Southern Ohio ESC honors 3 outstanding seniors with Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards

On Monday, April 13, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) recognized Ohio’s top students from across the state during the 37th Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program, held at the Ohioan Hotel and Event Center.

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.

The Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC) selected three senior high school students from Clinton, Fayette and Highland counties for their academic success and school and community service. Students were selected based on their school grades, test scores, activities and an essay detailing their short-term and long-term goals, both academically or professionally, and personally. Each recipient will receive a one-time college scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 sponsored by First State Bank.

• Daniel Mefford, Clinton County recipient – Mefford will graduate from Clinton-Massie High School and plans to attend Harvard College and major in astrophysics.

Mefford wrote: “While my story may still not be completely clear and the path may have some overgrowth, I know what my destination is. If there is one thing to remember about me, it is that the idea of “failure” does not exist in my mind. Every time I make a mistake, it is simply an unscheduled learning opportunity. While many people view setbacks as brick walls, I embrace them.”

• Isabelle DeBruin, Fayette County recipient – DeBruin will graduate from Miami Trace High School and plans to attend Trine University and major in mechanical engineering.

DeBruin wrote: “Communication is important to me because growing up with a non-verbal brother showed me how frustrating it can be for someone who cannot effectively communicate their needs to others. By having a minor in Spanish, I hope to bridge gaps in communication in my future work community.”
 
• Marley Gobin, Highland County recipient – Gobin will graduate from Whiteoak High School and plans to attend Cedarville University and major in biology.

Gobin wrote: “I know that my career path will be rigorous, but I’m prepared to work hard and take on whatever challenges life throws at me. And while college is a time to focus on furthering my education, I look forward to also building relationships with those around me. I believe that the plan I’ve set up for my life will put me in a position to excel at all things and in all areas of my life, whether that be academically, professionally, or personally.”

SOESC Superintendent Mr. Curt Bradshaw said, “Mr. Mefford, Ms. DeBruin and Ms. Gobin truly represent the best of the best in the region, and I want to congratulate them on their many accomplishments. On behalf of SOESC, we thank you for being leaders for our future and wish you all the very best.”

SOESC provides specialized academic and support services to school districts in Clinton, Fayette and Highland counties. Districts receive services including professional development, special education, technology, instructional support, staffing, planning and administrative services that help improve student learning, enhance the quality of instruction, expand access to resources and maximize operating/fiscal efficiencies. For more information about SOESC, please visit www.soesc.org.