Preston Birrell (Photo: Todd Griffith with Your Sports Edge)
American Municipal Power, Inc. officials have announced that Caldwell County High School senior Preston Birrell is one of five recipients of the 2025 Richard H. Gorsuch Scholarship.
Officials noted that Richard H. Gorsuch, a strong advocate for municipally owned electric systems, served as the organization’s president from 1983 until his passing in 1987. They said the program awards $3,000 scholarships to graduating seniors whose parents or guardians work for a municipal electric system or American Municipal Power, Inc., or are elected officials responsible for the electric system. This year, 26 students were reportedly nominated for the Gorsuch Scholarship, with recipients chosen based on their academic records, personal achievements, and test scores on public power.
Officials shared that Preston, the son of Ivan and Cindy Birrell of Princeton, is a graduating senior at Caldwell County High School, who plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky. He is a member of the National Honor Society, is involved in Future Farmers of America, and has been an active volunteer in the community. He also has played on the Caldwell County High School Football team, including as a varsity athlete since 10th grade. Officials said his mother, Cindy, serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Princeton Electric Plant Board.
The President/CEO of American Municipal Power Jolene Thompson congratulated Birrell on his numerous achievements. On behalf of the board, she extended her best wishes for his success in his educational journey. She added that it’s gratifying that a dedicated public power community like Princeton is the home to one of this year’s Gorsuch Scholarship recipients.
The American Municipal Power Board of Trustees established the Richard H. Gorsuch and Lyle B. Wright scholarships in memory of public power leaders who contributed significantly to American Municipal Power, Inc. and municipal electric systems in the region
Since 1988, American Municipal Power has awarded $528,000 to deserving high school seniors through its scholarships program.
