Rock City recently awarded Abel Windemuller a $5,000 scholarship to support his studies at Covenant College. 

Mr. Windemuller is pursuing a dual degree in engineering through a partnership with Georgia Tech that will result in a degree from both institutions. He has worked at Rock City Enterprises for four years, and is currently employed at Starbucks on Lookout Mountain.

The Martha Bell Miller Memorial Scholarship, established in 2008, is awarded annually to traditional or nontraditional students pursuing a college degree, professional certifications or other learning opportunities.

Applicants are required to submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation, as well as an essay focused on one of Rock City’s four values: courage, care, wonder or excellence.

Mr. Windemuller wrote about care, stating in his essay, “Rock City’s culture of genuine care has shaped not only the employee I am today, but also the engineer and person I hope to become. It is the culture of care that I have been deeply grateful to be a part of, and which I strive to reflect in every interaction with both guests and co-workers.”

The scholarship honors the memory of Martha Bell Miller, a lifelong educator and one of Rock City’s first visitors on opening day in 1932. She held a strong passion for literacy, and encouraged lifelong learning. After 35 years of teaching, Ms. Miller retired from Hamilton County schools and portrayed Mother Goose at Rock City from 1983 until 2005. In this role, she entertained children and promoted education and strong values.

In her letter of recommendation, former supervisor, Katie Brown, described Mr. Windemuller as “an outstanding individual with a strong moral character, an exceptional work ethic and a sincere desire to make a positive impact on those around him.”

Offered annually and renewable for up to three years for a total of $20,000, the Martha Bell Miller Memorial Scholarship is one of two scholarships offered by Rock City to support education. The Miller scholarship is available only to employees, while the Larry Ammons Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student from The Howard School pursuing postsecondary education.