Picture, left to right, are Emmanuel Herrera, Motiva Steiner and Taylor Johnson
Ruby Falls proudly announced the 2022 recipients of the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship have been selected. Emmanuel Herrera and Taylor Johnson are being honored with the scholarship because of their dedication to achieving their academic and personal goals.
Taylor Johnson, a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) junior, has been a tour guide at Ruby Falls since May of 2021. During her time studying political science, she has been an active part of the UTC Mock Trial club that went to the national qualifiers. She has since become the president of the club. She participates in the Political Science club and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the university as well. Johnson aims to go to law school after completing her bachelor’s degree.
“Wherever I further my studies, I am excited to embark on a career where I am able to affect change in the community,” Ms. Johnson said. “I am passionate about law because I believe having a functional justice system is crucial to our society.”
American Military University sophomore, Herrera, has been at Ruby Falls since May 2021. The English literature major is an active part of book clubs and a volunteer at libraries. He has also assisted his community by offering tutoring in English, history and mathematics.
“That’s what my goal is now, educating in whatever way I can, whether it’s being a tutor, teacher, or tour guide,” Mr. Herrera said.
Both recipients work as Ruby Falls connection ambassadors. Connection ambassadors work as peer to peer mentors who work to foster internal communication and training team members.
“Taylor and Emmanuel are wonderful examples of how Ruby Falls team members connect to excellence. We are proud to invest in them and support their educational goals,” Kara VanBrunt, Ruby Falls Executive Director, said.
Established in 2008, the funding of the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Collegiate Scholarship Awards honors the memory of a man who believed in the decency and goodness of young people and in the furtherance of their academic and worldly pursuits. Ruby Falls aims for the scholarship program to reflect his vision of the promotion and betterment of our community and the benevolent assistance to those in need.
Motiva Steiner, the widow of the late John Steiner, Sr., presented the awards.