Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards announced; Stegbauer earns Highland County honor

The statewide Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award ceremony was held on April 27 in virtual format.

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association sponsors the state awards. Southern Ohio Educational Service Center presented awards to the top students from each county in the region, consisting of Adams, Clinton, Fayette and Highland counties.

The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award was established in 1989 to recognize student achievement and promote academic accomplishment. One senior from each of Ohio’s 88 counties receives this prestigious honor each year. Recipients are selected by virtue of their academic achievement, personal accomplishments and community service.

The local winners were as announced as follows:

• Highland County — McClain High School senior Emma Stegbauer, who plans to attend Wright State University and major in nursing;

• Adams County — North Adams High School senior Preston Grooms, who plans to attend Florida State University and major in meteorology;

• Clinton County — Blanchester High School senior Carter Stevens, who plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in biomedical engineering; and

• Fayette County — Miami Trace High School senior Siara Eggleton, who plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in political science.

“These four students truly represent the best of the best in the region, and I want to congratulate them on their many accomplishments,” SOESC Superintendent Beth Justice said.

The award bears the name of Dr. Franklin B. Walter, who served as state superintendent from 1977-1991. During his tenure, Dr. Walter worked with three governors, significantly improved public education in the state and brought Ohio’s schools to the forefront of the nation’s attention. He received numerous honors and has earned the respect and admiration of educators nationwide. His integrity, leadership, optimism and commitment serves as an example for all.

Dr. Walter passed away Sept. 15, 2010 at the age of 80. He left behind a storied legacy that includes this award.