FRANKLIN B. WALTER SCHOLARSHIP TOP ACADEMIC STUDENTS HONORED

Lebanon, Ohio – On Friday, April 11, 2025, Warren County Educational Service Center hosted the 10th Annual Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Program and Banquet. One student from ten Warren County school districts was honored for academic achievement excellence and exemplary personal characteristics, achievements, and goals. Based on that criteria, the 2025 OVERALL TOP RECIPIENT is Amanda Tudela, Waynesville High School. Amanda is the daughter of Mark and Jenna Tudela.

Pictured: Dr. Sam Ison, Wayne L.S.D. Superintendent, Amanda Tudela, Recipient, Lauren Clark, Recognized Mentor, and Chip Will, Waynesville H.S. Principal

 

Each Warren County student is asked to recognize a mentor/educator who has been instrumental in their school career. Amanda’s recognized mentor was Lauren Clark, her chemistry teacher at Waynesville High School.

 

Amanda, her mentor, several family members, and WCESC Superintendent Tom Isaacs attended the statewide program in Columbus on April 14th where Amanda was recognized along with students from all 88 counties in Ohio. Under the direction of Craig Burford, OESCA Executive Director, the organization has sponsored the program for nearly four decades and recognized approximately 2,600 students.

Amanda with her mother, Jenna Tudela

 

 

In Warren County, each district’s recipient is awarded a $500.00 scholarship from Warren County Educational Service Center. The Overall Winner is awarded a total of a $1,000.00 scholarship and recognized at a statewide banquet hosted by Ohio Educational Service Centers Association in Columbus, Ohio. Recognized mentor/educators are awarded a $250.00 stipend to be used for classroom/school use.

About the Program’s Namesake, Dr. Franklin B. Walter: The Franklin B. Walter Award was established in 1989. The award is named after Dr. Franklin B. Walter, who served as State Superintendent from 1977-1991. During his tenure, Dr. Walter worked with three governors and significantly improved public education in Ohio. He received numerous honors and earned the respect and admiration of educators nationwide. His integrity, leadership, optimism and commitment served as an example for all. Dr. Walter passed away on September 15, 2010 at the age of 80.