Pictured, left to right: Alyssa McNeese, scholarship winner; Movita Steiner, representing the Steiner family; and Melissa Wagner, scholarship winner
Ruby Falls LLC is proud to honor two employees with the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Ruby Falls’ scholarship committee has chosen students Alyssa McNeese and Melissa Wagner for outstanding dedication to their areas of study, awarding them each $2,500. This scholarship honors the memory of former president of Ruby Falls, “Jack” Steiner, Sr., and is presented annually by his widow, Movita Steiner.
Ms. McNeese has worked at Ruby Falls for over three years and is a freshman at Chattanooga State.
Ms. McNeese feels Ruby Falls has helped prepare her for the field of early childhood education, as she plans to become a second-grade teacher. Ms. McNeese says, “Ruby Falls is one of the best opportunities I’ve been given. Teachers need to be patient and I have learned that through customer service. I have really learned to open up and be kind and considerate of other people.” She plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga upon completion of her general course requirements.
Ms. Wagner, a senior at UTC, works at Ruby Falls as a cashier and tour guide. She attributes the decision to major in environmental geology to her experiences while working at the environmentally-focused natural attraction. Ms. Wagner says, “It is my hope that I can aid in the upkeep of the earth and educate others about the importance of utilizing resources without diminishing them.”
Ruby Falls is America’s deepest cave and tallest underground waterfall open for public viewing. It features a 145-foot waterfall located 1,120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. LED lighting is used throughout the castle and waterfall. Ruby Falls is the first U.S. attraction to have received the dual Green Globe/Green Certification by Green Globe International, Inc.