East Central Ohio students honored in all-scholastic program

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association recognized Ohio’s top students from each of the state’s 88 counties during the annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program April 13 at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.

Students are nominated by one of Ohio’s 51 educational service centers. Eligible applicants are high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to community service. Selection is based on academic performance, involvement in school and community activities, and honors and awards.

“In order to achieve this level of success, these students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, resilience, and grit,” OESCA Executive Director Craig Burford said.

For nearly four decades, OESCA has recognized more than 2,700 scholars and student leaders through the program.

“Ohio’s ESCs have over a century of service in providing technical assistance and support to Ohio’s schools and students, and during this event we get to see the impact of that work,” Burford said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with students and families, school district leadership, and state policymakers to ensure students have equal access to high-quality educational opportunities and experiences, regardless of where they live and attend school.”

This year’s program also featured keynote remarks from Todd Kleismit, executive director of the America 250-Ohio Commission, who spoke about the role Ohio students play in shaping the state’s future. Burford presented the awards.

The program is named for Franklin B. Walter, Ohio’s 31st state superintendent of public instruction. It was established by OESCA in 1989 to recognize student leaders for academic achievement and service to their schools and communities. One senior from each Ohio county is eligible for the award each year.

The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center recognized this year’s winners from Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Noble and Tuscarawas counties. They are Alyssa Crum of Noble Local School District, who plans to attend the University of the Cumberlands to major in biology; Cora Dotts of Claymont City School District, who plans to attend The Ohio State University to study animal sciences on a pre-veterinary track; Lydia Fuchs of Barnesville Exempted Village School District, who plans to attend Ohio State to study agricultural communications and agribusiness; Brady Moss of Harrison Hills City School District, who plans to attend Ohio State to study chemical engineering; and Claire Williams of Buckeye Trail High School, who plans to attend Kent State University to pursue biology on a pre-med track.

The East Central Ohio ESC Governing Board honored each student with a $500 scholarship and extended congratulations for their achievements and service.

Ohio’s educational service centers provide school districts with professional development, technology, support, planning and administrative services designed to improve student learning, enhance instruction, expand access to resources and improve operational and fiscal efficiency. OESCA supports, educates and advocates for the state’s ESCs.