Ohio ESC Association Recognizes Ohio’s Top Scholars

Columbus, Ohio – On Monday, April 14, 2025, 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 to be held at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.

Nominated by one of the 51 educational service centers (ESCs), 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.

“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.

For nearly four decades, OESCA has recognized over 2,600 scholars and student leaders during this event. “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.”

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.

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 operating/fiscal efficiencies. The Ohio ESC Association (OESCA) supports, educates and advocates for Ohio’s ESCs. www.oesca.org

Students receiving the award in 2025 are Ashland City Schools, Katrin Parker representing Ashland County, West Holmes Local Schools, Sami Latouf representing Holmes County and Dalton Local Schools, Zoey Zuercher representing Wayne County.

Congratulations winners for this well-deserved honor, and we wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Parker – Ashland County (Ashland City Schools)
Katrin is the daughter of Mandy and Michael Parker of Ashland. She plans to study Neuroscience/Psychology and is undecided on a college/university. Katrin intends to dedicate her career to exploring the gray area of the body, specifically the connections between our physical and mental experiences, drawing from psychology and neuroscience.

Sami Latouf – Holmes County (West Holmes Local Schools)
Sami is the son of Butros and Faten Latouf of Millersburg. He plans to study Computer Engineering at either Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Florida. Sami is looking forward to tackling complex theories and even attempting to create his own forms of adaptive technologies.

Zoey Zuercher – Wayne County (Dalton Local Schools)
Zoey is the daughter of Jordon and Audrey Zuercher of Dalton. She plans to study Education at Cedarville University. Zoey plans on achieving her Primary Education degree and teach students that they are worthy of love, care, and respect and to encourage them to dream big, be kind to others, and see the world in a positive light.