28th Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program 2017
On Wednesday, April 12, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) recognized 82 of Ohio’s top students from across the state during the 28th Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program, named in honor of Ohio's 31st State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The award was established in 1989 by OESCA to promote and recognize outstanding student leaders for their academic achievement and service to their school and communities.
"Over the last 28 years, OESCA has recognized over 2000 scholars and student leaders during this event," said Beth Justice, Southern Ohio ESC Superintendent. "We wish Brittany great success as she pursues her studies at the college level."
One senior from each county in Ohio is eligible to receive this honor.
ADAMS COUNTY
Caitlin Young, daughter of Chris and Marla Young, is Adams County’s recipient of the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award.
“The Walter Award is incredibly prestigious, given to just one student in each county based on scholastics and academics,” said North Adams High School Principal Matt Young. “I am very proud of Caitlin for winning the award, our third in a row (Karly Boerger, Trey Meade).”
“Although it has no monetary value, the award is something that Caitlin and the North Adams community can be proud of.”
Young is planning on attending Marshall University in the fall to major in Pharmacy.
North Adams senior Caitlin Young, center, receives the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award from Southern Ohio Educational Service Center Superintendent Beth Justice, left, and ACOVSD Superintendent Richard Seas, right.
CLINTON COUNTY
Avary Beatty, a senior at East Clinton High School, was selected as the Clinton County winner from the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center.
Beatty is a leader in her school’s academic, civic, and athletic community.
Avary is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish and Key Clubs. She has served as a tutor for students with disabilities, participated in several community outreach programs, and competed on East Clinton’s volleyball, softball, and Quick Recall teams.
Beatty looks forward to living in an urban area and one day proving that just because she comes from a small rural area does not mean that she cannot accomplish anything that sets their heart to.
Avary Beatty is the daughter of Dawn Moon.
From left are: Beth Justice, Superintendent of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center: Clinton County Franklin B. Walter Award recipient Avary Beatty; and North Point ESC Superintendent and President of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Doug Crooks.
FAYETTE COUNTY
Blake Pittser, a member of the Class of 2017 at Miami Trace High School, was selected as the Fayette County winner from the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center. One senior from each county in Ohio is eligible to receive this honor.
The award was established in 1989 by OESCA to promote and recognize outstanding student leaders for their academic achievement and service to their school and communities.
“Over the last 28 years, OESCA has recognized over 2,000 scholars and student leaders during this event,” said Beth Justice, Southern Ohio ESC superintendent. “We wish Blake great success as he pursues his studies at the college level.”
Blake is ranked first in his class and plans to attend Wright State University where he will play soccer and study biomedical engineering.
Blake is known throughout his school community as an athlete, musician, scholar and student leader.
From left to right, Beth Justice, superintendent of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, Fayette County Franklin B. Walter Award recipient Blake Pittser, and North Point ESC Superintendent and President of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Doug Crooks.
HIGHLAND COUNTY
Brittany Ernst, a senior at Lynchburg-Clay High School, was selected as the Highland County winner from the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center.
Ernst is ranked fourth in her class and plans to study chemistry and pre-med at either Florida State or Elon University. She is known throughout her school community as a scholar, athlete, and student leader.
Throughout high school, she has been a member and officer for National Honor Society, Spanish Club and FCCLA. She has also been a member of the volleyball and softball teams and a member of the student council, yearbook, homecoming and prom committees.
During her junior and senior year, Ernst was one of a select few selected to participate in TAP MD—a program designed to help talented high school students “tap” into their potential to fulfill careers in medicine.
She is the daughter of Bobbie Jo Ernst.
Pictured (l-r) are Superintendent of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center Beth Justice, Highland County Franklin B. Walter Award recipient Brittany Ernst and North Point ESC Superintendent and President of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Doug Crooks. (Submitted photo)