The event brought together high-achieving seniors and the educators who have made a lasting impact on their lives. Several honors were awarded during the ceremony, each with distinct criteria and purpose.

The Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Award is presented annually to one graduating senior from each of Ohio’s 88 counties, based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Luke Davis of Salem High School was named this year’s Columbiana County recipient and received a $500 scholarship. In addition to the county winner, several other seniors were recognized as county-level nominees, each receiving a $100 scholarship for their accomplishments.

The Heads Above the Rest distinction was awarded to county seniors who scored a 31 or higher on the ACT. These students were also awarded $100 scholarships in recognition of their exceptional test performance.

Star Educator awards were presented to teachers who were nominated by the honored seniors for the positive and lasting impact they have had on their students’ academic and personal growth.

Heads Above the Rest Recipients: from left, front row, Olivia Cornell from East Liverpool, Salem Yarwood from Columbiana, Elena Mackall from Columbiana, Summer Sinsley from Columbiana, Ty Smith from Beaver Local; back row, Eli Masters from Columbiana, Andrew Eusebio from Columbiana, Evan Neff from Crestview, John Kinkead from East Palestine, Glenn Olsen from Crestview, Nicholas Aldrich from East Liverpool, Basilios Panteleris from Salem. (Submitted photo)

The morning’s keynote address was delivered by William Dawes of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, who shared an inspiring message about redefining failure and embracing growth through challenges. Speaking directly to the students, Dawes emphasized that failure is not always measured in grades or scores.

“In real life, failure doesn’t look like a grade,” Dawes said. “It shows up as a project that didn’t pan out, a relationship that didn’t work. Everyone makes mistakes. The difference is in how you respond to the mistakes you make.”

Dawes encouraged students to view missteps not as setbacks but as stepping stones. “Mistakes can be your coffin or your classroom. Is this mistake going to tear me down or build me up?” he asked.

He concluded with a message of resilience: “Failure is the pathway to success. Learn to handle things in front of you, and when you do, your path will open up.”

As the school year nears its close, the CCESC’s recognition breakfast stood as a meaningful celebration of perseverance, potential, and the power of education in Columbiana County.

Franklin B. Walter Nominees: from left, front row, Isabella Vallera from Wellsville, Kennedy Lewis from Southern Local, Ty Smith from Beaver Local, Abigail Beil from Lisbon; back row, Preston Buckingham from Columbiana, Luke Davis from Salem, John Kinkead from East Palestine, Nicholas Aldrich from East Liverpool, Asher Moore from Crestview, Alexander Kindle from Leetonia.

Star Educators: from left, front row, Lisa Malcolmson from Columbiana, Amanda Booth from East Palestine, Phylicia Joy from Crestview, Julie Voorhees from East Liverpool, Grady Long from Crestview; back row, Kristen Reynolds from Columbiana, Charles Miller from Columbiana, Matt Newman from Beaver Local, Diane Mediate from Columbiana, Jennifer Sant from Columbiana, Gerald Bartlett from East Liverpool, Ty Graham from Salem.