Pictured, left to right, are Emily McCommon, Motiva Steiner and Hannah Andrews
Ruby Falls announces the selection of two employees to receive the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Hannah Andrews and Emily McCommon are receiving the award based on their passion for the community and dedication to their academic goals.
"With a considerable ability to balance educational demands, extracurricular activities and employment, Hannah Andrews joined the Ruby Falls family in 2018 as a tour guide," officials said. "Andrews is studying computer science with a focus on software systems at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Love of music spurred Andrews’ roles with high school and college color guard teams and involvement with the UTC Pep Band as a saxophone player. To help Chattanooga’s homeless gain stability, particularly children, Andrews is a Salvation Army volunteer, a role she shares with her grandmother."
"Receiving the scholarship brings me closer to achieving my lifetime goal of earning a degree and becoming someone I have always wanted my childhood self to look up to,” shares Ms Andrews.
"A Ruby Falls Tour Guide team member since July of 2017, Emily McCommon credits her interaction with guests from around the world with helping her gain the confidence to interact meaningfully in the community," officials said. "As a volunteer with Girls Inc., McCommon spent many hours helping underserved elementary school aged girls strengthen reading skills and comprehension."
“Volunteering with the female youth in Chattanooga gave me a new perspective and began my love and care for children that has driven my desire to go in the medical field,” says Ms. McCommon.
Now a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Ms. McCommon is studying pre-professional biology with the goal of acceptance to medical school.
Established in 2008, the Steiner scholarship honors the memory of the former Ruby Falls president. Presented by Motiva Steiner, widow of the late “Jack” Steiner, Sr. the scholarship seeks to recognize Ruby Falls employees who have demonstrated commitment and passion for their studies, community and careers.