Logan Whitney, a senior from East Knox High School, is pursuing his ambition to become a livestock veterinarian by enrolling in the animal science/pre-veterinary program at Wilmington College. "Wilmington is one of only two colleges or universities in Ohio that allows freshmen to touch animals," Whitney explained. "At most schools you must be a junior. I wanted to work with animals right away."
Whitney, who ranks second in his graduating class of 71, was nominated for the 2025 Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award by the Knox Educational Service Center. His passion for veterinary medicine stems from his upbringing on a farm and participating in 4-H programs, where he showed beef and dairy cattle at county fairs.
He cites Dr. Robert Krueger, a veterinarian at the Knox County Fair, as an inspiration: "Dr. Robert Krueger... inspired me. He cares for the animals there, many of them being shown by 4-H members." Whitney's career goals include becoming a main veterinarian at local county fairs and supporting local farms: "This is the goal that is most important to me since many families in rural areas make a living off farming and I would be able to make sure their animals are healthy."
While at Wilmington College, Whitney plans to join the college’s new livestock judging team. He remains active in cross country, track, basketball, and National Honor Society while advocating for 4-H: "Once I graduate from vet school I want to inspire as many kids as I can to get involved in 4-H."
During his senior year, Whitney attended courses at Mount Vernon Nazarene College under Luiz Oliveira, Ph.D., who praised him for his creativity and critical thinking skills: “I was impressed by Logan’s ability... consistently delivering innovative solutions,” Oliveira noted.
East Knox teacher Meg Moledor also commended Whitney's leadership qualities: “Logan embodies the qualities of a hard-working... leader," she said.
