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 recently selected as Centerburg’s nominee for the Knox Educational Service Center’s annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award.
Wilhelm wrote in her application essay that being a valedictorian has been a long-held goal. “I have had a long-held goal of being a valedictorian,” she said. She reflected on watching older students give speeches at graduation and how her nerves eventually turned into excitement as she approached this milestone. “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.”
Wilhelm expressed gratitude toward her school and 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 skills: “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 participated in several extracurricular activities including serving as president of Student Council, membership in Spanish Club for four years, competing on the track and field team, performing with both marching band and concert choir, and having her artwork selected for Otterbein University’s Juried High School Art Show.
Looking ahead, Wilhelm plans to attend Bowling Green State University where she will major in business administration with an international business specialization. She wrote about aspirations to study abroad: “I aspire to study abroad... Traveling internationally is very applicable to my major... While studying in another country, I will learn how to work with people from around the world and about different countries’ approaches to business.”
Wilhelm concluded by sharing her career ambitions: “I hope to one day manage a branch of an international company – an ethically good company -- where I can make my own contribution.”
