PHOTOS by Jamie Nygaard / CLICK to enlarge

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The 145th Commencement ceremony at Bluffton High School took place on an overcast Saturday evening, May 23. In an event both solemn and joyous, 90 students celebrated their successful graduation and a shared experience of up to 13 years.

Students shared loving thoughts in memory of Brianna Rene Schmidt and Elijah Bradley Jones. Dressed in red caps and gowns, students also wore compass rose pins in recognition of their classmates and the program shared, “May the memory of Eli and Briana inspire them to hold close the places, people and moments that will forever feel like home.”

Superintendent Greg Denecker made a surprising announcement: an anonymous couple has gifted each student with $1,000. The $90,000 donation comes with the donors’ challenge to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness such as shoveling a neighbor's driveway, spending time with someone who is lonely or volunteering to help others.

Eighteen students were recognized as valedictorians, one was named as Salutatorian, 46 received an Honors Diploma and 36 received a Diploma with honors.

PROGRAM

• Welcome by Alayna Mueller
• Introduction by Dr. Greg Denecker, Superintendent
• Speech by Eli Hoffman
• Music by the Bluffton High School Band and Concert Choir & Symphonic Choir
• Speech by Lizzy Suter
• Introduction of the Class of 2026 by Mike Minnig, BHS Principal
• Presentation of Diplomas by Roni Kaufmann, School Board President