Benjamin Logan celebrates one of its largest graduating classes

Benjamin Logan High School proudly hosted its 55th annual commencement ceremony, honoring the achievements and aspirations of the Class of 2025.

The evening event marked a milestone for 140 graduating seniors, surrounded by an audience of proud families, educators, and community leaders.

Led by Principal Annette Alatorre, the ceremony reflected on the graduates’ personal growth and academic accomplishments.

Distinguished guests included Superintendent John Scheu, Treasurer Leah Baker, and Benjamin Logan Board of Education members, all of whom offered their support and congratulations.

Inspiring Words from Valedictorians

Three co-valedictorians delivered heartfelt speeches that set the tone of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement:

Kelley Forsythe shared a deeply personal message on the power of hope. Drawing from Jeremiah 29:11 in the Bible, she reminded her peers that while the future may hold uncertainty, hope, whether grounded in faith, friendships, dreams, or independence, can be the guiding light that propels them forward. “Let it remind us of who we are, how far we’ve come, and all that we’re capable of becoming,” she encouraged.

Tristan Sheets delivered a contemplative reflection on the passage of time.

He emphasized the importance of living with intention, urging his classmates not to wait for the “perfect moment” but to take ownership of their lives today. “You must guide your own life and ensure that you are experiencing it as you please,” he said. “Live each day to the fullest.”

Dylan Vance focused on the theme of resilience, acknowledging the quiet strength that defined the Class of 2025 through challenges both big and small. “Resilience is what has carried each of us through the highs and lows,” he said.

He encouraged his peers to carry that same determination into the future, using their past trials as proof of their enduring potential.

Top Ten Graduates of the Class of 2025
Benjamin Logan High School proudly recognized the top academic performers based on cumulative GPA, including three co-valedictorians and multiple ties:

Forsythe, daughter of Joe and Kim Forsythe, has been involved in National Honor Society, Raider Outreach Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, soccer, swimming, marching band,
concert band, pep band, jazz band, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the MathWorks Math Modeling Competition.

Outside of school, she is active in Girl Scouts and the youth group of Goshen Friends Church.

Forsythe will attend The Ohio State University, majoring in health science while continuing her athletic career on the women’s rowing team.

Sheets, son of Kris and Renae Sheets, has participated in Student Government, Quiz Bowl, Science Fair, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Business Professionals of America.

He plans to take a gap year to travel, apply for scholarships, and begin pilot training to earn certifications before starting college.

Sheets is currently interested in attending Ohio Northern University after his gap year to pursue a degree in engineering, with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial or cargo pilot.

Vance, son of Melissa Vance and the late Chris Vance, has served as Class Treasurer and Student Government Treasurer.

His other school activities include Concert Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Hispanic National Honor Society, Co-President of Raider Outreach Club, President of National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Science Fair, soccer, Spanish Club, swimming, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and is in track and field.

Vance plans to attend The Ohio State University to study finance on a pre-law track.

Tied for 4th were Kameron Lockwood and Hunter Andrix.

Liam Sweeney and Robert Blackburn were tied for 6th.

Tyler Barnes, Addison Scott, and Ava Liles rounded out the top 10.

These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout their academic careers.

A Message from Class President Mia Stahler offered a poignant farewell, celebrating the journey the class shared and encouraging graduates to embrace life beyond checklists.

She shared a passage that reminded her peers to prioritize joy, connection, and wonder over constant productivity. “Let the sunset remind you: you’re here to live, not just to hustle,” she reflected. Her speech concluded with a symbolic and spirited instruction: “Class of 2025, it is time to move those tassels from right to left.”

Superintendent John Scheu talks about the Class of 2025:

Scheu went on to say, “The Class of 2025 has made us all incredibly proud. They’ve earned nearly $200,000 in local scholarships, along with many college awards. From honors in BPA, FFA, music, science, and quiz bowl to over two dozen scholar-athletes and students in AP and College Credit Plus courses, this group is truly outstanding. We’re also celebrating the first inductees into our new National Art Honor Society—seniors who are leading the way in visual arts. Their success reflects hard work, strong community support, and the high standards we set at Benjamin Logan. The future looks bright.”

The ceremony celebrated not only academic excellence but also the diverse post-graduation paths of the Class of 2025.

Graduates entering the military, workforce, and institutions of higher learning were recognized as part of the district’s commitment to the “3E’s” initiative: Enlist, Employ, Enroll.

With the turning of the tassels, the Benjamin Logan Class of 2025 stepped confidently into a new chapter, armed with hope, reflection, resilience, and a heartfelt reminder to live each day with purpose.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025.

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpBbE3JdfJo

Graduates from the Benjamin Logan Class of 2025: