Ohio ESC Association Recognizes Ohio’s Top Scholars

Columbus, Ohio – On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) recognized Ohio’s top students in each of the 88 counties statewide during the annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program held at The Ohioian in Lewis Center.

Nominated by one of the 51 educational service centers (ESCs), eligible applicants are high school seniors who 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.

In the Tri-County ESC region, students receiving the award in 2026 are Emlyn Bitner, Loudonville High School (Ashland County), Chase Coblentz, Hiland High School (Holmes County) and Anthony Tarutani, Wooster High School (Wayne County).

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

L to R:

Chase plans to attend Kent State University and major in Computer Science

Anthony plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in Aviation Science

Emlyn plans to attend the University of Dayton and major in Biology