By Paula Pyzik Scott
The May 25 Bluffton High School commencement was a mix of solemn ceremony, DJ drama and student high jinks. BHS graduation ceremonies begin with a slide and video show that includes moments from the past year, as well as current and baby photos of each graduate. Accompanied by a lively and loud soundtrack, you could still hear the excited chatter of family and friends. (View the ceremonies online HERE.)
The Class of 2024 processed into the Bluffton High School gym wearing deep red caps and gowns with broad white bands on the cuffs. The 79 graduates are listed below and are pictured in an attached group photo.
Valedictorian Leah Klinger provided a welcome and thank you from the class. She noted that the “bumpy” freshman year coincided with the start of the pandemic, giving her classmates a new perspective: “to be grateful for everything we have.” Klinger noted how far students had come, noting their early aspirations to be dancers, firefighters, and meteorologists for NASA.
Superintendent Greg Denecker’s introduction included recognition of staff retirements and an explanation of the designation of valedictorians, which goes to students with a perfect 4.0 GPA. The 2024 BHS Valedictorians are Theo Andreas, Ella Armstrong, Brooke Camper, Sadie Combs, Ashley Fleece, Daniel Fredritz, Morgan Fruchey, Jacob Granger, Jasmine Hasting, Olivia Hobensack, Liam Jordan, Leah Klinger, Ian Rieman, Isabella Stechschulte, John-Paul Yoder. The 2024 Salutatorian is Caitlyn Couch.
Valedictorian John-Paul Yoder shared his take on the Class of 2024. He remarked, “Covid set us up to be incredible” and recalled learning how to read eyes, eyebrows and foreheads above masks. Yoder also noted that for this class, the stars aligned, providing them with both a total eclipse and views of the Northern Lights.
The Bluffton High School choir and band provided musical interludes including a performance of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme, Viva La Vida and You’ll Be In My Heart.
Valedictorian Daniel Fredritz called his speech a non-graded assignment with a due date. He noted that his time in school was “a short 13 years” that included tough lessons, including always say hello to Mr. Boblitt. Fredritz concluded with the comment, “Thanks for coming and let’s get this over with.”
High School Principal Mike Minnig read out the names of the graduates who crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from Bluffton School Board members Wes Klinger and Roni Kaufman.
The final flourish of the evening was the swish of mortarboard tassels from right to left and the boom of confetti cannons which showered the graduates with celebratory glitter. The new BHS alumni then left the gym in pairs, including at least three piggyback rides.
Bluffton High School Class of 2024
Theo Andreas, Ella Armstrong, Kyle Basil, Lauren Bassett, Alissa Beck, Timothy Betts, Garret Bogart, Gavin Bogart, Jessica Boop, Cole Bowers, Cole Burkholder, Gavin Butler, Brooke Camper, Jack Coleman, Sadie Combs, Caitlyn Couch, Tyler Cupples, Hayden Dearth, Lilly Deitering, Ayden Diller
Marco Eiden, Gideon Evans, Ashley Fleece, Taylor Follas, Daniel Fredritz, Calvin Frideger, Morgan Fruchey, Rylee Geesaman, Wade Ginther, Jacob Granger, Riley Greer, Megan Gunnett, Carly Hannum, Paige Harkness, Kaelyn Hart, Ben Hartzler, Jasmine Hasting, Olivia Hobensack, Alyssa Hoffman, Adanna Johnstone
Braeden Jordan, Liam Jordan, Shylee Kaufman, Maddox Kibele, Kaylee Kindle, Marley Kindle, Avery Kinn, Kaylee Kinsinger, Leah Klinger, Andrew Lackey, Alivia Lambert, Preston Laytart, Jacob Lehman, Kaden Lora, Isabella Manns, Faith Maple, Malaya McBrien, Hope Miller, Madalyn Murray, Ethan Nickel
Macie Nieman, Amairi Painter, Brayden Ray, Ian Rieman, Ahri Secession, Carly Setzer, Kandler Short, Olivia Siferd, Izzy Stechschulte, Emma Stricklen, Tesa Stricklen, Nathan Taylor, Gage VanAtta, Carsen Weaver, Kaelin Weissling, Malaki Wheeler, Bella Wingate, Kerris Wright III, John-Paul Yoder
