's known now as Brigette Hoff (or Mrs. Hoff to students).
Brigette (Herr) Hoff is a valedictorian of the class of 1986.
Photos and story by
Mary Pannabecker Steiner
Wanda Stopher loves a big project, so the concept of sewing 60 comforters in 2½ years – as a way to mark her 60th birthday – didn’t feel overly daunting. With more than adequate sewing skills and a background in project management, she knew how to make a plan.
More photos at bottom of story -
Stopher first contemplated her 60/60 project when a friend told her about Karen Kreider Yoder, who had completed a similar project in honor of her own 60th birthday.
Earlier this week, DeAndre Nassar signed a national letter of intent to wrestle at Cleveland State University.
DeAndre was the Division III State Champion in the 182-pound weight class. He is a three-time state qualifier, a four-time NWC champion, and an All-NWC football player.
DeAndre is an active tutor at the elementary school, and participates in the school choir. He plans to major in criminology this fall at Cleveland State University.
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 interviewed Tatyana Shekochikhin, a valedictorian of the class of 2003.
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.
