Evan Williams, a senior at Knox County Career Center (KCCC), is known by the nickname "The Mule," a testament to his determination and strength. He was nominated for the 2025 Franklin B. Walter Scholastic Award by KCCC, sponsored by the Knox Educational Service Center. Currently employed at Worthington Steel, Williams plans to attend Columbus State University and later Miami University in Oxford to pursue a degree in electro mechanical engineering.
Williams' academic achievements and leadership roles are notable. He has been active as a member of the Air Force Junior ROTC and emphasized in his award application essay his commitment to being productive and continually learning. His primary life goal is happiness. "This goal is somewhat of an uncommon one, but one I think is deeply important, and that is to be happy," he said.
At KCCC, Williams has been on the academic honor roll throughout high school and held positions such as student council trustee, SkillsUSA chapter president, JROTC Flight Commander, and Raider Team leader. LTC (Ret) Christopher Salvucci praised him as "a remarkable young man" who excels academically, athletically, and in service.
Williams has shown proficiency in precision machining at KCCC with aspirations of becoming "the best possible engineer." He explained that electro mechanical engineering involves working with electric motors used in devices like electric cars and robotic arms. Alongside his engineering career, he plans to engage in EMS and firefighting roles.
Having completed an emergency medical technician course at Knox Technical Center and obtained Firefighter 1 certification, Williams aims to volunteer as an EMT and firefighter. Cassandra Gray, his calculus teacher at KCCC, expressed confidence in his ability to achieve these goals due to his work ethic and character.
Williams also values continuous learning: "I never want to stop learning," he said. His interests include 3D printing, amateur photography, working on cars, and motorcycles.
The origin of his nickname stems from his physical improvement on the JROTC fitness test where he increased his score from 38 percent to 85 percent through rigorous training. Salvucci noted this significant improvement was rare over two years.
In a display of teamwork during a Raider team obstacle course run, Williams carried a teammate over an obstacle when she struggled—an example of why he's affectionately called "The Mule."
Regardless of whether he's working as an engineer or volunteering as an EMT or firefighter, Evan Williams' main goals remain consistent: happiness, community service, and lifelong learning.
