On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) recognized Ohio’s top students from each of the state’s 88 counties during the annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program, held at the The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.

Nominated by one of Ohio’s 51 Educational Service Centers (ESCs), eligible applicants are high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to community service. Selection criteria include academic performance, involvement in school and community activities, and recognition through honors and awards.

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

For nearly four decades, OESCA has recognized more than 2,700 scholars and student leaders through this prestigious 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,” added Burford. “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 highlighted the important role Ohio’s students play in shaping the state’s future. Awards were presented by Burford in recognition of each student’s outstanding accomplishments.

The award program, named in honor of Ohio’s thirty-first State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Franklin B. Walter, was established by OESCA in 1989 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 is eligible to receive this annual honor.

The East Central Ohio ESC recognizes this year’s winners from Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Noble, and Tuscarawas counties: Alyssa Crum of Noble Local School District, who will attend the University of the Cumberlands to major in Biology; Cora Dotts of Claymont City School District, who will attend The Ohio State University to study Animal Sciences on a pre-veterinary track; Lydia Fuchs of Barnesville Exempted Village School District, who will attend The Ohio State University to study Agricultural Communications and Agribusiness; Brady Moss of Harrison Hills City School District, who will attend The Ohio State University to study Chemical Engineering; and Claire Williams of Buckeye Trail High School, who will attend Kent State University to pursue Biology on a pre-med track. The East Central Ohio ESC Governing Board honors each student with a $500 scholarship in recognition of their outstanding achievement and service and extends its sincere congratulations to these exceptional students.

Ohio’s Educational Service Centers (ESCs) provide school districts with professional development, technology, support, planning, and administrative services that help improve student learning, enhance the quality of instruction, expand access to resources, and maximize operational and fiscal efficiencies. OESCA supports, educates, and advocates for Ohio’s ESCs.