COLUMBUS — The Ohio Educational Service Center Association recently recognized Ohio’s top students from across the state during the 34th Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program. A luncheon was provided at the Nationwide Hotel AND Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. Representatives from Educational Service Centers and school districts across the state attended.

The awards program, named in honor of Ohio’s 31st state superintendent of public instruction, Franklin B. Walter, was established in 1989 by 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. 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 and community service as indicated by high school grades, test scores, school and community activities and awards.

The East Central Ohio ESC awarded $500 scholarships to the Franklin B. Walter scholar in each of the counties in its service area: Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison and Tuscarawas. Belmont County’s winner, Kelly Gress of Union Local School District, will be attending Bethany College to study mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science and a minor in business. Guernsey County’s winner, Ethan Lucas of Cambridge City School District, will be attending The Ohio State University to double major in English and political science. Harrison County’s winner, Evan Siedel of Conotton Valley Union Local School District, will be attending the University of Akron to study music education. Tuscarawas County’s winner, Emily Luyster of Claymont City School District, will be attending Miami University to double major in history and anthropology.