Dalton Summers, superintendent of the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center, far right, addresses the recipients at the first Heart of Service Awards Ceremony on March 25 when students and mentors were honored. (Photo provided)

The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center recognized outstanding students and influential individuals in Southeastern Ohio during its first Heart of Service Awards Ceremony held March 25 at Washington State College of Ohio.

The Heart of Service Award celebrates graduating seniors with exceptional dedication in leadership, character and community impact. Schools across the Educational Service Center region nominated students who exemplify a commitment to service, initiative, integrity and contributions to their schools and communities.

Each Heart recipient selected a Heart of Influence honoree, a school staff member who has made a profound educational and personal impact on them.

“This evening represents the very best of our region,” Dalton Summers, superintendent of the Educational Service Center, said. “These honorees have set the standard through their service, leadership, and commitment to others.”

2026 Heart of Service Award recipients were:

Belpre High School: Liam Kocher

Fort Frye High School: Mary Kesselring

Frontier High School: Aaden Bills

Marietta High School: Jocelyn Arnold

Warren High School: Sophie Boothby

Washington County Career Center: Sophia Parlin

Waterford High School: Katelynn Valandingham

Caldwell High School: Sophia Marshall

Crooksville High School: Grayson Houk

Mid-East Career & Technology Center, Buffalo Campus : Kaylee Garcia

Monroe Central High School: Blake Yontz

Morgan High School: Peyton Welsh

River High School: Ava Wohnhas

Swiss Hills Career Center: Gracie Blair

2026 Heart of Influence Award Recipients:

Belpre High School: Debbie Edgar

Caldwell High School: Emma Marshall

Crooksville High School: Jerome LaBatte

Fort Frye High School: Tyler Hartline

Frontier High School: Adam Olson

Marietta High School: Paige Fleming

Warren High School: Jimmy Sundquist

Washington County Career Center: Steve Parlin

Waterford High School: Matt Hartline

Mid-East Career & Technology Center, Buffalo Campus: Tracy Brown

Monroe Central High School: Logan Binegar

Morgan High School: Dawn Nesselroad

River High School: Amy Shreve

Swiss Hills Career Center: Brian Diss

The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center serves more than 12,000 students in six counties, providing over 50 educational services that support schools, educators, students and families.