Life briefs: Franklin B. Walter scholars, Discovery School gala, state parks photo contest

Staff report
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Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Program honors area scholars

MANSFIELD — Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) recognized 12 seniors from client school districts for their academic success and school and community service at the annual Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award Dinner on March 14.

Three area students were honored with scholarships during the 2023 Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award Dinner. From left are Mid-Ohio ESC Superintendent Kevin D. Kimmel; Madeline Tack, Highland High School; Bree Fellows, Plymouth-Shiloh School; Kylee Bilancini, Northmor High School; Board President Doug Theaker; and Board Vice-President Glenna Plotts.

Three students were awarded $500 scholarships each based on school grades, test scores, activities and an essay detailing one educator's positive impact on their lives. Students read their tributes aloud and introduced their “Positive Impact Person” to the audience, including family members and school administrators.

Winners of the $500 scholarships made possible by the Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors were awarded to Kylee Bilanci, Northmor Local Schools; Madeline Tack, Highland Local Schools; and Bree Fellows, Plymouth-Shiloh Local School District.

Others honored as Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award nominees were Marissa Black, Crestline; Kaya Capretta, Galion; Jennifer Covel, Lexington; Leah Francis, Pioneer CTC; Clara Hecker, Lucas; Nathan Humrichouser, Crestview; Kyndra Irwin, Mt. Gilead; Isabella Snyder, Mansfield, and Allyson Wigton, Madison.

To honor former state Superintendent Dr. Franklin B. Walter, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) established the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards to promote student achievement and recognize academic accomplishment.

College news and notes

Jessica Roberts of Lexington graduated from Emporia State University in December with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Discovery School to host gala fundraiser

Discovery School in Mansfield is holding its Enchanted Forest Gala 6-10 p.m. April 29 at Westbrook Country Club. Tickets are $75 each, which include appetizers, cocktail, dinner, entertainment andsilent auction.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships, which 25-35% of the school's students receive annually, and to support the school.

Established in 1975, Discovery is located on 40-acres of old growth forest situated between the Mansfield Art Center and Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Discovery is accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the Primary Years Programme, and serving more than 150 students in preschool through sixth grade.

For more information, email fundraiser Co-Chair Susan Clewell at susanclewell@gmail.com or by phone/text at 330-447-4897.

Entries sought for state parks photo contest

COLUMBUS — The 2023 Ohio State Parks Photo Contest, coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft. ODNR, is accepting submissions through April 4.

Ashley Hendershot of Ashland garnered first place in the 2022 Ohio State Parks photo contest for her photo taken at Mohican State Park.
Ashley Hendershot of Ashland garnered first place in the 2022 Ohio State Parks photo contest for her photo taken at Mohican State Park.

Photos categories are:• Main Character Moment• Sidekick Shenanigans• Homebase Harmony• Seasonal Surprises• Hero’s Journey

Visitors can submit up to five photos in the contest. Each image must have been taken after Jan. 1, 2022. Submission forms and contest rules can be found at discoverohiostateparks.com. Submissions must be made by April 4. Final winners will be contacted May 5.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Franklin B. Walter scholars honored, Discovery School to host gala