Horn-Walter Awards

The annual Horn-Walter Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony sponsored by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities is an opportunity to honor an outstanding educator and student from each of the 16 State Support Team Regions in Ohio. One educator and one student nominee from each region will be invited to receive an award and be recognized at the annual OCECD celebration.

The R. A. Horn award is presented to one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions. Established by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce in honor of the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction, this award recognizes students’ outstanding achievements. Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities. 

The Franklin B. Walter award is given to an outstanding educator or team from each of the 16 State Support Teams in Ohio. Awarded to recipients who have made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities, this award is given in honor of the late Franklin B Walter, Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977 until 1991, a post held longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs, including the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities.

2026 Horn-Walter Award Nomination Information

Nominations for the 2026 R. A. Horn and Franklin B. Walter awards for Region 10 are now being accepted through April 17, 2026. Continue reading below for details and nomination forms. 

One Student and Educator/Educator Team from Region 10 will be selected to represent the region at the 2026 Horn-Walter-Burley Award Ceremony luncheon. The ceremony will take place in person on June 9, 2026 from 1 - 3 PM at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center in Columbus. The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) will be hosting the ceremony and selected nominees chosen for the regional award will receive an RSVP invitation prior to the event. 

R. A. Horn Student Achievement Nomination

To nominate a student for recognition of outstanding achievements, please submit your nomination online. When submitting your nomination form, you will need to upload a nomination letter that describes the student's achievements with specific examples. All student nominations must include a photo and signed student release form. Only nominations with signed releases can be considered. You can download the release form here and upload the completed form with your nomination or email it to [email protected].

Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Nomination

To nominate an outstanding educator or team, please submit your nomination online. Before submitting your nomination form, you will also need to upload a written description of how your nominee's work impacts others, including specific examples as evidence of why this educator should be recognized. Please read the nomination form closely for details. To be considered, all nominations must include a photo and signed release form.