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By Bill Tipple The Bellefontaine High School Class of 2026 will graduate Friday night. The ceremony starts at 7 o’clock at AcuSport Stadium. This year’s BHS Distinguished Alumni are Jeffrey Edward Zell II (Class of ’98), Chuck Earick (Class of ’62), and Jay Nunn (Class of ’99).
American Public University in 2024. He further strengthened his expertise through numerous advanced certifications, including completion of various Officer Academy and Combat Munitions Systems programs. His leadership and performance earned him multiple honors, including the Global War on Terrorism medals, recognition as a Senior Airman Below the Zone, and the prestigious Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award. Zell’s service included multiple overseas deployments in support of U.S. military operations, with assignments in Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan between 2005 and 2020. These experiences shaped his leadership style and deepened his commitment to public service. Following his military retirement, Zell transitioned into public service, where he currently serves as a South Carolina State Senator. In this role, he focuses on issues impacting veterans, education, and community development. His dedication to education is also reflected in his service as a member of the Sumter County School Board, where he works to support student success and strengthen educational systems. Zell’s life and career exemplify integrity, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Jeffrey, his wife Christina of 16 years, and daughter Eva reside in Sumter, South Carolina.
years and deployed to Vietnam for a year where he was awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. His military service laid a strong foundation of leadership and discipline that carried into his professional career. In 1972, Earick began his career at Citizens Federal Savings and Loan in Bellefontaine. Through dedication and strong leadership, he rose to become Chief Executive Officer in 1978 and was later named President in 1991. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Citizens Federal. His commitment to ethical leadership was recognized with the Integrity in Business Award in 2002. Chuck has been deeply involved in the Bellefontaine community, contributing his time and leadership to organizations such as the Sloan Industrial School, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Mary Rutan Health, the Hilliker YMCA, the Downtown Business Partnership, and many more. A devoted member of the Kiwanis Club for 52 years and a past president, he was honored as Kiwanis Citizen of the Year in 2006 and received the Richard Rupp Leadership Award in 2008. Chuck and his wife, Choyce, have shared 58 years of marriage and are the proud parents of two daughters, Lesli and Leah, and grandparents to Liam and Bryce.
baseball and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2003, while also becoming a member of the Tau Pi Phi Business and Economics Honor Society. He went on to further his education with an MBA from Norwich University in 2008.
Jay launched his professional career in Boston, Massachusetts, building a strong foundation in accounting and finance before relocating to Vermont to join UTC Aerospace Systems as a financial analyst. His leadership and commitment to excellence earned him a series of promotions, including Government Compliance Manager and Site Controller. In 2018, Jay became Controller at Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group (now Acrisure). Since then, he has continued to take on roles of increasing scope and complexity and now serves as Director of Personal Lines Operations, where he leads more than 300 team members across 14 states. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jay is deeply committed to community service and to strengthening the place he calls home. He has served as both Chair and a member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Vermont, contributed as a member of the Investment Committee for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, and led annual workplace campaigns supporting the United Way of Northwest Vermont. An active member of Christ the King–St. Anthony Parish, Jay also volunteers at numerous school events and has dedicated countless hours to youth coaching – demonstrating his commitment to service and making a meaningful impact on others. Jay and his wife, Katie, of 20 years have made their home in Vermont and are blessed with two children, Maryann (17) and Cameron (14). The 2026 BHS Valedictorian is Jacob Henry. Lorenz Henry is the salutatorian. You can watch Friday night’s ceremony at https://www.youtube.com/live/tBIXGG9jbGE The livestream will start around 6:45 p.m. Congrats to the graduates and their families. Comments are closed.
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