PSU honors high school student for community service

Gorilla's Choice Award winner Joel Preston with PSU President Tom Bryant, left; KSN Senior Anchor Jim Jackson; Joel's parents and grandmother

Neosho (Mo.) High School senior Joel Preston has been chosen to receive Pittsburg State University’s Gorilla’s Choice Award. The award, which recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated exemplary community service, was announced at the university’s leadership banquet on Thursday, April 12.

As the Gorilla’s Choice winner, Preston will receive either a $2,000 scholarship at PSU or a $1,000 scholarship at another college or university of his choice. Preston says he plans to attend PSU where he is interested in the university’s technology programs.

The Gorilla’s Choice Award is sponsored jointly by PSU and KSN-TV. In presenting the award, KSN Senior Anchor Jim Jackson praised the accomplishments of all of the nominees.

“We had six finalists for this year’s award,” Jackson said. “All six of these students are terrific representatives of our future leaders. Their commitment to giving back to the community at such a young age is heartwarming and encouraging.”

Preston’s activities included participation in the Food Basket Brigade over the past eight years and work with Angel Food Ministries over the past year. Nominators noted that he has had many years of continuous involvement in these two causes through his school, church and as an Eagle Scout. Preston went door-to-door helping gather food and helped distribute it to the needy and he works one Saturday a month to help fill boxes and distribute them.

---Pitt State---