Ohio ESC Association to Recognize Ohio’s Top Scholars

Winifred Bodin

​On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) will recognize Ohio’s top students in each of the 88 counties statewide during the 37th annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program held at the Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center, Ohio.

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.

Benjamin Logan's Winifred Bodin is Logan County's honoree.

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

For nearly four decades, OESCA has recognized over 2,800 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.