The 2025 Bellefontaine High School graduates celebrated their many successes at Friday night’s commencement at AcuSport Stadium.
The 209 graduates were recognized for some impressive academic accomplishments.
Sixteen seniors had a 4.0 or higher grade point average.
The keynote speaker was 2007 BHS grad Dr. Timothy Smith.
Dr. Smith, an award-winning NASA engineer, emphasized four key principles during his speech.
First, he said not everything will go according to plan in life.
He encouraged the grads to adapt.
“You’ll face setbacks,” Dr. Smith said. “These moments don’t define you; they lead to opportunities for you.”
Secondly, Smith stated that no one succeeds alone.
He credited his parents, teachers, coaches, and colleagues for his career success.
“Ask for help when you need it,” he said. “When you’re in a position to help someone else, do it.”
Smith then urged the graduates to challenge themselves by being around people who push them to excel.
“Surround yourself with bright and successful people,” he continued. “This competition makes us better.”
Finally, Dr. Smith fondly remembered his alma mater and hometown.
He said, “Be proud of where you come from. The revitalization in downtown Bellefontaine proves the pride in our community.”
Smith is the principal investigator for three separate NASA research projects.
In this role, he has led research that directly resulted in more than a dozen research licenses, four commercial licenses, and contributed to numerous collaborative agreements with industry.
He leads both high-temperature alloy development and characterization efforts within the High Temperature and Smart Alloys Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Tim earned numerous awards throughout his career, both within NASA and from outside organizations.
He received the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal in 2020, the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2022, and the NASA Group Achievement Award in 2023.
This year’s valedictorian is Nolan Core, son of Cliff and Sara Core.
He had a 4.688 grade point average and will study biochemistry with a pre-med focus at Ohio Wesleyan University.
The salutatorian is Claire Grandstaff, daughter of Ryan and Natalie Grandstaff. She maintained a 4.391 grade point average and will study psychology at Miami University.
The remaining top ten grads are Madison Christman, Mia DeLong, Hunter Kerns, Quinn Slagle, Taylor Banta, Ryan Alexander, Graham Lotts, and Kylie Adams.
Nolan Core and Naomi Washburn earned their associate’s degrees at Clark State.
Savannah Sheeley earned her associate’s degree at The Ohio State University.
Kaydin Lenhart, Nevaeh Lafollette, Trent Marcinko, and Brayden Swearengin were spotlighted for enlisting in the military.
This year’s BHS Distinguished Alumni are Dr. Timothy Smith (Class of ’07), Ben Stahler (Class of ’78), and Christina Burt (Class of ’93).
BHS Principal Cliff Core emceed the commencement.
He said, “This class has everything. There are academic and athletic all-stars. Some individuals serve and help in our community. This class supports one another and has such a bright future.”
The Class of 2025 was awarded well over $2.1 million this year, with over $350,000 in local scholarship dollars:
Elias Abrego
- ISS America Academic Scholarship, $500
- Ohio Northern University Faculty Scholarship, $21,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Pepsi Leadership Scholarship, $1,250
Ryan Alexander
- Bruce E. Higham Memorial Scholarship, Full Tuition, Room, Board, Meals, Books, and Fees for Four Years
- Ohio Association of Public School Employees Scholarship, $300
Miranda Armentrout
- Antioch College Merit Scholarship, $15,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Taylor Banta
- Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $333
- BHS Class of 1975 Scholarship, $500
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Gunnery Sergeant David S. Spicer Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- V.F.W. Post #1080 Auxiliary Scholarship, $500
Rhiana Beair
- Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $7,000
- University of Findlay Dean’s Scholarship, $21,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Tiffany Boop
- Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $333
- Susie Parker Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Brody Boy
- Taylor University Christian Leadership 7 Service Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Taylor University Faculty Scholarship, $17,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Laila Butler
- Deborah Ellis Academic Scholarship, $1,650
- Kristy Mount Science Major Scholarship, $500
Ava Campbell
- Bellefontaine Rotary Club Scholarship, $1,000
- The Ohio State University-Lima President’s Affordability Scholarship, $1,500
- Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500
Emma Childs
- Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $4,000
Madison Christman
- BCYSA Tammy Elkins Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association-D.A.R.E. Scholarship, $250
- Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine High School Academic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Susie Parker Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Earl & Marion Spain Memorial Scholarship, $11,000
- Mary Rutan Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
- University of Findlay Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
- University of Findlay Trustee’s Scholarship, $25,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Nolan Core
- Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Choose Ohio First Scholarship, $8,750, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Deborah Ellis Academic Scholarship, $1,650
- Kristy Mount Science Major Scholarship, $1,000
- Ohio Wesleyan University Branch Rickey Scholarship, $37,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Wesleyan University Esports Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Wesleyan University Provost’s Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Wesleyan University Recognition Award Scholarship, $5,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Wesleyan University Referral Award Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Wesleyan University Visit Award Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Effie Patterson Memorial Scholarship, $300
- Spencer Reames Academic Scholarship, $1,000
- Ryan D. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, $750
- Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award Scholarship, $250
Alexander Crabill
- Robert L. and Helen E Ginn Memorial Scholarship, $300
- James Stolly Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- University of Akron Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Dutch Wilde Memorial/BHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
Mia DeLong
- James Forsythe Milroy Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Keep Logan County Beautiful Scholarship, $500
- Logan County Education Foundation Scholarship, $2,000
- Ohio University Admission Promise Award Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio University Excellence Scholarship, $7,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio University Forward Scholarship, $1,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Quest Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $250
Myles DeLong
- American Legion Auxiliary/Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
- Ohio University Admission Promise Award Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio University Excellence Scholarship, $4,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio University Forward Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Quest Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $250
Andie Eicher
- Bellefontaine Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association-D.A.R.E. Scholarship, $250
- Pepsi Leadership Scholarship, $1.250
- Ohio Northern University Faculty Scholarship, $20,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Northern University Klondike Award Scholarship, $8,300, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Gabrial Ferguson
- American Legion Auxiliary/Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine Exchange Club Scholarship, $1,000
- Bowling Green State University Falcon Achievement Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Bowling Green State University Freshman Academic Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Sophia Garrett
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Claire Grandstaff
- Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Miami University Red Hawk Excellence Scholarship, $7,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Kristy Mount Science Major Scholarship, $500
- Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $14,500
Bryce Harris
- Pat & Debbie Ellis Scholarship, $2,000
- The Ohio State University Choose Ohio First Scholarship, $3,018, Renewable for Three Additional Years.
Jaylen Henry
- Champaign-Logan Education Foundation Scholarship, $4,000
Jordan Hensley
- Marietta Distinguished Scholarship, $25,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Addison Herring
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Gabrielle Hoon
- Mary Rutan Foundation Florence Longfellow Scholarship, $2,000
Haley Horn
- 40 & 8 Nursing Scholarship, $500
- Rhodes State College Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Lilly Hudson
- American Legion/Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $500
- Bellefontaine Lions Club Scholarship, $500
- Don Harris Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $10,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Association of Public School Employees Scholarship, $300
Cooper Hunt
- Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $4,000
Hunter Kerns
- Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $400
- Bellefontaine Moose Richard L. Sharon Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $4,000
- Ohio Northern University Choose Ohio First Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Northern University Singers Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Northern University Trustee Scholarship, $26,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Cale Kline
- Ohio University Admission Promise Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio University Excellence Scholarship, $5,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Mary Rutan Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
- Paul Thomas Memorial Scholarship, $500
Graham Lotts
- Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Bowling Green State University Alumni Legacy Scholarship, $1,000
- Bowling Green State University Freshman Academic Scholarship, $6,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- ISS America Academic Scholarship, $500
- Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $14,500
Claire McDaniel
- Bellefontaine Exchange Club Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $333
- Ratleff Senior Award Scholarship, $1,200
Blaine Mitchell
- Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
- Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $400
- Bowling Green State University Choice Award Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Bowling Green State University Freshman Academic Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Don Harris Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Billy Jervis Memorial Scholarship, $1,200
Anna Belle Myers
- Hazel Moore Memorial Scholarship, $2,050
- Ohio Northern University Band Participation Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Northern University Dean’s Scholarship, $23,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Mary Rutan Foundation Florence Longfellow Scholarship, $2,000
- Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500
Kathryn Myers
- Bellefontaine Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association-D.A.R.E. Scholarship, $250
- Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $400
- Bowling Green State University Academic Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Bowling Green State University STEM Choose Ohio First Scholarship, $3,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years.
- Jenny O’Connor Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Dutch Wilde Memorial/BHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
Kailyn Newman
- Champaign-Logan Education Foundation Scholarship, $4,000
- Mary Rutan Foundation Florence Longfellow Scholarship, $2,000
- Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500
Rory Pierce
- Zachariah W. Keller Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Ohio Northern University Bowling Scholarship, $2,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ohio Northern University Faculty Scholarship, $21,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Ryan D. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, $300
- Youth Bowling Travel Scholarship, $497.78
Rylie Reames
- Kathy Detwiler Memorial Nursing Scholarship, $1,000
- Nigle & Phyllis Standley Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Ava Reeves
- Youngstown State University Student Athlete Grant Scholarship, $2,000
- Youngstown State University First Opportunity Award Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
Jacob Salyer
- WPTW Holiday Classic Scholar Athlete Scholarship, $500
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
Savannah Sheeley
- Bellefontaine High School Alumni & Friends Scholarship, $250
- The Ohio State University Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship, Full Tuition, Room, Board, Meals, Books, and Fees for Four Years
Jayden Sims
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
Xavier Sims
- Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Ohio Association of Public School Employees Scholarship, $500
- Ohio Northern University Trustee Scholarship, $25,500, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Jerry Ritter Family Scholarship, $1,000
- Dr. Earl Sloan Renewable Business Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Nigle & Phyllis Standley Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Quinn Slagle
- Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $14,500
Jeffrey T. Smith
- Mike Bible Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Genevieve Froman Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Reagan Standley
- Bellefontaine Lions Club Scholarship, $500
- Bellefontaine Professional Firefighters Association Scholarship, $500
- Harriet L. Headington Memorial Scholarship, $1,600
- Krista McDonald Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Susie Parker Memorial Scholarship, S1,000
- Mary Rutan Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Aeriana Steranko
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Jayden Temple
- Monicha P. Simpson Memorial Scholarship, $200
Alexsis VanSchoyck
- Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $4,000
Naomi Washburn
- Bellefontaine High School FCCLA Scholarship, $500
Haylee Yelton
- Bellefontaine High School FCCLA Scholarship, $500
Alexis Yoder
- Bellefontaine Daily Digital Senior of the Month Scholarship, $500
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship, $5,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
- Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Airiana Young
- Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
- Wickerham STEM Academic Scholarship, $11,350
Quinlan Zedeker
- Ronald H. Wisse Memorial Scholarship, $500
WBCS released the 2025 Senior Video.
The 11-minute video captures memories from elementary school through high school. The video features the annual Senior Walk.
The video was produced by seniors in the video production class.
Jeff Smith led the production.
Here’s a list of the 2025 BHS grads:
- Jai Renee’V. Abhyankar
- Elias Richard Abrego
- Kylie Shaylyn Adams
- Ryan Lee Alexander
- Hayden Matthew Alinson
- Elyncia Grace Allen
- Miranda Lee Armentrout
- Michael AKU Bader
- Catrina LeeAnne Bailey
- Anthony Michael Ball
- Hailie Michelle Ball
- Taylor Lane Banta
- Maysan Ranee Barnett
- Natalie Elise Baum
- Rhiana Nicole Beair
- Isaac Ellsworth Bender
- Tiffany Lynn Boop
- Legend Leigh Boswell
- Brody Quade Boy
- Colin Carl George Bright
- Kendall Gracin Bright
- Laila Amira Butler
- Ava Kynnidi Campbell
- Emma Rose Campbell
- Aiden Jarek Carr
- Blair Annslee Carroll
- Lukas Alexander Carteaux
- Alexander Michael Cavanaugh
- Emma Grace Childs
- Madison Kaye Christman
- Ayden Michael Shea Clary
- Mason Raymond Cook
- Nolan Robert Core
- Katlyn Nicole Corral
- Harmony Jade Costello
- Hailey Nichole Coyer
- Carissa Nicole Cozad
- Alexander Jackson Crabill
- Kenneth Parker Crowden
- Maddox Wayde Curtis
- Epiphany James Darner
- Adriana Ann Deleon
- Mia Kay DeLong
- Myles Parker DeLong
- Raychael Ann DeLong
- Samantha Edna-Marie Devore
- Sierra Autumn Jade Dieringer
- Aliyah Shane Magtira Divina
- Andie Brynn Eicher
- Haylei Jade Elkins
- Sebastian Andres Estepa Abache
- Mariana Margarita Estrada
- Conor Edward Evans
- Reese Michael Fanaff
- Courtney Renee Fehr
- Gabrial Irick Ferguson
- Josiah Matthew Finch
- Michiah LaTrell Flagler
- Simon Wendel Eugene Flagler
- Lucy Anne Flood
- Ashton Dameko Foreman
- Sophie Alexis Fosnot
- Kaidi Lynn Freeman
- Donavin Fulmer
- Jenacey Mikayla Garcia
- Sophia Rae Garrett
- Connor Allen George
- Payton Lee Gilbert
- Tyson Javarr Gorham
- Claire Ava Grandstaff
- Gavin Ace Green
- Aubrey Breanne Grow
- Gaven Drake Gudger
- Bravyn Wade Harrington
- Bryce Earick Harris
- Promyse Avadawn Havens
- Angel Marie Hayman
- Marvin Nicholas James Heberling
- Jaylen Luther Henry
- Jordan Dean Henderson Hensley
- Fredy Arturo Rafael Hernandez
- Addison Marie Herring
- Landen Lee Hinkle
- Kaden Mitchell Hobart
- Skyler Michael Hodge
- Johnathan William Gwen Hoffman
- Shelby Shyann Hoffman
- Kandas Rose Holycross
- Gabrielle Suzanne Hoon
- Haley Mae Horn
- Lilly Elizabeth Hudson
- Valerie Janes Huffman
- Carter Scott Hunt
- Cooper Scott Hunt
- Jonathan Frederick Hunter
- Alexzander Robert Impson
- Luke Evan Reid Johnson
- Martin Arthur Johnson, II
- Tory LeMont Johnson, Jr
- Nollie Kaylyn Jones
- Haylie Marie Jordan
- Taylor Bessann McClain Judd
- Hunter James Kerns
- Cale David Kline
- Courtney Marie Knight
- Jeffrey Paul Knotts
- Octavia Ann Kropf
- Carter Scott Kuhn
- Karter Lee Kuhn
- Nevaeh Rylynn Lafollette
- Skyler Daniel Lamb
- Kaydin Ann Marie Lenhart
- Luke Gregory LeVan
- Karla Michelle May Lopez
- Graham Elliott Lotts
- Jacob Allen Lynch
- Phoenix James Lyons
- Marialaura Machado Araujo
- Ricky Eugene Mattox
- Faith Ann Manbevers
- Steven Luke Maples
- Trent Michael-Dale Marcinko
- Kristopher Alexzander Martin-Dunn
- Zavier Logan May
- Drew Ulliana Lynn McComas
- Claire Elise McDaniel
- Todd Joseph Meek
- Blaine Robert Mitchell
- Dezarae Amanda Renee Mitchell
- Jace Riddick Mitchell
- Sarah Elizabeth Morris
- Avery Blair Mullins
- Tra’Veeon Shawn Michael Mundy
- Anna Belle Myers
- Kathryn Marie Myers
- Xavier Isaiah Napper
- Luis Alberto Navarrete
- Cassie Marie Neeley
- Ahyleace Marie Neer
- Camryn Elizabeth Neill
- Chase Avery Nelson
- Kailyn Marie Newman
- Mikayla Jade Nolan
- Foster Joseph Noreiga
- Hannah Marie Nye
- Gabriel Scott Pack
- Paula Alejandra Paredes Reinoso
- Cearah Elizabeth Parks
- Carson Lee Payne
- Rory Kale Pierce
- Garrett Andrew Prater
- Alexandria Rose Priest
- Kassondra Hope Prine
- Anthony Queen
- Rylie Adyson Reames
- Ava Illene Reeves
- Michelle Ann Roberts
- Zane Richard Dale Roberts
- Angel Gabriel Rosa Morales
- Jailden Anabelle Ruiz
- Jacob Scott Salyer
- Chloe Michelle Sargent
- Tatyanna Kimberlynn Sayles
- Brianne Victoria Sechrest
- Owen Thomas Sellars
- Savannah Ava Sheeley
- Cameron Scott Shirk
- Nathanael Ryan Shultz
- Jayden Allene Nicole Sims
- Xavier Daniel Sims
- Brandon Robert Allen Skaggs
- Quinn James Slagle
- Jailynn Renee’ Slayback
- Jude Michael Slonecker
- Carter Douglas Smith
- Jeffrey Adam Smith
- Jeffrey Thor Smith
- Kyle James Smith
- Caden Matthew Snapp
- Robert Aiden Spain
- Xavier Lee Spain
- Tavien Javon St. Clair
- Reagan Bess Standley
- Luke Patrick Steiner
- Madison Grace Steinhelfer
- Aeriana Renee Steranko
- Sheldon Michael Stewart
- Nekailah Kelise Stiggers
- Danjae Jean Arlise Suber-Blalark
- Brayden Michael Swearengin
- Bryce Allen Tarasiewicz
- Jayden Lee Samuel Temple
- Lorena DeeAnn Christine Thomas
- Tobias Matthew Thornburg
- Elaina Brooke Ullom
- Nasir Xavier Scott Valmore
- Alexsis Marie VanSchoyck
- Samuel Allen Varian
- Carissa Michelle Wade
- Naomi Paige Washburn
- Madison Alexis White
- Sabian Jodhan White
- Katelynn Ann Wireman
- Haylee Marie Yelton
- Alexis Lee Yoder
- Liam Gavin Yoder
- Airiana Marie Young
- Miabelle Zoe Zayas Colon
- Quinlan Kathryn Zedeker
