OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Museum Society has announced the creation of the George M. Hurley Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is open to any graduating senior at Stephen Decatur High School and who plans to attend Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University or the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Hurley obtained his teaching certificate from the Maryland State Teachers College in Salisbury (present day Salisbury University) in 1961 and taught in the area for many years. History was a passion for Hurley, who was an avid reader of historical accounts on a wide range of subjects. His keen observation of the events taking place around him coupled with a sharp memory made him the person to go to when you wanted to know more about the people, places or events in Ocean City’s past.

Applicants will have the option of choosing one of three topics for a 500-word essay emphasizing a historical event that occurred in Worcester County and discuss why it should be remembered; a Worcester County person living or deceased and discuss why he or she should be remembered; or discuss a historical place in Worcester and its meaning to the community or why it should be preserved.

The student must have a certified, unweighted GPA of 2.5 and submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family member and a copy of the college acceptance letter.

An interview might be required. Applications can be obtained in the Guidance Office at Stephen Decatur High School and must be received by April 22, 2016.

The mission of the Ocean City Museum Society is to inspire and support the interpretation and appreciation of the cultural and natural history of Ocean City, the Worcester County coastal region, and equally, the historical role performed by the United States Life-Saving Service, and to preserve with subsequent mandate the 1891 structure that once served as the Ocean City Station.