Curtis and Susan Marker are HCEF Donors of the Year, for engineering the special, new Marker Science Scholarship.

The largest Henderson County Education Foundation, Inc. scholarship to date, the Marker is renewable annually up to four years for undergraduate science studies in one of this state's universities. Preference goes to those who'll major in engineering or computer science.

The first scholarship was awarded in 2006, to aspiring biomedical engineer Francisco Javier Rodriguez. He's studying at North Carolina State University, after graduating from North Henderson High School.

The HCEF donor honor is a "very nice surprise," Mrs. Marker said. "Francisco has made it all very worthwhile. He's been such a wonderful student. It's a rewarding experience for us."

The Markers, high school sweethearts near Chicago, are both retired and avid golfers. They fully realize the social and economic impact of higher education. "Technology and science are very important to our country," Mr. Marker said. "We live in a very difficult world," Mrs. Marker said. "Education of our youth is very critical to our future well-being." She added, "A good education is a great help in opening pathways to a fulfilling career. Continuing education keeps young minds focused on a positive, productive lifestyle."

Curt Marker has excelled in science and technology. He earned degrees in electrical engineering at Purdue and an MBA (master's of business administration) at Northwestern. He is retired after 31 years with Exxon, mostly in corporate management, including 13 total years in Japan and Singapore. The Markers have lived in Henderson County for a decade.

Sue Marker knows first-hand the joy of learning and instructing, as a teacher. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Kansas. She taught elementary school for seven years total in Illinois, New York and Texas. Next, for four years, she taught conversational English to high school Japanese in Tokyo.

The Markers also recognize character. Their scholarship is for a "good student and citizen." The recipient must rank in the top 20 percent of his/her graduating high school class, with an SAT score of 650 in math and 550 in verbal, and maintain good academics in college by averaging B or better. Also, the person must have no criminal record, certify abstinence from drug and alcohol use and keep avoiding illegal substances.

"You make choices. You are in control of your life, and responsible for how you behave," Mr. Marker said. "We too often want to blame others for our problems -- the president, Congress, teachers, family..."

The student's essay weighed into the scholarship selection, along with values, speaking skills and demeanor. Rodriguez' motto is "failure is not an option." A very grateful Rodriguez called the Markers "my angels."