[applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] graduates, please be seated. >> [cheering] >> Good morning. My name is Joe Ruditz and it is my pleasure as the principal of Belleville East to welcome you to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2026. [cheering] >> [applause] >> Before we begin the ceremony, I would like to take a moment of silence for the loss of our fellow classmates that passed away. Thank you.
You are away. >> [music] >> Thank you. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> [music] [music] >> Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Congratulations. [music] All >> [music] [music] >> right. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [bell] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank you. Hallelujah. Let's [music] fire. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the commencement of the class of 2026. [cheering] [applause] I am Dr. Malcolm Hill and it is my privilege to serve as principal of Belleville West High School. We respectfully ask that you stand at this time for the national anthem performed by the Belleville West Band under the direction of Mr. Michael Pon Jones. Gentlemen, please remove your caps. Keep it on. Keep it on. You may be seated. I would like to begin by introducing individuals gathered here on stage to preside over this ceremony.
You are watching Bluffton Tigers athletics on BHMSD TV brought to you by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club. We'll be right back after this break. Coverage by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is made possible thanks to the Wells County Foundation. Thank you for supporting the BHS student body. Starting during the 202526 school year, the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is excited to bring you coverage of the Bluffton Tigers on BHMS TV. The Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club would like to thank the Wells County Foundation for the generous grant to make these broadcasts possible. This coverage of the Bluffton Tigers is brought to you by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club. We'll be right back on BHMSD TV after this break. This webcast would not be possible without the support of the Wells County Foundation. We thank the Wells County Foundation for their continued support of the BHMSD students and the Wells County community.
employees in our district. 80% of our staff are studentf facing. So they're either educators in the classroom or they're in student support roles such as PAR educators. This year alone, we had to on board 88 new employees, right? And that's across all bargaining units. That's across all employee groups. And what we found is that our hardest to fill roles are our specialized roles. So that's those are our BCBAS. Um those are our uh speech and language pathologists or OT's occupational therapists and we try not to use acronyms too much. Um those you know they have they can find opportunities in many different places and they're very difficult to build roles in our districts and that's something that's experienced across the nation. That's just that's not unique to Ammerst. That's across across all districts uh most districts. And so one of the biggest pressures on our student experience and what we're seeing in our system uh is attendance and is also lenture.
[applause] Please rise if able for the pledge of allegiance. After the pledge, please remain standing for the national anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the America and to the stand. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] [applause] >> At this time, we would like to start by recognizing some of the esteemed guests who are joining us today for this ceremony. Representing the District 2011 Board of Education, Mrs. Sheree Bennett and Mrs. Casey Ferris. [applause] Representing our district administration, assistant superintendent, Dr. Dustin Bilbrook, [applause] director of human resources, Mrs. Andrea Ganon, [applause] and director of the center for academic and vocational excellence, the cave, Mr. Jacob Strawbot. >> [applause] >> We would like to start by asking the Belleville East administration team to please stand and be recognized for their contributions to the class of 2026.
Dr. Marshon Warren, superintendent of schools, Mr. Mike Ice, president of the board of education. Dr. Richard Bass, associate principal. Mr. Brent Whipple, assistant principal. Mrs. Gloria Perry, director of student service. Mr. Jason Carson, assistant principal. Dr. Son Orsani, director of curriculum. Miss Stacy Lauderman, director of individualized ed. At this time, I'd like to thank our senior class. You have been an outstanding class. You have been great role models for our younger students in the building. Please give them a round of applause. Class of 2026, it has been a tremendous journey. Please give your parents and guardians a tremendous round of applause for supporting you. At this time, I'd like to call forward our superintendent of schools, Dr. Marshan Warren. [clears throat] Good morning. It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate the graduating class of 2026. Graduates, you are stepping into a world filled with possibility, purpose, and opportunity.
Starting during the 202526 school year, the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is excited to bring you coverage of the Bluffton Tigers on BHMSC TV. The Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club would like to thank the Wells County Foundation for the generous grant to make these broadcasts possible. You are watching Bluffton Tigers Athletics on BHMSD TV, brought to you by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club. We'll be right back after this break. Coverage by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is made possible thanks to the Wells County Foundation. Thank you for supporting the BHS student body. Starting during the 202526 school year, the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is excited to bring you coverage of the Bluffton Tigers on BHMS TV. The Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club would like to thank the Wells County Foundation for the generous grant to make these broadcasts possible.
So those are the two focal points for today that I really wanted us to focus on. We can go in many different directions, but those are the ones that drive a lot of the conversations that we have. So when we're looking at staff attendance, 80% of our attendance or absences are from our studentf facing positions. Now, I know they're our largest employer group of of employees, but they also compose our largest rate of absenteeism. Now, attendance issues can come up for a variety of reasons. But, as I mentioned, we want to focus on what impact does that have to our student experience in the classrooms that creates variability day-to-day, right? If students don't have consistency and the students that feel that the most are our most high need students, right? they if their onetoone isn't there on a daily basis or if they're if they're unable to be there consistently, those are required services that go unmet, right?
If you guys could please stand and be recognized. [applause] I would also like to ask the Beville East faculty and staff who are in attendance today to support the class of 2026 and stand and be recognized. Thank you for all you do for our school. Please stand and be recognized. [applause] >> [applause] >> I would now like to introduce all Belleville East retirees. Please stand when I call your name if you are present. Please hold your applause until the end. Tom Acriman, maintenance. Al Daniel, assistant principal. Dr. Jean DS, science. Mrs. Andrea Ganon, director of human resources. Mr. David Griggsby, business, Mr. Ray Hoffman, physical education. Mrs. Melissa Meath, World Language, Spanish. Mr. Kelvin Samuel, assistant chief engineer. And Mr. Derek Volum, social studies. Let's hear it for our retirees. [applause] >> [applause] >> graduates, we will need your assistance with our last group. We think it would be wise for us to take a moment and thank the family and friends who have loved, supported, and helped make today so special.
Your high school experience has prepared you not only academically, but personally, building your resilience, character, and vision for the future. Whether your next step is military service, college, or entering the workforce, each path is valuable because each of you is valuable. Our society depends on the contributions of people from every walk of life. And the world needs your voice, your passion, and your willingness to make a difference. As you move forward, remember to be grateful for the parents, guardians, teachers, and loved ones who supported you along the way. Their encouragement helped build the foundation for your success. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. Success is never accomplished alone. So, build relationships, seek mentors, and collaborate with others. As you walk through new doors of opportunity, remember to hold those doors open for people who will follow behind you. Class of 2026, you are gifted, prepared, and deeply needed.
This coverage of the Bluffton Tigers is brought to you by the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club. We'll be right back on BHMSD TV after this break. This webcast would not be possible without the support of the Wells County Foundation. We thank the Wells County Foundation for their continued support of the BHMSD students and the Wells County community. Starting during the 202526 school year, the Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club is excited to bring you coverage of the Bluffton Tigers on BHMS TV. The Bluffton High School Student Broadcasting Club would like to thank the Wells County Foundation for the generous grant to make these broadcasts possible. events will begin. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to BHMSD TV here in Bluffton, Indiana. I'm Michael Van. I'm This is a weird thing for me to do a part of BHMSD TV. the kind of sponsor of this student broadcasting thing.
And then we're scrambling. How do we fill these positions during the day? How are we finding substitute coverage? How are we making sure that our kids needs are being met? And so that's a that's a lived reality. It also puts strain on colleagues in the building, right? So you're being pulled from your classroom to or from your prep time to be able to fill in for someone else. And that's the time you need to plan and prepare and make sure that your kids are successful for the day. So those are definitely strengths that we're seeing that we're working towards to address so that our kids can have consistent educators in their classroom dayto day so that they can receive what it is that they need. The other point here is lensure. There aren't I mean I work closely with the college of ed at UMass.
Let's show our appreciation with a round of applause for those in attendance today. [applause] In an effort to recognize the highest levels of academic achievement among our students at Belleville East, we have implemented a distinguished honor stole program. Red stoalls being worn by our graduates signify that students who have earned a GPA between 4.0 and 4.49 49 shows that they have earned kumladi. White stoalls represent a GPA between 4.5 and 4.99 designating the honor of Magna Kumladi. And finally, gold stoalls are reserved for students who have achieved a perfect 5.0 0 GPA earning the highest academic honor of Suma Kumladi and the title of valictorian. [applause] In addition to honor stoalls to celebrate students involvement in honor societies, academic programs, extracurricular achievements, military involvement, and leadership roles. Graduates have been awarded various chords. Each chord color corresponds to a specific recognition and is listed in the official graduation program.
Congratulations and best wishes on the journey ahead. I also have the honor of recognizing or providing special recognitions. Today, we honor and recognize the retiring staff of Belleville West and District 2011. These individuals have given tirelessly to the Belleville West and District 2011 family. Their expertise and commitment to Belleville West and the community has been greatly appreciated. I would like to recognize our retirees. Miss Carnetta Chalmer's, Mr. Charles John's, Miss Paula Connealy, Mr. John Lodel, Mr. Rick Meister, Mrs. Cindy Overly Dom, Mr. Greg Oliver, Miss Lisa Quant, Miss Diane Steiner, Miss Sally Stevens, Mr. Tony Thompson, and Mr. Mike Trice, thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of our district and the students of Belleville West. We also thank all faculty members who are volunteering today in order to make this event great. In an effort to recognize the highest academic achievement of students at Belleville West, we have developed a program to honor students earning a GPA of 4.0 and higher.
But being a first-time track meets, wanted to help out my two guest commentators here tonight. Going to have Elliot Brown Jr. who is running production as well as his younger brother Jeremy Brown going to be helping out with the call as well on camera. We're going to have Isabella Combmes all night long. So, it's very nice to kind of have this excited to bring this coverage to you all here for some conference track and field action. Both of you have been a part of this track program for a few years. Jeremy, I know you were just saying did a couple years in middle school, first year high school as a freshman. Elliot, I think you've done just about every single event that you can imagine and track and field. >> So, what does it kind of feel like? I I know it's middle school, but this is a big event for these young athletes.
There aren't droves of people going into the fields of education. It's just not a reality, right? It's not it's not something that we see. It's not something we're experiencing. So when we're trying to fill positions, we're finding that some of the candidates that apply for positions aren't licensed for the roles that they're going into. So we have to apply for waiverss. A way that we're trying to mitigate this is to create our own lenture pathways in the district. We had one called Ammerst Futures that successfully graduated eight pareducators to become licensed educators in our district. We work on really trying to provide hand-to-hand support for our educators going through the lensure process. There are barriers certain barriers in place that DESI themselves are trying to address. Right now they're they've come up with a system to wave the communication literacy MTEL for folks who are eligible for that.
It is now my honor to introduce our assistant superintendent, Dr. Dustin Bilbrook, who was originally scheduled to share a few words this morning. However, we have collectively felt it was only fitting to defer those remarks to someone who holds a special place in the heart of Belleville East. Mrs. Andrea Ganon is retiring after 33 years of dedicated service to education and most recently served as the principal of Belleville East last year. Her leadership, commitment, and impact on this school community has been truly remarkable. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to welcome Mrs. Andrea Ganon to offer remarks to the class of 2026. [applause] Good morning, graduates, families, faculty, and friends. Standing here today, standing here today with the class of 2026 feels especially meaningful because after 33 years in the district, this is also my final graduation of Bellebo East. We are both at our turning point.
These students are identified by wearing different colored stoves. Students are also wearing different color cards for the National Honor Society, Student Council, Running Start, State Scholars, National Merit Scholars, Harambe Department Honor Societies, and AVID, as well as various medals they have earned during their high school career. The exceptional students who have maintained a 5.0 0 GPA. Sumakumladi will now deliver the class farewell. Ladies and gentlemen, class of 2026, please welcome the representatives from Suma Kumlad, Adam Bilzing, Mason Blair, Nolan Blair, Thomas Frame, Elena Gardert, [applause and cheering] >> [applause] >> Good morning. My name is Adam Bilzing. For our 2026 Suma Kumlad commencement speeches, we chose to frame the past four years through movie and TV show quotes. Each one of our speakers will incorporate a line into their speech from a movie or television show and build off the meaning behind it. So to begin, I am reminded of a quote from Harry Potter.
So, what does it feel like coming out here and competing in this conference championship? >> Well, it's definitely exciting. Uh, like you said, it's just middle school, so I'd say it's not quite as exciting um as any of the high school championship meets have felt. Um, and it doesn't always get as much not as coverage or as or talk as the high school events, but I remember being a high school a middle schooler being really excited about the conference meet. Um, and it's also it's a little bit stressful, but also it's towards the end of their season, it's kind of like almost resolved. >> Yeah. It's just like really a moment where everything is coming together, right? And this is quite possibly the biggest meet that these young individuals have taken part in. I mean, I can think back to 21 years ago and being like, this is a huge deal.
But it is real and it is something that we face and we always want to make sure that we have the highest qualified individuals in front of our students. There's a creep that I live by and it's if I would not be okay with my student being in a classroom and it's not okay for anyone else's student and that's just the reality of it. And so here we just see the cascade, right? If if our systems are fragmented in these ways, if we can't put consistent expectations forward for our staff to be here, to be present, if we're unable to kind of bridge these gaps in terms of lenture and making sure that folks are qualified to come in and to teach our kids, ultimately the ones who feel it are the students in our classrooms. And that's what we're trying that those are the questions we're trying to answer.