Student among state's top scholars

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) will recognize Ohio's top students in each of the 88 counties statewide during the annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic awards program. The event will be held on April 14 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris hotel. Nominated by one of the 51 educational service centers, eligible applicants are high school seniors that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and community service as indicated by high school grades, test scores, school and community activities and awards. The North Point Educational Service Center announced it nominated Willard's Brandon Hall to represent Huron County. Other nominees by North Point included Thomas Murray (Erie), Samuel Roberts (Ottawa) and Grace Koth (Sandusky). "In order to achieve this level of success, these students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, resilience and grit," state OESCA Executive Director Craig Burford said. For nearly four decades, OESCA has recognized more than 2,600 scholars and student leaders during the event. "Ohio's ESCs have over a century of service in providing technical assistance and support to Ohio's schools and students," Burford said. "And during this event, we get to see the impact of that work. "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," he added. The award program is named in honor of Franklin B. Walter, the 31st state superintendent of Public Instruction. It 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 the annual honor. Ohio's 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 operating and fiscal efficiencies.