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
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 12
- Blanchard River Watershed Partnership hosts 5K trail run on July 25
- Beaverdam to begin water treatment plant repairs
- Save the date: Declaration of Independence reading, July 8
- Bluffton Police answer 630 calls for service in May 2026
- Great wealth disparity and our eroding democracy
Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 11
- Splitting headache: Fasting and migraines
- Pamela Ann Bricker was a social worker
- Bluffton Community Garage Sales, June 18-19-20
- Open and improved Elm St. segment
- Ultimate car seat guide recommended by Bluffton police
- Senior Center's June community meal shifts to summer schedule
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Local students on ONU's Spring 2026 Dean's List
- Sardines swamp Ada Gators in opening swim meet
- NWS heat advisory for June 10
- Agenda for June 11 Orange Twp Trustees meeting
- Public meetings schedule for Village of Bluffton, June 10-29
- Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
- Open House at remodeled Bluffton EMS station
- Unforgettable: Marvel Stratton Hilty
- Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis speaks at Bluffton Public Library
- Bus trips with Debbie announced by Senior Center