An international goal, but first a thank-you

EDITOR’S NOTE: Viktoria Arnett of Fredericktown recently was selected as the Knox Educational Service Center’s 2026 Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award recipient. The ESC is profiling the other outstanding seniors nominated for the award by their respective districts.

Allison Wilhelm’s dream is about to come true.

“I have had a long-held goal of being a valedictorian,” Wilhelm wrote in an essay that accompanied her application as Centerburg’s nominee for the ESC’s annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award.

“Each year at graduation I used to be in awe of the older kids who read eloquent speeches while hundreds of people watched,” she recalled.

“The thought of giving the perfect speech scared me when I was younger, but the nerves have since given way to excitement as I get closer to this goal and it becomes apparent that those impossibly grown-up valedictorians were just kids like me.”

On May 17 Wilhelm, who ranks first academically in the Class of 2026, will deliver the valedictory address at Centerburg’s commencement.

“I would love to give my school and community a thank you,” she said. “Centerburg is a very loving, caring community. I have been in Centerburg Local Schools since kindergarten. The teachers have been wonderful.”

Wilhelm’s success at Centerburg has propelled her to Bowling Green State University, where she will major in business administration with an international business specialization.

Principal Brent Garee spares no words in his praise of Wilhelm.

“I can’t say enough positive things about Allison. She is involved in everything and is a leader,” Garee said. “Allison’s future is very bright. Whatever she sets her mind to, she will succeed.”

A member of the Ohio Scholars Association, an academic and community service-based organization, Wilhelm has served as president of Student Council and is a four-year member of Spanish Club. She has excelled on the track and field team and as a member of the marching band and concert choir.

In 2025 her hyper-realistic charcoal drawing was one of 54 pieces chosen out of 284 statewide entries for Otterbein University’s 7th Annual Juried High School Art Show.

“I aspire to study abroad,” Wilhelm wrote. “I have an interest in foreign cultures and languages in addition to an interest in management and leadership. Traveling internationally is very applicable to my major. While studying in another country, I will learn how to work with people from around the world and about different countries’ approaches to business.”

Both of Wilhelm’s parents at BGSU graduates but she opted for the school because of its “very strong business administration program.”

“I hope to one day manage a branch of an international company – an ethically good company — where I can make my own contribution.”