On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center celebrated the Campus Class of 2026 during the Convocation Ceremony held at Bellefontaine High School.
Ohio Hi-Point’s Students of the Month led the procession. Former Ohio Hi-Point staff members Bryan Knurek and Jason Cobb performed the national anthem.
Kyan Thomas, a Construction Trades senior from Marysville High School, and Luke Hensel, a Heavy Equipment Operations senior from Kenton High School, served as masters of ceremonies.
Ohio Hi-Point Superintendent Brad Richardson welcomed graduates, families, and guests and recognized the support of families, staff, partner schools, and the community throughout the students’ educational journeys.
The theme of the ceremony was “Prepared by Grit, Powered by Opportunities,” highlighting the perseverance, experiences, and opportunities that shaped the Class of 2026.
Kaylena Barr-Ahnutae, a Health Careers Academy senior, and Richiona Burnell, a Cosmetology senior from Bellefontaine High School, served as student speakers for the evening.
During her speech, Barr-Ahnutae reflected on preparation and opportunity, telling graduates, “No matter how far you go in life after this, remember that behind all good action is being prepared, and being prepared leads to opportunities.”
Burnell spoke about overcoming challenges and uncertainty through career-technical education, saying, “Whether you are in the salon, the shop, or the lab, you have taken the ‘tension’ of these last few years and woven it into a future that is strong.”
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Tressel shared three pieces of advice for students saying, “start your day with an attitude of gratitude, be mindful of who you surround yourself with, and maintain perspective through all the ups and down you encounter.”
The ceremony also featured a special musical by Easton Predmore, a Heavy Equipment Operations senior from Bellefontaine High School, Gavin Bethel, an Engineering Academy senior from Kenton High School, and Ayden Adams, a Graphic and Media Arts senior from Kenton High School.
Thomas and Hensel recognized several accomplishments of the Class of 2026. A total of 132 students participated in Ohio Hi-Point’s Work-Based Learning program, logging more than 48,000 hours and earning over $887,000.
The class earned a 95% passage rate on career-technical assessments and received 1,113 industry-recognized credentials. Students also earned 262 college credits, and earned more than $1 million in scholarships.
Fifty-nine students competed at the state level in Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions through FCCLA, HOSA, and SkillsUSA. Seven students advanced to national competitions, including:
Destiny Wiseman, Education Academy, FCCLA, Public Policy Advocate
Alizabeth Lear, FCCLA, Public Policy Advocate
Amelia Clark, Culinary Arts, FCCLA, Parliamentary Procedure
Maria Casanas, Cosmetology, SkillsUSA, State Officer
Richiona Burnell, Cosmetology, SkillsUSA, Prepared Speech
Nate Hoffman, Exercise Science, HOSA, Healthy Living
Kenzie Bernard, EMT, HOSA, Life Support Skills
The Class of 2026 was also recognized for choosing their “E” – employment, enrollment, entrepreneurship, or enlistment. Approximately 52% of graduates are entering the workforce, 37% are enrolled in post-secondary education, 5% are pursuing entrepreneurship, and 6% are enlisted in the military.
Sixteen seniors enlisted in the military. Students enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard include Easton Predmore (Heavy Equipment Operations, Bellefontaine) and Hannah Seagraves (Cybersecurity, Bellefontaine).
Students enlisted in the Army include Tyler Cable (HVAC/Electric, Benjamin Logan), Brayden Shuster (Criminal Justice, Marysville), Skyler Poole (Criminal Justice, Mechanicsburg), and Jarrett Stahler (Construction Trades, Riverside).
Students enlisted in the Army Reserves include Lake Buterbaugh (Welding and Fabrication, Marysville) and Kyan Thomas (Construction Trades, Marysville).
Students enlisted in the Marine Corps include Chaseton Daniels (Automotive, Indian Lake), Leland Warner (Construction Trades, Riverside), and Zander White (Engineering Academy, Graham).
Students enlisted in the Air Force include Quinn Dyer (Engineering Academy, Upper Scioto Valley), Chase Fink (Automotive Academy, Benjamin Logan), Briana Popovich (EMT, Mechanicsburg), Ashton Shoffner (Drone Technologies, Riverside), and Jacob Stone Jr. (Graphic and Media Arts, Bellefontaine).
Lou Vito, president of WPKO/WBLL in Bellefontaine, announced the graduates as they received their certificates of completion from Ohio Hi-Point instructors. This was Mr. Vito’s 38th year reading names for Ohio Hi-Point.
Eugenia Matta Trujillo, a Health Careers Academy senior from Marysville High School, was recognized as Ohio Hi-Point’s 2026 Senior Student of the Year. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates strong character, academics, attendance, citizenship, and service. Matta Trujillo received a full-ride scholarship and plans to attend The Ohio State University to study health sciences and pharmaceutical sciences on a pre-medical track.
Tonya Ramey, Ohio Hi-Point High School Director, closed the ceremony by thanking graduates for the impact they made during their time at Ohio Hi-Point.
“It is my sincerest hope that you have a prosperous life, a healthy and peaceful one, filled with good relationships and the ability to be a blessing to others,” Ramey said. “Ohio Hi-Point is always your home.”