BHS grads encouraged to follow their dreams

The 2026 Bellefontaine High School graduates celebrated their many successes at Friday night’s commencement at AcuSport Stadium. The 203 grads were recognized for some impressive academic accomplishments. This year’s senior class was awarded $1.4 million in scholarships. 31 seniors had a 4.0 or higher grade point average.

The keynote speaker was 1998 BHS grad Jeffrey Zell. Mr. Zell overcame many financial obstacles during his childhood. His family moved multiple times, and he worked various jobs throughout high school. Zell shared his story of perseverance and credited the BCS teachers for their guidance and compassion.
He then challenged the graduates to follow their dreams. Zell had a decorated 20-year career in the Air Force. He is currently a state senator in South Carolina.

Zell closed his speech by saying, “Class of 2026 you stand at the threshold of the world that will demand resilience, creativity, and conviction. But you’re ready. You grew up in a time of rapid change. You navigated challenges that previous generations never imagined. You learned to adapt, innovate, and persevere. Now, take those lessons into the world. Go on your safari. Build your business. Do the thing that no one expects from you – especially you. Don’t wait for permission, don’t wait for perfect conditions, and don’t wait for someone to tell you that you’re ready, because you are ready! You are the next chapter of Bellefontaine’s history. You are Chieftains – strong, resilient, and always ready for the battle that lies ahead. Congratulations to the Class of ’26. You are ready to change the world. Now, go prove it to yourself.”

This year’s valedictorian is Jacob Henry, son of Kathleen Fogarty. Jacob had a 4.734 grade point average. He will study molecular biology with a pre-med focus at The Ohio State University.

The salutatorian is Lorenz Henry, son of Larry and Gingging Henry. Lorenz maintained a 4.685 grade point average. He will study mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University.

The remaining top ten grads are Elliett Lang, Claire Brown, Kaeleigh Flora, Chloe Stolly, Patrick Stolly, Kelsie Snapp, Kayla Sellars, and Lane Howard. Jacob Henry, Lorenz Henry, Kayla Sellars, and Colton Wisner earned their associate’s degrees at Clark State. Claire Brown, Caitlin Haley, Jacob Henry, Elliett Lang, Kelsie Snapp, and Chloe Stolly are AP Capstone candidates. Hannah Seagraves, Easton Predmore, Jacob Stone, Colton Wisner, and Cayleb Overmann were spotlighted for enlisting in the military.

This year’s BHS Distinguished Alumni are Jeffrey Edward Zell II (Class of ’98), Chuck Earick (Class of ’62), and Jay Nunn (Class of ’99).

BHS Principal Cliff Core emceed the commencement.

He said, “This class has everything. There are academic and athletic all stars. There are individuals who serve and help in our community. This class supports one another and has such a bright future.”

After the commencement, Core had these comments: