By Paula Scott

Ninety Seniors crossed the stage in the Bluffton High School gymnasium this past Saturday and were awarded their diplomas in ceremonies both solemn and joyous. School and district representatives served in their official capacities, while students provided commentary on the momentous occasion.

The evening began with a darkened room and a music video displaying a pair of photos for each student: one as baby or toddler followed by a current photo of the graduate. A montage of activities was next, showing the Class of 2023 over the past 13 years.

CONTINUES WITH ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & PROGRAM

With the flip of a switch, the gym was illuminated and the Class of 2023 processed into the room accompanied by “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the High School Band under the direction of David Sycks. The band also performed the national anthem and Alma Mater, as well as an arrangement of pop-rock songs by Chicago. The Concert and Symphonic Choir, under the direction of Kara Zink, performed “How Far I’ll Go” and “I’ll Always Remember You.”

Senior Eli Wenger welcomed visitors and led them in prayer. He also spoke in remembrance of classmate Drew Rayle, who passed away at age nine. “There is nothing more that my classmates and I wish for than to have Drew with us here tonight. We are so happy to continue to honor Drew and his legacy throughout our years in the Bluffton School System.”Wenger also raised a few eyebrows when he mentioned debate over “a growing problem our country is facing.” Wenger noted that while “no one wants to work these days” is a common refrain, he saw no evidence of this in his classmates, whom he characterized as “the hardest working people I have come to know.”

School Superintendent Greg Denecker next thanked parents, staff, the Board of Education and community for their support of the graduation class. He also recognized retiring staff members: technology coordinator Mardy Herr, teacher Karen Falk and cook Jodi Brauen. 

Eleven students were recognized for academic distinction: Valedictorians Sabina Clingerman, Jaden Coonfare, Hannah Davis, Allison Diller, Riley Eachus, Nolan Hoffman, Amy Jebsen, Olivia Natthews, Erik Nygaard, Makayla Schweingruber, Elijah Wenger and Salutatorian Lauren Speicher.

Valedictorian Allison Diller began her speech by thanking her parents Rachel and Jason, both teachers and coaches at Bluffton High School, and noting they were probably about to shed a few tears. She described herself as “excited, scared, hopeful” and urged her classmates to not let fear hold them back in their future endeavors.

Valedictorian Erik Nygaard remembered attending school by Zoom as a freshman, a time that now seems like a blur to him. He recalled being encouraged to persevere by Cross Country coach Bill Theisen in his “slay the dragon” speech. “We are all equipped with tools to get the job done,” Nygaard advised, “We just need to use them the right way.”

On behalf of the Bluffton Board of Education, president Brad Dailey and vice president Wes Klinger presented diplomas to 2023 graduates as Bluffton High School principal Mike MInnig announced their names (attached).

Ceremonies concluded with graduates shifting the tassels on their mortar boards from right to left, with the explosion of confetti cannons and with the cheers of a gym filled to capacity with family and friends.

Additional details are listed in the attached program.