141 students graduate in Bluffton High School Class of 2024
By HOLLY GASKILL
On Friday night, 141 Bluffton High School seniors sat together in the Tiger Den one last time for graduation. Walking out as graduates, they entered a new chapter of their lives, carrying on the legacy of all the BHS graduates before them.
As a reminder, Principal Steve Baker invited three school alumni to present their words of wisdom to the students.
The first was Kevin Daily, a 2004 graduate, who read from an article he had written about his classmates 20 years earlier: “As we leave this stage of our lives, we take memories, lessons and experiences that will mold the rest of our lives. On our paths of life, we will take many different routes to fulfill our purpose. We will find that purpose in serving something higher than ourselves or in serving others. That is where our joy will lie. Wherever you find purpose, pursue it with your whole heart, mind and soul. And then, make it a great life or not — the choice is yours.”
The second was 1963 graduate Jerry Murray, reading from “12 Choices for the Graduate … from a wise Janitor” by Todd Gongwer. He read: “Choose to embrace struggles — every trial you face is an opportunity for growth. Choose to exceed expectations — give your best, and opportunity will follow. Choose to grow — find good mentors, seek honest feedback and guard your heart. Your input affects your output.”
The final guest, present only in spirit, was the first BHS Class of 1883. Baker had spoken about the first BHS graduates when the class committed to graduate high school as freshmen, and on Friday, reminded them of all the many things those first graduates went on to accomplish.
Baker then presented each student with a key representing the key to the door, that reportedly over 11,400 other BHS graduates have walked through.
“You have been handed a legacy that started 141 years ago,” Baker said. “It is now your responsibility to continue that legacy of tradition and excellence for generations to come. Take this key as you create your own legacy. How do you want to be remembered 20, 61 or 142 years from now?”
This year, the graduating class sports co-valedictorians, Claire Craighead and Connor Collins.
In her address, Craighead drew from her faith to address her peers, citing Proverbs 3:3-6 as guidance for their next steps in life. Like the verses instruct, she invited the class to choose love in their interactions with others and trust God would guide them into this next journey.
She concluded, “I would like to thank you all for being here to support the Class of 2024, and I wish you leave here with the drive to have love, faith and trust. My hope is that each of you will feel valuable and confident in your God-given purpose.”
Collins reminded his classmates of a phrase from a boys’ golf coach — “GMOB.” The acronym stands for “get my opportunity back,” referring to the work needed after shanking a putt in the wrong direction.
“You simply need to shake off that last disappointing shot and focus on the next one ahead,” Collins said. “The Class of 2024, I present a challenge to you — when an opportunity slips away from your fingertips, that next day, get back out there and look for another opportunity to strive for.”
Collins likened life to a rollercoaster, consisting of thrill-seeking highs, valleys and falls, and a continual climb. “This rollercoaster at Bluffton High School has come to a stop,” he said. “Now it is time for each of us to venture to the next ride of our lives. May you look forward to that next incline and enjoy the view.”
The class’s motto is from Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, dream for tomorrow.” Their class song is “Where’d All the Time Go” by Dr. Dog.
holly@news-banner.com
