Isabella Angel, a senior, is the Bluffton High School February student of the month.
She is involved in several school activities including flag corps, academic team, Art Club, National Honor Society and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).
One of her art pieces was selected for a juried art show and she has also won multiple academic awards.
In her spare time she enjoys creating art projects, watching movies and hanging out with her friends. She is employed at Luke’s.
Two guys from Bluffton hold the local record for combined years of experience in being in business together, and they don’t even work in town.
Kevin Gratz and Mike Steiner, both Bluffton High School graduates and lifelong residents, have sold their interests in Lima Lumber Co., effective March 1.
Kevin, a 1970 BHS grad, and Mike, a 1972 BHS grad, have nearly a century of combined lumber yard experience going back to their days at Reichenbach Lumber and Basinger Furniture.
15 Minutes with Andrew Bertka interviewed by Derek Swartzlander
Icon: You graduated from Bluffton in 2019. What have you been doing since then?
A couple things have started in my life. College is one of the biggest changes to happen to me. The change in class structure and the atmosphere is levels above what it was in high school. I have also started working with a friend of mine from work, Gregus Smith, at Schoolhouse Electronics. I have been very thankful for the work he has provided for me to help my way through college.
Five Bluffton High School artists had works accepted in the Lima ArtSpace Kewpee Art Invitational currently on exhibit in Lima. The show runs through Feb. 27. Vickie Garmon is the BHS art teacher.
Bluffton artists include:
Bella Angel - Painting
Anna Edwards - Painting
Riley Pearson - Printmaking
(she received a 1st place award)
Angie Brown - Sculpture
Amber Boop - Drawing (primacolor)
Amber Boop, Bluffton High School junior, is the February artist of the month.
"This piece is called Rat House and it's a piece I really love," she told the Icon. "When drawing it the personalities of the rats emerged and evolved. Each of them has a unique personality and story. I loved being able to develop them and their little world.
Amber says that she enjoys art because she enjoys developing a world with her hands.
"I can shape this world however I wish," she said. "I can make it as beautiful, practical, and amusing as I want.
Two Bluffton High School graduates participated in fall and winter commencements.
Haley Baker graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, with a Bachelor of Science: Psychology.
Heather Kahle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (baccalaureate nursing) from Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions.
