The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) recently recognized 84 of Ohio’s top students from across the state during the 30th Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program, held at the Hilton Polaris-Columbus.
The awards program, named in honor of Ohio’s 31st state superintendent of public instruction, Franklin B. Walter, was established in 1989 by the OESCA to promote and recognize outstanding student leaders for their academic achievement and service to their schools and communities. One senior from each county in Ohio was eligible to receive this annual honor.
The Highland County winner was Hunter Ellis from the Southern Ohio ESC.
Eligible applicants must be a high school senior enrolled in a public school within an ESC’s service region. Recipients were required to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement as indicated by high school grades, college entrance exam scores, and school activities and awards.
Approximately 400 students, parents and educators attended the event. Among this year’s attendee, Governor Mike DeWine delivered the keynote address and Andrew Brenner, Ohio Senate, District 19, delivered the invocation.
“Our membership was honored to have Senator Brenner deliver the invocation and Governor DeWine serve as our keynote speaker this year,” said OESCA Executive Director Craig Burford. “Throughout his career Mike DeWine has been a champion for children and families. His executive budget reflects this commitment and recognizes the value of Ohio’s network of ESCs. Given his ongoing support and commitment to Ohio’s youth, we were honored to have him deliver the congratulatory keynote address to this year’s award recipients.”
Over the past 30 years, the OESCA has recognized nearly 2,700 scholars and student leaders during this event.
“For over 100 years ESCs have provided technical assistance and support to Ohio’s schools and students. During this special event we get to see the fruits of that labor and the impact these extraordinary students have made on their schools and local communities,” added Burford.
Submitted by Beth Justice, Southern Ohio Educational Service Center.
