American Municipal Power, Inc. recently announced that Emily Marino of Niles is one of five recipients of the 2026 Richard H. Gorsuch Scholarship, and Emma Merlo, also of Niles, is one of five recipients of the 2026 Lyle B. Wright Scholarship. This year, AMP is awarding 10 scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Richard H. Gorsuch, who was dedicated to promoting the advantages of municipally owned electric systems, was the organization’s president from 1983 until his death in 1987. The $3,000 scholarships in this program are awarded to graduating seniors whose parent or guardian is an employee of either a municipal electric system or AMP, or who is an elected official with responsibility for the electric system. This year, 21 students were nominated for the Gorsuch Scholarship, and the recipients were selected based on their scholastic records, personal achievements and scores on a test about public power.

The daughter of Eric and Vicki Marino, Emily is a graduating senior at Niles McKinley High School and plans to attend Youngstown State University to study nursing. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, marching band and symphonic band; and was a four-year letter winner in volleyball, earning First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District honors. Her father is an electrical equipment technician for the city of Niles.

Lyle B. Wright was a strong public power advocate who served on the AMP Board of Trustees from 1979 until his death in 1986. The $3,000 Wright scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors whose households receive electricity from an AMP Member utility. This year, 32 students were nominated for the Wright Scholarship, and the recipients were selected based on their scholastic records, personal achievements and scores on a test about public power.

The daughter of Giovanne and Monica Merlo, Emma is a graduating senior at Niles McKinley High School and plans to attend either the University of Kentucky, Duquesne University or The Ohio State University to study law. She is a member of the National Honor Society, marching band and Key Club. She also was a three-year member and letter winner in cheerleading and a four-year member and letter winner in soccer, winning two district championships and being named an Academic All-American.

“It is great to have a strong municipal electric community like Niles as home to two of this year’s Gorsuch and Wright scholarship recipients,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP President and CEO. “This year’s group of scholarship applicants was outstanding. On behalf of the AMP Board of Trustees and AMP management, I congratulate Miss Marino and Miss Merlo on their exceptional achievements and extend best wishes for success in their educational pursuits.”

The AMP Board of Trustees established the Richard H. Gorsuch and Lyle B. Wright scholarships in memory of public power leaders who contributed significantly to AMP and municipal electric systems in the region.

Since 1988, AMP has awarded $558,000 to deserving high school seniors through the AMP Scholarships Program.