Wet weather brought the ceremony inside, but it could not douse the joy of Indian Lake High School’s Class of 2026 Graduation celebration!
ILHS held Commencement ceremonies to celebrate “the big class” in front of a packed house in the Main Gym on Friday evening.
The graduation speaker was Mary Rutan Health CEO, Indian Lake Board member, ILHS Class of 1989 alum and ILHS Class of 2026 parent Chad Ross.
He told the class, “It has been my sincere pleasure to see you grow up, to celebrate your many successes and to ache along with you when life has delivered that proverbial gut punch.” He continued, “Remember to be versatile, be persistent, work hard, be accountable for your actions or inaction, and don’t be afraid to step into the arena to take your turn at bat. And above all, don’t wait to live your life!”
Class of 2026 President Mara Bihn recapped their high school years from the bad times to the good.
Bihn remarked, “Once a Laker, always a Laker.”
Before each member of the class received their diploma, the Top 10 scholars were announced.
They are: (10) Alyssa Powell, (9) Alex Kinney, (8) Kennedy Schwaderer, (7) Augusta Biederman, (6) Maddie Miller, (5-Salutatorian) Carly Strayer, (1-Valedictorian) Mara Bihn,
(1-Valedictorian) Cooper Hall, (1-Valedictorian) Olivia Hurley, (1-Valedictorian) Riley Ross and (1 Valedictorian) Evie Wagner.
Once the ceremony was complete, the graduates threw their caps in the air and posed for pictures with family and friends.
Congratulations ILHS Class of 2026!!
UPDATE!
Indian Lake Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremonies will take place *inside the ILHS Main Gym.*
This morning, administrators made the decision to move graduation inside from Laker Stadium because of wet weather throughout this week and a wet forecast for Friday.
ILHS has held graduation ceremonies outside since 2020, but prior to that, commencement was held in the Main Gym. Seating may be limited, but we know the families of graduates will be able to fit comfortably. In addition, we will be live streaming Graduation on our Indian Lake Schools Facebook page as an option for out of town loved ones or others who cannot attend.
So you can see how the gym will be arranged, here is a photo of the 2018 graduation set-up. The stage will be on the cafeteria side of the facility. Graduates and staff members will be in chairs on the floor facing the stage and families will be in the bleachers on both sides. Seniors will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. We will do our best to reduce the temperature inside the gym for comfort, but please know that it will probably be warm with so many people in attendance.
The ILHS Main Gym will open at 5 pm. Baccalaureate is set for 6 pm in the ILHS Auditorium. Seniors will gather in the Auxiliary Gym by 6:40 pm. Commencement ceremonies will start at 7 pm in the Main Gym.
Longtime Indian Lake School Board member, Mary Rutan Health CEO, Class of 2026 parent and ILHS Class of 1989 alum Chad Ross will serve as the featured speaker.
We very much look forward to welcoming our Class of 2026 family and friends and celebrating the many accomplishments of our Indian Lake Seniors!
Chad A. Ross is the President and CEO of Mary Rutan Health, based in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Joining the health system in 2013, he brings experience and proven success in his previous leadership positions. Ross served as Vice President of Operations from 2013 to 2019 and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2019 to August of 2021.
Mary Rutan Health, with a mission to Provide Progressive Quality Healthcare with a Personal Touch, brings a wide range of services to our local community and strives promote Growth, Financial Responsibility, Patient Experience, and Team.
Ross achieved his undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University, cum laude, with a double major in accounting and finance. After scoring in the top 8 percent of the nation on the law school entrance exam, he enrolled in the Vanderbilt University School of Law where he receive a Juris Doctor degree in 1996. Ross is a 1989 graduate of Indian Lake High School.
Before joining Mary Rutan Health, Ross was a partner with the law firm Thompson, Dunlap & Heydinger, Ltd. in Bellefontaine from 2000 to 2013. Prior to that, Ross worked as an associate in the Columbus office of the national law firm, Baker & Hostetler, and also led corporate development activities at two separate corporations in Cleveland and Cincinnati.