Ruby Falls Recognizes Exceptional Team Members With Steiner Scholarship

Ruby Falls announces the selection of three outstanding employees to receive the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Levi Kirk, Amy Johnson and Ryan Davenport have been honored with the award for their commitment to academic achievement and dedicated service to the community.

Mr. Kirk has been a valuable member of the Ruby Falls team since March 2022. A freshman at Western Governors University, Kirk is pursuing a secondary education in chemistry degree and hopes to become a high school chemistry teacher. “I became passionate about this path from having amazing teachers and a love for science,” said Mr. Kirk. While in high school, Mr. Kirk volunteered with Walker County Schools, further fostering his interest in service and leadership. Mr. Kirk began his employment at Ruby Falls at age 16 and has since gained experience in various roles, resulting in his selection to the leadership position of connections ambassador. In this capacity, he serves as a peer-to-peer mentor, facilitating internal communication and providing training to fellow team members.

Ms. Johnson joined the Ruby Falls team as a tour guide in July 2023. Due to her passion for wildlife conservation, she is enrolled in the master’s environmental science program at UTC. For the past five years, Ms. Johnson volunteered for banding stations in the southeastern U.S. and worked for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to restore habitats for endangered species. “As I continue to learn, grow and gain experience, I feel confident that after obtaining my master’s degree, I will pursue a PhD and continue my pursuit of knowledge,” said Ms. Johnson. In addition to leading groups through the Ruby Falls caverns, Ms. Johnson works as a teacher assistant at UTC and a field research technician for the Appalachian Conservation Institute.

A Ruby Falls tour guide since August 2023, Mr. Davenport is a second-year master’s student at UTC, working towards his degree in environmental science. His studies focus on researching and applying conservation practices for bird species and ecosystems. “Very quickly, I was fascinated by birds and alarmed by their imperiled state, with virtually all species currently in decline,” said Mr. Davenport. To attain hands-on experience, he has volunteered at the Panola Mountain Banding Station and the Whigg Meadow Banding Station. Like Ms. Johnson, Mr. Davenport worked for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, restoring habitats for endangered and declining species.

“Levi, Amy and Ryan are wonderful examples of how Ruby Falls team members connect to excellence and leadership,” said Kara Van Brunt, executive director at Ruby Falls. “We are proud to invest in our students and are excited for what they will achieve through their studies.”

The John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Collegiate Scholarship was established in 2008 to honor the memory of the former Ruby Falls president and seeks to recognize Ruby Falls employees who have demonstrated commitment to their community and careers. Movita “Mo” Steiner, widow of the late John Steiner, Sr. presented the awards.