By: Carter Caldwell

In 2018, Bellbrook High School saw 219 students graduate and take another step towards their futures.  Of those 219, 95% will pursue a college degree on 44 different campuses across the country.  Ohio schools proved especially popular, with over a quarter of students attending in-state schools such as Wright State University, Miami University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Dayton. Significant out-of-state schools the Bellbrook grads will be attending in the fall include Arizona State University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of South Carolina. In total, Bellbrook students raked in $2.7 million in scholarships.

The ceremony itself was well attended, with co-valedictorians Joey Derrico and Abby Schultz giving speeches on the importance of our own stories.  Attendees also heard from salutatorian Andrew Haberlandt, principal Chris Baker, and acting superintendent Dr. Jeff Lewis.  Additional recognition occurred for retiring longtime math teacher Brad Breese and Bellbrook alumni-turned-coach-turned-Athletic Director Tom Bean, who will be stepping down from his position as AD and seeking reassignment within the district.