By Mike Minnig
Bluffton HS principal
This column is from the spring Bluffton school newsletter.
In this month of May, I urge parents to help keep their sons and daughters focused on finishing the year strong.

Many of our students are involved in extra-curriculars and, at this time of the year, can see the days of summer ahead testing their time-management skills. Setting aside time to study, do homework, complete final projects, and prepare for final exams helps ensure a successful end to the year.

The summer can provide parents and students a time to reflect on their future planning. Whether it be college, military, or the workforce, students can use a few days of the summer to explore their options.

College visitations, job shadowing, and researching opportunities, in-person or virtually, are ways for students to gain their vision for the future.  

Throughout the year, many students participate in community service projects. The National Honor Society held a canned-food drive to help support our local food pantry. 

The student senate was able to hold their annual Ironman Volleyball tournament where they were able to raise funds that were donated to a local family in need. The student senate will continue with its annual clean-up and mulching of the school grounds in May. 

During this year of adjustment, our students have continued to uphold a high level of academic achievement. This is evident as our Renaissance numbers continue to stay around 180-200 students each quarter.

36 students took post-secondary classes
Thirty-six juniors and seniors took post-secondary classes, mostly at Bluffton University, and dual enrollment classes through the University of Findlay and Rhodes State University.

Over the past couple months, various groups and individuals have been honored for their excellence. The National Honor Society inducted 37 new members, and 150 students received academic letters for maintaining a 3.5 grade point average.

Our students have also performed well in the arts. The music department has been creative this year with virtual concerts and holding our own solo and ensemble contest where many of our students received top marks for their performances.

Dr. Doolittle will be performed outdoors
The drama club is working hard on the musical Dr. Doolittle that is planned to be held outside on June 4-6. Art students also were recognized with pieces being showcased in the Kewpee Show at Artspace in Lima and in the Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. 

Athletically, our students are working hard in the middle of the spring sports season. Last sport season, the majority of our winter student-athlete varsity letter winners were named NWC Scholar Athletes for maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and the same is expected for this spring season.

Thanks to everyone involved with planning, working, and donating to the Athletic Boosters Reverse Raffle which will be held virtually Saturday, May 22.  Each year this fundraiser helps to support many of our students and programs.

During the month of May, we will be able to host a few events that our students missed out on last year. Prom and post-prom, hosted by our junior and senior parents, will be held at Bluffton University.

The Renaissance Club will hold its fourth quarter incentive picnic. The senior class will be able to make their marks on College Avenue during our Paint-the-Street event and enjoy their traditional morning parade their last  day of school.

As the year draws to a close and graduation approaches, all members of the Class of 2021 should have received a mailing concerning their end-of-the-year schedules and commencement. Any questions pertaining to commencement (May 29 at 7 p.m.) should be directed to the high school office.          

The last day of school is scheduled for May 28. Exams will be given during the last week of school. It is important that students take these exams seriously as each exam is weighted half of a quarter grade. Report cards for the last grading period will be posted on Progressbook on Wednesday, June 2.