Criteria

Graduates of Macon County high schools, with a preference for those from the Town of Highlands, who will attend an accredited college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students will be selected based upon academics, extracurricular activities and essay. Financial need is considered but not required. Special consideration will be given to those students pursuing a degree in English, Linguistics or Education. Scholarship awards may be renewable for up to four years upon maintaining a GPA of 2.8 or higher, or for up to 5 years if the recipient is a graduate student who maintains a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

About George and Bonnie Siek

George and Bonnie Siek started this fund in 1998 as a designated endowment for the Museum of American Cut and Engraved Glass in Highlands, N.C. George Siek, the museum’s founder, served as its curator and primary funder for over two decades until its closure in 2017.

Following George’s death in 2018 and according to his request, the endowment’s assets were transferred to fund this scholarship supporting high school graduates in Macon County. George felt it was very important for people to be educated.

“George was an accomplished businessman who started his successful business from the ground up. He would be pleased to know of the educational opportunities afforded students today from his hard work,” son David Schaller said.

Bonnie, who died in 2011, was known for nurturing others in any way she could. She supported Head Start of Highlands where she volunteered, teaching literacy skills to low-income children.

Schaller said his parents would be “very proud” of the scholarship.