001[music] I can't things. My Heat. Heat. N. [music] Hallelujah. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Thank you. Amen. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Oh, [music] heat. Hey. [music] >> [music] >> Thank you. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Please stand if you are able for the pledge of allegiance. Gentlemen, remove your caps. Those in uniform, please run under the military salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Now for the moment of silence. Thank you. Please remain standing and bow your heads and close your eyes for a quick prayer. Lord, I praise you for the
002plan that you have had to get us here. I thank you for the family members and teachers and coaches and lunchladies and custodians and staff and how they have impacted us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually along the way. And oh wow, what a privilege it was to be in school. And we were blessed to have and be in this building and learn freely. I pray that you would give us peace, direction, provision, and fellowship along our way. And though none of us are perfect and we have made mistakes along the way, it is all part of your plan. And Jesus, I ask that you put a hedge of protection over us when we leave this room. And all the honor and glory and praise to you, Lord. Amen. Thank you. You may be seated. Good evening
003everyone. My name is Marshall Gerber and as senior class president, it is my honor to welcome you to Bluffton High School's class of 2026 graduation ceremony. Thank you all for taking the time to be here tonight and for supporting us as we celebrate this important milestone in our lives. First, I would like to thank the families and friends. Behind every graduate sitting here tonight is a group of people who sacrificed time, energy, and love to help us reach this moment. Whether it was early mornings, long nights, encouragement after failure, or celebrating our successes, your support carried us farther than you know. I also want to thank the teachers, staff, coaches, and members of the school board who challenged us to become better students and better people. You taught us lessons far beyond the classroom. You
004gave us opportunities to grow, pushed us when we doubted ourselves, and helped create memories that we will carry long after tonight. As graduates, we often think about the big moments, championships, dances, pep rallies, or finally walking across the stage and receiving our diplomas. But I think what truly shaped us were the smaller moments in between. The conversations in the hallways, the laughter during class, the nervousness be before presentations or speeches like this one, and the friendships built over years spent together. Those moments slowly turned classmates into family. School has not always been easy. Every person here has faced challenges that others may never fully understand. There were moments where we questioned ourselves, struggled to keep growing, or felt uncertain about the future. But tonight proved something important. We made it through everything, and we did
005it together. The struggles did not define us, but our perseverance did. As we move into the next chapter of our lives, many of us will head in different directions. Some will attend college. Some will enter the workforce. Some will serve others. And some are still discovering their path. No matter where life takes us, the experiences we shared here will always connect us. Graduates, I encourage you to move forward with confidence, humility, and kindness. In a world that can sometimes feel divided or uncertain, never underestimate the impact of treating people with compassion and respect. Success is not only measured by achievements, but by the impact we leave on the people around us. Continue to support one another, take risks, and never forget where you came from. To the class of 2026, thank you for the memories,
006the laughter, and the example of resilience you have shown me throughout these years. Although tonight marks the end of one chapter, it is also the beginning of countless opportunities ahead of us. Congratulations and continue to make Bluton proud. When I was first asked to give this speech, I told myself multiple times that I'd start early. Naturally, I started at the last minute, but honestly, that feels pretty fitting for our class. Somehow, through all the stress, the pressure, the deadlines, and the late nights, we've all always found a way to make it through. Tonight, as we celebrate everything we've accomplished over the last 12 years, I want to leave you all with a verse that God has kept on my heart recently throughout track season. Romans 11:36, "For everything comes from him and exists by his
007power and is intended for his glory." All glory to him forever. Amen. Everything we have, every talent we've been given, every opportunity we've taken, every hardship we've survived, and every victory we've celebrated, has ultimately been gifted us by God. We've all fought battles nobody fully saw. Some of us struggled academically. Some dealt with loss, anxiety, family issues, loneliness, pain, or fear about the future. There have been moments for all of us where giving up would have been easier than pushing on. Moments when we questioned ourselves and wondered if we were good enough. Moments where the storm ahead seemed greater than the light beyond it. But here we are, not because life was perfect, not because the road was smooth, but because God carried us through all the difficult moments we were certain we wouldn't make
008it through. When life threw its worst at us, the Lord took us in his arms and instead of fourprints in the sand, there were two. Sometimes he calms the storm and sometimes he gives us the strength to walk through it. But either way, he has never left our side. Instead of removing all the bad from our lives, he allowed us to endure the hardships and to ask ourselves what lessons he was trying to teach us along the way. As we move into the next chapter of our lives, whether that's college, work, the military, trade school, or still uncertainty about what lies ahead, there's one thing I hope we all remember. This life isn't about the destination. It's about the journey throughout it and the people we become. This world needs more people who are kind,
009people who are honest, people who are willing to forgive, and people who are willing to stand up for what's right even when it's difficult. No matter what God has in store for for us, I hope we all choose to be people who encourage rather than tear down. People who work hard for what they want, people who stay humble throughout their success. And people who stay faithful even during the ups and downs of life. Because the truth is, life is going to have struggles. There's going to be disappointments, failures, heartbreak, and moments where some of us may genuinely not know where where or how to continue. But those moments aren't what define us. How we respond is. Trust God's plan when life doesn't make sense. Trust him when doors close. Trust him when the plans change.
010And trust him in the battles you never expected you'd be fighting. Life is going to have seasons of difficulty and seasons of prosperity. Sometimes God allows us to venture throughout the lowest dark and darkest of valleys so he can build our character and prepare us for when he brings us back up to the highest and brightest of mountains. And while we chase our dreams, let's never forget the people who God sent into our lives to help get us here. our parents, families, teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends, many of whom quietly sacrificed countless hours behind the scenes to get us to where we are today. Even if it feels like it right now, graduation is not the finish line. It's the starting point to a great story that's about to unfold in each of our lives.
011We are all about to step into a world that needs hope, compassion, integrity, and faith more than ever before. And each and every one of us has been gifted the ability to make a difference no matter where we go from here. Not necessarily by doing huge things, but by doing the small things right with love, consistency, and character every single day. And I hope and pray that as you each approach this next chapter of your lives, you do so glorifying the Lord with the gifts and abilities that he has given you, inspiring others to make a difference and to go out into the world doing the work good works of the Lord. Years from now, nobody's going to remember our grades, our popularity, our strengths, our weaknesses, or what we accomplished in school. But everyone
012will remember how we treated people. Everyone will remember whether we showed kindness, whether we stayed faithful during hard times and whether we used the gifts given to us to make the world a better place. So, as we leave this chapter in our stories behind, let's walk into the future with courage. Let's trust that God will lead us through every battle. Let's keep moving forward even when life gets hard. And above all, let's be good people. and servants of the Lord. No matter what life has in store for us, no matter what path you are about to set on, remember to do so glorifying the Lord with what he has blessed you with. He gave you those abilities and dreams for a reason. Now go chase them because above all, everything comes from him. Everything exists
013by his power and everything is attended for his glory. Congratulations, class of 2026. I pray that God guides you in every step you take and that your future be filled with purpose, with faith, and with hope. >> [music] [music] >> Two ros [music] I could not travel alone and be one travel. I stood and looked down upon as far as I could to where it in the underground and took the [singing] other [music] just as well. And [music] having perhaps [singing] a better day [music] because [singing] it was [music] grassy and wanted the more than [music and singing] the passing there [music] will [singing] be about the >> [music] >> And both [singing] that morning equally lay. [music] [singing] [music] >> Oh, I kept the first [singing] for another day. that knowing [music] the way
014leads [singing] to way I [music] defy should ever come back come [music and singing] back. I shall [music and singing] be telling this with the sun [music] somewhere [singing] aes and aes [music] to diver [singing] [music] to divers to most [singing] diverse and I [music] took the one [singing] last tray. [music] [singing] [music] All the Christ. [music] [applause] Good evening everyone and thank you all for being here tonight. To the families, teachers, coaches, and friends who supported us along the way, thank you for helping shape the people we have become. And to the class of 2026, after years of hard work, stress, memories, and moments that seemed like they would last forever, we have finally made it here together. I'll be honest, I had no idea how to start this speech. I kept overthinking it,
015trying to make it perfect, trying to make it meaningful. And somewhere in all of that, I realized I was doing exactly what we've all been doing for years. Focusing so much on what's next that we forget about right now. [snorts] We spent so much time thinking about the future, the next big exam, the next game that we didn't always stop to appreciate where we were, the small moments, the ordinary days, the things that didn't seem important at the time, but somehow ended up meaning the most. At the same time, it's just as easy to get stuck looking backward, replaying moments we wish we had handled differently, holding on to regrets, or wishing we could go back and do things over. But no matter how many times we revisit it, the past doesn't change. It only
016keeps us from moving forward. >> [snorts] >> Somewhere between worrying about the future and holding on to the past, we forget about the only moment we actually have control over, the present. And the truth is this is where everything happens. This is where friendships are built, where memories are made, and where our lives are actually lived. Looking back, the moments we will remember most were not always the big planned milestones. They were the random conversations in the hallway, the random friend you'd make in class that you'd never met before, the small victories, the everyday routines we didn't think twice about at the time. Those were the moments that mattered, even if we didn't realize it then. [snorts] If these past four years have taught us anything, it's not just how to prepare us for the
017future. It's how important it is to be present while we're getting there. Because one day, the things we are rushing through right now will be the things we wish we could go back to. As we move forward, it'll be easy to fall into the same pattern. There will always be something ahead of us. deadlines, expectations, goals that feel like they matter more than anything else. And there will always be things behind us, mistakes we wish we could fix, or moments we wish we could relive. But if we let either one take over, we miss what's right in front of us. [snorts] Living in the present doesn't mean ignoring the future or forgetting the past. It means learning from both without letting them control us. It means being fully where you are even when it feels
018ordinary, even when it doesn't seem important. Because those are the moments that quietly shape who we become. The reality is life doesn't suddenly slow down and give us the perfect chance to appreciate it. It doesn't get less busy or less uncertain. If we're waiting for that moment, we'll be waiting forever. The only time we ever really have is right now. So, as we leave here today, we take more than just what we've learned in a classroom, we take the ability to choose how we experience and what comes next. Whether we rush through it and always look ahead or whether we take the time to actually live in it, today is one of those moments, one we've been looking forward to for years. And now that it's here, it won't last much longer. [snorts] So don't
019let it go pass by unnoticed. Don't spend it thinking about what's next or wishing you could go back. Just be here. Take it in. Remember it for what it is. because one day this will be one of the moments we look back on and wish we could experience again. And the best thing we can do is actually live it while we have it. Congratulations, class of 2026. Good evening, parents, families, faculty, staff, honored guests, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2026. Today is a celebration, a celebration of hard work, growth, and the countless moments, both seen and unseen, that brought you to this seat in this cap and gown. On behalf of everyone here, let me say how incredibly proud we are of you. Each of you arrived at Bluffton High School with potential.
020But potential alone does not earn a diploma. What earns it is effort, perseverance, the willingness to keep going when things get difficult. You fa faced challenging classes, demanding schedules, disappointments, pressure, and moments of self-doubt. Some of you stumbled. Some of you struggled quietly. Some of you had to overcome obstacles far greater than most people will ever see. And some of you had many, we will call them moments with Morrison in the assistant principal's office. Yet here you are. You showed up. You adapted. You pushed forward. To each of you, your obstacles or challenges were different. But each of you said, "Challenge accepted." and you persevered. As you leave this school and step into the next chapter of your lives, college, careers, the military, or new opportunities, you will continue to face challenges. Some will be
021exciting. Others will feel overwhelming. When they come, I hope you remember the moment. Remember that you are capable of more than you think. Challenges are not roadblocks. They are invitations to grow, to learn, and to discover your strength. Don't shy away from them. Lean in. Take risks. Be willing to fail because failure is often the best teacher you will ever have. There is a quote in a book I have recently read. The book is headed hidden potential by Adam Grant. It says, "Success is not so much how close you come to perfection as how much you overcome along the way. Sometimes we focus too much on what we have not done. Instead, in looking at how far we have come, think back to your freshman year, those challenges you had, those things you thought you
022couldn't do. And look where you are now. Most importantly, believe in yourselves as much as we believe in you. We are proud of not just what you have achieved, but who you have become. You are leaders, creators, problem solvers, and as Mrs. Cookenower says, world changers. You have shown kindness, resilience, and courage. And the world needs those qualities now more than ever. As you move forward, carry with you the lessons you've learned here. Work hard, treat others with respect, stand up for what is right, and never stop learning. Class of 2026, you have already proven that you can rise to a challenge. I have no doubt you will continue to do so wherever life takes you. Congratulations graduates. Go confidently, go boldly, and always know once a tiger, always a tiger. You are graduating from
023one of the best high schools in the state of Indiana. During your four years of high school, our school has earned the excellence in leading and learning award from the Indiana Department of Education. BHMSD was the only district in the state of Indiana to earn that award that year. Also, Bluffton High School has received the status of performance qualified high school. This award is based on your performance over the past four years. Bluffton High School is recognized as one of the best high schools in the state of Indiana because of you. Graduates of two 2026, I want you to know that you will always hold a special place in my heart as my first graduating class as a principal. I am proud of each and every one of you and I will always believe in
024you. A tradition at Bluffton High School is at the beginning of their high school career, the freshman class meets with the principal and they commit to each other that every student that spends four years at Bluffton High School would graduate together on this day. They signed a pledge that is represented on the banner behind me. Graduating class of 2026, congratulations. You made it. Thank you for honoring your commitment. The accomplishments of this class is not just because of one person or one building, but it's from many investing in them. It's from the past Bluton High School graduates that have that set the standard. In recognition of the impact that has been made at this time, will the staff of Bluffton Harrison Elementary School please stand and remain standing. Will the staff of Bluffton Harrison Middle
025School please stand? Will the staff of Bluton High School please stand? Will all past Bluffton High School graduates please stand. Finally, will the parents of the graduating class of 2026 please stand? Graduates, look around at the number of people that are invested in you. You may be seated. I want to thank you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment in helping the class of 2026 successfully complete their high school education. You did make a difference. Thank you, Dr. Brad Yates, and board members Julie Thompson, Tim Dreer, Angie Sheets, Trent White, and Mike Murray. It is my pleasure to certify that the class of 2026 has completed all of the requirements for graduation as prescribed by the state of Indiana and the Bluffton Harrison Board of School Trustees. At this time, the class of 2026 should
026be presented their diplomas. Graduates, on behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to congratulate all of you and wish you well in your future endeavors. guests of the class of 2026. It's become a tradition that the commencement exercises at Bluffton High School should be conducted in a manner in which both the graduates and their guests can be proud. This pride can be shown by refraining from actions such as yelling or other inappropriate noises while the seniors are receiving their diplomas which will distract from the dignity of the commencement program. The students have agreed to this expectation and I'm asking that the adults do the same as well. We want to acknowledge each student equally for their accomplishments. Each student has worked hard and they and their families deserve to hear their name. I ask
027that the audience wait until all students have received their diplomas before congratulating the graduates of 2026. Thank you. Will the first row of the graduating class of 2026 please rise and come forward for your diplomas. Oh. Alexander John Meckling, Marshall James Gerber, Piper Renee Baker, Owen Matthew Sheets, Hazel Jane Fister, EMTT Hoffman Fector, Olivia Christina Donas, Samano, Parker Miner, Kayla Ray Morgan, Elijah Yseph Burch, Connley Joe Alt Griffin Matias Morgan Carmen Valerie Hurry Noah Ty Brooks, enlisted in the United States Army. [applause] Hannah Claire Chingling Withers Preston Kyle Solder Alyssa Lynn Hartman, Jake Everett Boots, Eve Elizabeth Corkwell, Hayden James Alfeld, Mike William Habigger, Sierra Lynn Holmes, Jared Zachary Bennett, Harper Anne Craighead Phoenix Aiden Jonathan Thomas enlisted in the United States Army. [applause] [applause] Lena May Murray, Bryson Lee Angel, Gabrielle Nicole Vancamp, Lane
028Aaron Schroeds, Marie Bates, Braden James Limler, Laney Naa Huffman, Marco Victorovich Pazushko, Ava Eileene Osborne, Ker Matthew Reinhardt, Jacob Alexander Huffman, Owen Dwight Lesh, Lily Marie King, Bryson Allen Goodwin Kinsey J. Fector Amelia Rain Fritz Peter Andrew Eer Savannah April Michael [cheering] >> Manning Goodwin Nash Camille Alawan Moore Brockton Steven Zayn Osborne Jillian Grace Phillippy. Gavin Michael Ray Sawyer, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. [applause] Ryland Marie Hinnick, Trevor Dean Smith, Libby Renee Arnett, Aiden David Gavalz, Lauren Christine Miller, Colton Matthew Arnold, Alana Rose Goodwin, Anakin Guadalupe, Bernardo Belarez, Agia, Dakota Marie Lee, Joseph Daniel Bunch, Jasmine Marie Ruple, Trayon Andrews, Declan Paul Griezer, Riley James Schlaughter, Tristan Aaron Markley Jada Katherine Garrett Brandon John Minnik Jr. Isabelle Scarlet Ireland Xavier Charles Driscoll Serenity Lee Morland Bryce Allen Patrick Bailey Elise Green Aaron David
029Jessup Haley Emma Joe Rue Ashley Alexandria Chef, [screaming] >> Emma Lillian Frink, >> my sister, my sister. >> Yes, my sister. Elijah Scott McCullum, [screaming] Ava Marie Nelson, Cameron Jackson Holloway, Shakirana Micaia Escridge, Daniel Alexander Basham, Lily Nicole Ruple, Emma K. Frager, Josephina Irene Sessions, >> David Walter Defrain, Elijah Michael Ripley, >> Savannah Marie Razer, Tayvon James Su, Sierra Elizabeth Whited, Mason Warren Fox, Sebastian Alexander Burgess, Stephen William Frettinger, Ellie Joe Schwarz, Jackson Avery Bower, Madison and Lily, >> Cohen, Elijah Ragnes, >> Sierra Nicole Boffman, Stephen Beck, Evangelene Serena Rose Larson, Jaden Michael Suman, Kenzie Anne Kersner, Aaron Joseph Streler, Emma Marie Schwarz, Coulson Matthew Tele, Owen Spencer Bond, >> Brody Lauren Shud, Caitlyn Victoria Rose Stafford, Jackson Adam Rockwell, Gregory Trayvon Johnson, Kylie Ann Masterson, >> Jaden Lee, Husband, >> Emma Emma Emma Grace
030Bredomire, Chase Edward Collins, >> Sage Xavier Rodriguez, Graduates of the year 2026, please stand. Heat. Heat. [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] >> You are about to become a part of a very proud and rich tradition at Bluffton High School. You will join approximately 11,557 other graduates and will become the 144th graduating class of Bluffton High School. By turning your tassels from right to left, you are symbolizing the completion of one phase of your lives and the start of another. You may now turn your tassels [cheering] [applause] graduates of the year 2026. May you have the hindsight to know where you have been. the foresight to know where you are going. May you have a host of friends that never ends. And may God protect you and bless you always. Ladies and gentlemen, at
031this time I would like to present to you the class of 2026. Congratulations and good luck. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> I love you. [music] I love you. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.