Allison Wilhelm, a senior at Centerburg Local Schools, will deliver the valedictory address at the school’s commencement on May 17, according to an April 29 announcement. Wilhelm ranks first academically in the Class of 2026 and was selected as Centerburg’s nominee for the Knox Educational Service Center’s annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award.
Wilhelm said her achievement fulfills a long-standing ambition. “I have had a long-held goal of being a valedictorian,” she wrote in her application essay. She recalled watching previous graduates give speeches and feeling inspired by their example: “The thought of giving the perfect speech scared me when I was younger, but the nerves have since given way to excitement as I get closer to this goal and it becomes apparent that those impossibly grown-up valedictorians were just kids like me.”
She expressed gratitude toward her school community, saying, “I would love to give my school and community a thank you. Centerburg is a very loving, caring community. I have been in Centerburg Local Schools since kindergarten. The teachers have been wonderful.”
Principal Brent Garee praised Wilhelm’s involvement and leadership within the school: “I can’t say enough positive things about Allison. She is involved in everything and is a leader,” Garee said. “Allison’s future is very bright. Whatever she sets her mind to, she will succeed.”
Wilhelm has served as president of Student Council, participated for four years in Spanish Club, excelled on the track and field team, played with both marching band and concert choir, and saw one of her charcoal drawings selected for Otterbein University’s Juried High School Art Show.
Looking ahead, Wilhelm plans to attend Bowling Green State University majoring in business administration with an international business specialization. “I aspire to study abroad,” she wrote. “While studying in another country, I will learn how to work with people from around the world and about different countries’ approaches to business.” She added that she hopes one day “to manage a branch of an international company – an ethically good company — where I can make my own contribution.”
