The Good Samaritan scholarship was originally founded in 2004 to honor Bill Maness, a Peachtree Presbyterian Church recreational director. Bill was known for his creative solutions to social needs that others had overlooked. The purpose of the Scholarship is to identify students who serve the needs of others in extraordinary ways and to assist financially their ability to carry their service commitment to college. The Scholarship was designed around the story of the Good Samaritan, though applicants are not required to have any specific religious affiliation. Applicants come primarily from the Atlanta area, with an emphasis on high schools in The Atlanta Public School System. Atlanta area high school counselors identify graduating seniors who have met the BMGSS criteria for scholastic and humanitarian accomplishment. A Selection Committee made up of BMGSS Board members interviews a select group of applicants before awarding the recipient. It is a deliberate consideration evaluation process.