(3-26-26) In honor of Franklin B. Walter, a Scholastic Award Program was established by the Ohio County Superintendents’ Association to promote student achievement, and to recognize outstanding students in Ohio’s schools. The Auglaize County Schools are proud to honor our outstanding senior scholars at the 2026 Franklin B. Walter Award Banquet on April 8 at Wapakoneta High School.
This award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. Each recipient has also selected a teacher who made a lasting impact on their journey.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients and honored educators:
Minster – Annie Hemmelgarn – Honored Teacher -Marianne Bruns
St. Marys – Carly Craft – Honored Teacher – Andrew Klosterman
New Bremen – Pierce Whitlatch – Honored Teacher – Jodi Schumm
Wapakoneta – Landen Bacon – Honored Teacher – Steve Wimmers
New Knoxville – Hunter Wellman – Honored Teacher – Dustin Knapke
Waynesfield-Goshen – Ava Messer – Honored Teacher – Jennifer Szippl
Messer, Craft and Bacon
Mercer County Outlook 