Stirling Sampson

Stirling “Buddy” Sampson (Staff photo by Ken Ritchie)

Kristen Snyder
Courier Staff Writer

Stirling “Buddy” Sampson, at 31 years old, quickly rose through the ranks to become the principal of Trimble County High School.

Sampson was born in Georgetown, Ky., and graduated from Scott County High School. He obtained a degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and got a master’s in special education and became a special-education teacher. After obtaining his certification in education leadership, he was hired in June 2008 as Trimble County High School’s assistant principal and then a month later, when the principal left, he filled the position, at the age of 27.

In May he completed his superintendent certification and director of pupil personnel certification from Eastern Kentucky University.

“I do aspire to be a superintendent someday,” Sampson said. “But I have a lot to learn. I want to have the biggest impact on the largest amount of kids that I can.”

Sampson said that being able to be in the principal position at such a young age has been a blessing.

“I have a strong connection with the kids and I can still relate to them,” Sampson said. “I really want these kids to have a chance at life, and this job helps me help them do that.”

For 2012, Sampson hopes to continue to improve Trimble County High School’s education ranks in the state.

“We hope to continue doing everything we can to get our kids to be ready for furthering their education after high school,” Sampson said. “We could be top in the state on the ACT and we should be nipping at Oldham County Schools’ heels in test scores. We always try to be ahead of the curve. I want to lead the way.”