<![CDATA[Bellefontaine Daily Digital

<![CDATA[Bellefontaine Daily Digital - News]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 10:24:54 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Indian Lake Board Approves New Assistant Principal, Honors Students and Finalizes Graduation List]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 13:56:43 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/indian-lake-board-approves-new-assistant-principal-honors-students-and-finalizes-graduation-list

Indian Lake Local Schools Board of Education members approved several personnel items, honored student achievements, and finalized preparations for graduation during the district’s final regular meeting of the 2025-26 school year Monday evening.

One of the major announcements from the

meeting was the hiring of Linsey Titus as the district’s new elementary assistant principal. Titus will replace retiring Indian Lake Elementary Co-Principal Pam Scarpella after serving the district for several years as a third-grade teacher and member of the PBIS team.

Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood also updated the board on preparations for the upcoming graduation ceremony, noting that 122 seniors have successfully met all Indian Lake High School graduation requirements.

“The board approved the graduate list for Friday evening's graduation ceremony,” Underwood said. “We know that there's potentially some wet weather coming. We will make that decision on Thursday if we're going to be inside or outside. We are excited to get an excellent group of graduates across the stage.”

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at Laker Stadium. The event is open to the public and tickets are not required.

The board also accepted a $13,000 donation from the Indian Lake Athletic Boosters to support uniforms and athletic equipment.

Several Indian Lake FFA and Ohio Hi-Point FFA students were also recognized during the meeting for outstanding accomplishments during the school year.

Students receiving the prestigious State FFA Degree included:

Courtney Altstaetter
Matthew Culp
Hazel McDermit
Jessica Savage

In addition, Alex Kinney was honored for placing second in the state in Fruit and Nut Proficiency.

Board members also approved numerous employee contracts, supplemental contracts, service agreements, and operational items for the 2026-27 school year.

The next regular Indian Lake Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Office in Lewistown.

]]><![CDATA[BHS Scholarship Night honors 42 seniors]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 13:42:58 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/bhs-scholarship-night-honors-42-seniorsBy Bill Tipple

The Bellefontaine High School Class of 2026 was awarded a generous amount of local scholarship money this year.

The Senior Awards Program was held in the BHS Cafeteria Monday night.

$390,190 in local scholarship money was

presented to 42 seniors.

Bellefontaine City Schools thanks the many donors for their support.

Here’s a list of BHS scholarship recipients:
Alissa Bailey
·         Mary Rutan Foundation General Scholarship, $1,000
Isabel Beck
·         Susie Parker Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Dewey VanHoose Memorial Scholarship, $500
Claire Brown
·         American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
·         Logan County 4-H Committee Scholarship, $500
·         Susie Parker Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $12,000
Richiona Burnell
·         Ratleff Senior Award Scholarship, $1,200
Jordyn Campbell
·         Bellefontaine High School FCCLA Scholarship, $500
Arrisa Carver
·         Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $400
·         Phil Forsythe Scholarship, $1,500
Carter Caudill
·         Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $400
·         Pepsi Leadership Scholarship, $1,250
Jamison Clement
·         Bellefontaine Exchange Scholarship, $1,000
·         Sons of American Legion Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500
Ava Dolan
·         Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities Foundation Scholarship, $1,500
Max Fissel
·         BHS Class of 1975 Scholarship, $500
·         Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $10,000
Kaeleigh Flora
·         American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine Professional Firefighters Association Scholarship, $500
·         Quest Federal Credit Union Scholarship, $500
Cassandra Garrett
·         Sons of the American Legion Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500
Ryann Gatchel
·         Bellefontaine High School Alumni & Friends Scholarship, $250
·         Champaign-Logan Education Foundation Scholarship, $4,000
Sydney Gatchel
·         Champaign-Logan Education Foundation Scholarship, $4,000
·         James Forsythe Milroy Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
Isabelle Gunnett
·         Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
Caitlin Haley
·         Harold and Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $10,000
·         Earl & Marion Spain Memorial Scholarship, $8,000
Jacob Henry
·         Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
·         Kristy Mount Science Major Scholarship, $1,000
·         Effie Patterson Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $12,000
·         Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Nominee Award Scholarship, $100
Lorenz Henry
·         Bruce E. Higham Memorial Scholarship, Full Tuition, Room, Board, Meals, Books, and Fees for Four Years
Lane Howard
·         Bellefontaine Lions Club Scholarship, $500
·         Genevieve Froman Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Harold and Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $5,000
·         Wickerham STEM Academic Scholarship, $11,350
Cody Hudson
·         BCYSA Tammy Elkins Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Ohio Association of Public School Employees Scholarship, $400
Brilee Joseph
·         Logan County Electric Cooperative Technical Scholarship, $2,500
Ava Kunze
·         Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine Moose Richard L. Sharon Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Mary Rutan Foundation Walter & Janet Sack & Charlotte L. & Norman R. Miller Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Elliett Lang
·         Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine Daily Digital Senior of the Month Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $500
Grayson Lotts
·         Jerry Ritter Family Scholarship, $500
Hayden Maus
·         ISS America Academic Scholarship, $500
·         Monicha P. Simpson Memorial Scholarship, $250
Paige McComas
·         40 & 8 Nursing Scholarship, $500
·         Mary Rutan Foundation Dr. Joseph C. & Florence C. Longfellow Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Emma Merrin
·         Bellefontaine Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association D.A.R.E. Scholarship, $320
·         Deborah Ellis Academic Scholarship, $1,700
·         Mary Rutan Foundation Scholarship, $1,000
Harper Penhorwood
·         American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
·         Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $10,000
·         Harriet L. Headington Memorial Scholarship, $1,600
Adison Postle
·         Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine High School Academic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine Rotary Club Scholarship, $1,000
·         Fraternal Order of the Police Craig Comstock Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Zachariah W. Keller Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Sharyl Sue Shafer Memorial Scholarship, $11,500
Thessaly Reminder
·         Bellefontaine Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association D.A.R.E. Scholarship, $320
·         Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Deborah Ellis Academic Scholarship, $1,700
·         Harold and Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship, $7,000
·         Mary Eleanor Morris/Columbus Foundation Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
·         Charles Roby/Boggs Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio Scholarship, $500
Kayla Sellars
·         American Legion Auxiliary Unit 173 Linda K. Stamm Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine Lions Club Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine Rotary Club Scholarship, $1,000
·         Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $10,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
·         Logan County Education Foundation Scholarship, $2,000
·         Mary Eleanor Morris/Columbus Foundation Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
·         Ohio Association of Public School Employees Scholarship, $300
Callie Shumaker
·         Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Dutch Wilde Memorial/BHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
Kelsie Snapp
·         Mike Bible Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Pepsi Leadership Scholarship, $1,250
Natalie Snapp
·         American Legion Auxiliary Unit #173 Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine High School Academic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
·         Bellefontaine High School Chieftain Backers Scholarship, $400
·         Nigle & Phyllis Standley Memorial Scholarship, $1,500
·         Stocked Event Rentals Scholarship, $500
·         Roger Van Erem & Shirley Earick Scholarship, $1,000
Gillian Steele
·         Ronald H. Wisse Memorial Scholarship, $500
Chloe Stolly
·         Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education Scholarship, $1,000
·         Logan County Bar Association Scholarship, $1,000
·         Jenny O’Connor Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         James Stolly Memorial Scholarship, $500
Patrick Stolly
·         Bellefontaine Lions Club Scholarship, $500
·         Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Robert L. & Helen E. Ginn Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Mary Eleanor Morris/Columbus Foundation Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
·         Lewis J. & Anne Ringler Memorial Scholarship, $12,000
·         Dr. Earl Sloan Renewable Business Scholarship, $1,000, Renewable for Three Additional Years
·         James Stolly Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Dutch Wilde Memorial/BHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship, $1,000
Emma Suman
·         Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
Mason Swisher
·         Bellefontaine Exchange Club Scholarship, $1,000
·         Don Harris Memorial Scholarship, $500
·         Skilled Trades from the Haushalter Family Foundation Scholarship, $2,500
Reid Varner
·         Bellefontaine Moose Timothy Moore Memorial Scholarship, $500
Addison Wical
·         Bellefontaine Education Association Scholarship, $1,000
Jared Young
·         Mike Bible Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
·         Sons of American Legion Squadron #173 Tom Smith Scholarship, $500

]]><![CDATA[Mad River Cycling Group Launches Weekly Community Rides in Logan County]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 14:56:18 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/mad-river-cycling-group-launches-weekly-community-rides-in-logan-county

Cyclists from across the region are invited to join the Mad River Cycling Group for its weekly community rides running throughout the summer season in Logan County.

The rides take place every Thursday evening from May through September, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Zanesfield Ball Park shelter, located next to the fire station in Zanesfield.

Organizers describe the event as a “no-drop” group ride, meaning riders stay together throughout the route to encourage participation, safety, and camaraderie among cyclists of all experience levels.

Each week features a different route ranging from approximately 25 to 45 miles, giving riders an opportunity to explore scenic roads and communities throughout Logan County.

The weekly rides are led by Bernie Iven, who said the goal is to provide a welcoming cycling experience for area riders while promoting outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles.

Additional information about the rides and other cycling opportunities can be found through Outdoor Pursuits.

For questions or ride details, participants may contact ride leader Bernie Iven at 614-309-4231.

]]><![CDATA[BHS Fine Arts Festival Showcases Student Creativity and Talent]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 14:39:37 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/bhs-fine-arts-festival-showcases-student-creativity-and-talent

Bellefontaine High School celebrated student creativity and musical talent Wednesday evening during the annual Fine Arts Festival.

Artwork created by students in grades 6-12 filled the atrium near the Distance Learning Center, featuring a wide variety of pieces ranging from paintings and ceramics to woodworking, mixed media, and

handcrafted designs. Student-created birdhouses, wind spinners, and American flag wall décor were also displayed throughout the event.

The evening concluded with a concert in the main gymnasium featuring approximately 400 middle school and high school student musicians.

Performing groups included:

BMS Combined Orchestra
BMS Combined Choir
6th Grade Band
BHS Jazz Band
7th & 8th Grade Band
BHS Orchestra
BHS Combined Choir
BHS Symphonic Band

All participating groups joined together to perform “America the Beautiful” as the concert finale.

Music educators recognized during the event included Heather Rivon, Ken Hoffman, Brice Henry, Laura Mitchell, and Matthew Dawson. Art educators Hannah Rodenhausen and Heidi Heacock were also recognized, along with engineering and visual communications educators Shawn Miller, Travis Hunsicker, and Aaron Garver. Stacy Calton served as master of ceremonies.

Several students were honored with awards for outstanding artwork.

Fine Arts Festival Award Winners 2-Dimensional Art

First: Landon White — Acrylic Landscape Painting
Second: Darby Patton — Watercolor Painting
Third: Laeleigh Beair — Drawing Collage

Ceramics

First: Gillian Steele — Five Nights at Freddies Collection
Second: Maya Shazier — Castle
Third: Adison Postle — Frog Vase

Alternative Media

First: Trinity Fout — Kinusaiga Sunset
Second: Shilo Skalicky — Woodburning
Third: Bella Coe — Handwoven Blanket

Creative Mind Awards

First: River Garrett
Second: Alayna Robinson
Third: Olivia Cooper

Special honors included:

Best of Show 2D: Nevaeh Whetsel
Best of Show 3D: Rylee Crawford
Outstanding Art Student: Catherine Armstrong
Principal’s Award: Braidyn Coulson
Associate Principal’s Award: Hailey Williams

The People’s Choice Award winners were:

First Place: Yucari Helfrich
Second Place: Izzy Kissling
Third Place: Esther Stanich

The concert livestream remains available online at: BHS Fine Arts Festival Concert Replay

]]><![CDATA[Ohio Hi-Point’s top seniors honor educators]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 14:35:06 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/ohio-hi-points-top-seniors-honor-educators8290767

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Top 15 graduating seniors and honored educators were celebrated during OHP’s Top 15 Seniors Honored Educator Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6.

The annual event is an opportunity for the top seniors to select and recognize an

educator who impacted and influenced their educational careers. Before the ceremony, students, educators, and families enjoyed desserts and refreshments.

The following students and educators were recognized during the ceremony:

Emilie Alcorn, an Animal Science senior from Graham, recognized Brooke Sizemore, her Animal Science instructor.

Joel Brooks, a Welding and Fabrication senior from Riverside, recognized Eddie Noble, his Work-Based Learning teacher and boss at NTC Metalworks.

Michael Bowsher, a Welding and Fabrication senior from Marysville, recognized Mark Barger, his Welding and Fabrication instructor.

Josie Calhoon, a Cosmetology senior from Marysville, recognized Ginger Shellenberger, her Cosmetology instructor.

Valeria Gonzalez Sut, a Culinary Arts senior from Kenton High School, recognized Chef Louie Ortega, her Culinary Arts instructor.

Ivy Hatfield, a Health Careers Academy senior from Graham, recognized Holly Walden, her mother.

Eugenia Mata Trujillo, a Health Careers Academy senior from Marysville, recognized Nelson Matta and Patricia Trujillo, her parents.

Paige McComas, a Spa Technology senior from Bellefontaine, recognized Rachel Schroeder, her school counselor.

Danna Salgado Mora, a Health Careers Academy senior from Marysville, recognized Tammy Newland, her Health Careers Academy instructor.

Olivia Newland, an EMT senior from Ridgemont, recognized Benjamin Brockway, her Criminal Justice instructor.

Zoey White, a Health Careers Academy senior from Graham, recognized Megan Lacher, her Health Careers Academy instructor.

Bailey Barnes, a Health Careers Academy senior from Waynesfield-Goshen, recognized Morgan Kaufman, her mother.

Makenzie Hopkins, a Health Careers Academy senior from Upper Scioto Valley, recognized Jonathan Hartman, her band director at USV.

Kylinn Powell, a Cosmetology senior from Marysville, honored Ginger Shellenberger, her Cosmetology instructor.

Tylor Shinkle, an Engineering Academy senior from Indian Lake, recognized Brian Sutton, his teacher from Indian Lake.

Ohio Hi-Point’s Convocation Ceremony is Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony, which will be a ticketed event this year, will be held at Bellefontaine High School. More information can be found at www.ohiohipoint.com/convocation.

]]><![CDATA[Benjamin Logan Local Schools Honors Kevin Butler as QFCU Teacher of the Year 2026]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 14:26:24 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/benjamin-logan-local-schools-honors-kevin-butler-as-qfcu-teacher-of-the-year-2026

Benjamin Logan Local Schools is proud to recognize Kevin Butler as the Quest Federal Credit Union Logan County Teacher of the Year 2026 for Benjamin Logan.

Butler, Benjamin Logan’s 8th-grade math teacher and High School Boys Track and Cross Country Coach, has dedicated 30 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students. His recognition reflects the admiration and respect he has earned from students, families, colleagues, and the greater school community.

Student nominations described Butler as kind, caring, respected, and deeply committed to helping students succeed. One nomination shared that “Mr. Butler is a very kind teacher who makes it a goal to make you a better person,” while another noted that he “always cares for his students and helps to make them better.” Students also highlighted his willingness to support those who are struggling and his ability to make school meaningful and enjoyable.

Beyond the classroom, Butler has served as a coach, mentor, and leader for Benjamin Logan student-athletes. In his role with the High School Boys Track and Cross Country programs, he has helped build a culture of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and Raider pride.

“Kevin Butler represents the very best of Benjamin Logan,” said Sally Stolly, Director of Administrative Services. “For 30 years, he has invested in students not only as learners, but as people. His influence reaches far beyond the classroom through his leadership, coaching, encouragement, and steady commitment to helping students grow.”

Benjamin Logan Local Schools congratulates Kevin Butler on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his outstanding service, dedication, and lasting impact on the Raider community.

]]><![CDATA[Enviro Camp Returning for Fourth Year at Kirkmont Center]]>Fri, 15 May 2026 14:59:21 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/enviro-camp-returning-for-fourth-year-at-kirkmont-center

A unique outdoor learning opportunity will return to Logan County this summer as the fourth annual Enviro Camp takes place August 3–7 at Kirkmont Center.

The cooperative program is jointly sponsored by the Logan County Land Trust

and Kirkmont Center and is designed for students entering fourth grade and older.

Camp sessions will run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering students a full week of environmental education, outdoor recreation, and hands-on learning experiences.

Activities planned for the week include:

Environmentally themed lessons
Swimming
Archery
Canoeing
Fishing

Campers will also participate in special experiences such as Kirkmont geology exploration, fly tying, a Mad River canoe trip, hiking, and a scavenger hunt followed by a cookout.

Organizers said enrollment is limited to 20 campers, with preference given to returning Enviro Camp participants and members of the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club.

The cost to attend is $75 for the week.

Registration information is available online through the Kirkmont Center events page at:
Kirkmont Center Events Page

]]><![CDATA[Cayden Brown Earns BLHS Senior of the Month]]>Fri, 15 May 2026 00:40:49 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/cayden-brown-earns-blhs-senior-of-the-month

Congrats to Benjamin Logan’s May Senior of the Month, Cayden Brown!

Cayden is a senior at Benjamin Logan High School. We’re excited to share his achievements and future plans with you below.

A heartfelt thank-you to Community Health & Wellness Partners for proudly sponsoring this recognition!

School Activities and Awards

Football

Baseball

Basketball

CBC awards in Football and Baseball

If I were principal for a day…
I would spend the school’s budget on V-Bucks.

My favorite school memory…
Working with Mrs. Lyden and Mrs. McKenrick during 7th period my entire senior year.

People who have been an inspiration to me...
God, Jeff Fay, Bryce Schmidt, Garrett Allen, and Trey Allen.

Lately I have been reading...
The Bible.

My advice to parents...
Don't control your kids too much, they only live one life. Let them achieve what they are passionate about.

My biggest regret...
I have no regrets, only life lessons.

Next year I will be...
Attending Bluffton University to study Business Administration along with playing football.

YOU Matter. Call or Text 988.
 
Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties (MHDAS) is here to remind you that no matter what you're facing—whether it's mental health challenges, emotional distress, or substance use—you are not alone. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you with caring counselors who are ready to listen and help.

Call or Text 988—because YOU matter, and we care.

]]><![CDATA[Community Generosity Shines at Benjamin Logan Senior Awards Night]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 17:11:26 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/community-generosity-shines-at-benjamin-logan-senior-awards-night

Benjamin Logan High School celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during the Annual Senior Scholarship Recognition program held Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

During the evening, Benjamin Logan seniors received 81 local scholarship awards from 56 scholarship funds. Thirty individual recipients earned more than

$100,000 in local scholarships, totaling $101,600. The total does not include scholarships awarded directly by colleges or universities.

Several students were recognized with multiple local scholarship awards, representing a wide range of accomplishments, service, leadership, and future plans. Among the many students honored, the highest total local scholarship amounts were awarded to Rylan Norviel, Winifred Bodin, Adilynne Gregg, Ella Chamberlain, and Elliot Carpenter.

The Logan County Education Foundation supports education in Logan County public schools by providing teacher grants and student scholarships. The Foundation manages more than 43 scholarship funds, including endowed and annual scholarships.

“This annual recognition is a meaningful reminder of the generosity and commitment of our community,” said a Benjamin Logan school official. “Organizations like the Logan County Education Foundation, along with many local families, businesses, and community partners, help create meaningful opportunities for students as they take their next steps beyond high school.”

Benjamin Logan Local Schools extends sincere appreciation to the donors, families, community organizations, memorial scholarship committees, and local partners whose generosity makes these opportunities possible for students each year.

2026 Senior Awards & Scholarship Recognition Recipients

Scholarship - Recipient
Drive to Serve Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Drive to Serve Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Joan & Kenneth Harr Scholarship - Colton Musser
Rushsylvania Rough Riders Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Patt Warner Houk Scholarship - Elliot Carpenter
Patt Warner Houk Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Micah Gregg Memorial Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Micah Gregg Memorial Scholarship - Adilynne Gregg
Micah Gregg Memorial Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Spencer Reames Scholarship - Brooklynn Chamberlin
Spencer Reames Scholarship - Josey Queen
Rob Hayden Memorial Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Rob Hayden Memorial Scholarship - Thomas Smith
Franklin B. Walter All Scholarship Award - Winifred Bodin
Babe & Ida Willits Memorial Scholarship - Winifred Bodin
Hazel Moore Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Logan County Education Foundation Scholarship - Taylor Shoffner
Lillian B. Thornton Memorial Scholarship - Elliot Carpenter
Earl C. & Marion R. Spain Memorial Scholarship - Adilynne Gregg
Keep Logan County Beautiful Scholarship - Annika Chappell
ISS America Academic Scholarship - Taylor Shoffner
ISS America Academic Scholarship - Thomas Smith
Dwight Spencer Memorial Scholarship - Caroline Spriggs
Edward K. Core, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Greyson Wagner
Brad Jones Memorial Scholarship - Adilynne Gregg
Gunnery Sergeant David S. Spicer Memorial Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Rushsylvania Lions Club Scholarship - Leina Brunson
Rushsylvania Lions Club Scholarship - Britanna Jacobs
Rushsylvania Lions Club Scholarship - Taylor Shoffner
Rushsylvania Lions Club Scholarship - Peyton Vermillion
Quest Federal Credit Union Scholarship - Winifred Bodin
Kiwanis Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Logan County Cooperative Children of Members Scholarship - Winifred Bodin
Logan County Cooperative Children of Members Scholarship - Kaidyn Green
Logan County Cooperative Children of Members Scholarship - Mercedes Marcinko
Ohio Electric Cooperative Children of Members Scholarship - Winifred Bodin
Logan County 4-H Scholarship - Winifred Bodin
Larry & Lawrence Cronkleton Memorial Scholarship - Colton Musser
Rushcreek Township Fire Department Debbie Roberts Scholarship - Scarlett Elliott
Rushcreek Township Fire Department Debbie Roberts Scholarship - Delaney Ratliff
Shelter Insurance Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #60 Krista McDonald Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Bellefontaine Rotary Scholarship - Greyson Wagoner
Mary Rutan Foundation Dwight Spencer Memorial Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Dr. Joseph C. & Florence C. Longfellow Memorial Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Cindy Bair Memorial Scholarship - Natalie Chapman
Benjamin Logan National Honor Society Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Benjamin Logan Athletic Boosters Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Benjamin Logan Athletic Boosters Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
Benjamin Logan Bus Drivers Scholarship - Elliot Carpenter
Benjamin Logan Bus Drivers Scholarship - Zhoe Seeley
Benjamin Logan Black and Gold Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Benjamin Logan Black and Gold Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Benjamin Logan Black and Gold Scholarship - Mercedes Marcinko
Benjamin Logan Education Association Scholarship - Adilynne Gregg
The Shelly Company Community Scholarship - Taylor Shoffner
Carroll E. Meadows Memorial Scholarship - Reese Murphy
Eric Shick Memorial Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Eric Shick Memorial Scholarship - Kaylyn Elliott
Perry Township Fire Department Keith W. Montgomery Memorial Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Robert Rittenhouse Memorial Scholarship - Hannah Larsen
Robert Rittenhouse Memorial Scholarship for Education Majors - Adilynne Gregg
Logan County Whitetails Unlimited Scholarship - Colton Musser
Benjamin Logan Spanish Scholarship - Mercedes Marcinko
Benjamin Logan Student Government Scholarship - Aubrey Harris
Benjamin Logan Student Government Member Scholarship - Evelyn Allen
Benjamin Logan Student Government Member Scholarship - Rylan Norviel
NX Leadership Scholarship - Brooklynn Chamberlin
NX Leadership Scholarship - Caroline Spriggs
Tamplin Trust Scholarship - Natalie Chapman
Bellefontaine Daily Digital Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship - Landon Braddock
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship - Natalie Chapman
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship - Audrey Harris
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship - Taylor Shoffner
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship - Peyton Vermillion
James Forsythe Milroy Foundation Scholarship - Colton Musser
Joe & Pat Bates Scholarship Administered by The West Mansfield United Methodist Church - Elliot Carpenter
Virgil Rash & Richard Rash Trust Scholarship - Elliot Carpenter
Virginia Wonders VanHyning Scholarship - Ella Chamberlain
Virginia Wonders VanHyning Scholarship - Rylan Norviel

]]><![CDATA[Indian Lake Elementary Students Meet Ohio’s New School Safety Mascot “Cheese”]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 20:00:53 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/indian-lake-elementary-students-meet-ohios-new-school-safety-mascot-cheese

Students and staff at Indian Lake Elementary School recently became the first students in Ohio to meet “Cheese,” the brand-new school safety mascot created by the Ohio School Safety Center.

The emotional support dog mascot made a surprise appearance at the conclusion of the school’s Summer Reading Kick Off

assembly, bringing excitement and smiles to students throughout the building.

According to Ohio School Safety Center representative James Burke, the mascot’s creation traces back several years to a collaboration with kindergarten students in Mrs. Sarah Elliott’s class at Indian Lake Elementary. Burke had been developing a school safety comic book series covering topics such as bullying prevention, bus safety, tip lines, and student wellness.

Students loved the comic’s main character, LJ Mac, but suggested he needed an animal companion.

“So I got the idea, since LJ is on School Safety Patrol, one of his duties is to take care of Cheese—the school’s emotional support dog,” Burke explained. “That led to let’s get a mascot costume, and today we thought it only appropriate for the first people to be able to see Cheese were the ones who came up with the idea here at Indian Lake Elementary.”

During the event, students had the opportunity to hug or high-five Cheese and received copies of the newly released comic book, The Adventures of LJ Mac and Cheese — Summertime Blues.

The school also announced an added incentive tied to the Summer Reading Program. Students who complete the 30-book reading challenge will be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to have their name featured as a character in a future Mac and Cheese comic book edition.

Schools across Ohio interested in scheduling a visit from Cheese can find more information through the Ohio School Safety Center.

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