August Bergman, M.D., Scholarship

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is excited to announce the August (Gus) Bergman, M.D., Scholarship. August Bergman, M.D., has been a supporter of the local community foundation for many years. He previously established the Elizabeth Bergman Memorial Scholarship and gave generously to start the B & B Legacy (Challenge) Scholarships.

August Bergman, M.D., has established a county wide scholarship, in the amount of $30,000, which will award annually up to three $1,000 scholarships. Nemaha County students must have plans to enroll at a four-year accredited college or university.

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

B & B Legacy Scholarship (includes Leroy "Roy" Heiman Memorial Scholarship)

The B & B Legacy Scholarships are a result of a challenge presented to the St. Benedict and Baileyville communities and alumni by Dr. August Bergman during the 2006 graduation ceremony.  Thus, began the fundraising to match Dr. Bergman’s seed money of $25,000.  During the fundraising, another graduate Albert Wietharn offered to add an additional $25,000 if the communities would match his gift. 

Both challenges were met, and the $100,000 was exceeded.  The B & B Legacy Scholarships became a reality due to the dedication and generosity of the alumni and communities of St. Benedict and Baileyville.

In addition to the B & B Legacy Scholarship, a generous donation of $30,000 which was given in 2019 to the B & B Legacy Scholarship Fund by the Leroy “Roy” Heiman family in his memory. Roy Heiman farmed in the St. Benedict area, but his real love was raising cattle. He served the community and church, always giving of his time and resources. His wife Dorothy shared stories of Roy inviting farm help and truck drivers to the kitchen table for a meal. “Dad always wanted to help others and encouraged us to keep giving,” shared his children. For the Roy Heiman Scholarship, any students living within Nemaha County and the old B&B United School District #451, are encouraged and welcome to apply. First preference will go to those studying in agriculture. Students may go on to attend a four-year college/university; vocational; or technical school. 

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Barbara K. Vitt Scholarship

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is excited to announce the Barbara K. Vitt Scholarship. Barbara was a teacher/school counselor in Nemaha/Marshall County for many years.

An anonymous donor established this county wide scholarship, in the amount of $50,000, which will award annually up to three $1,500 scholarships. Nemaha County students must have plans to enroll at a college, university, vo-tech, or certification. All graduating High School Seniors in Nemaha County are eligible to apply; however, preference will be given to those majoring in education, science, or mental health.

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Centralia Community Church Scholarship

The Centralia Community Church established the Centralia Community Church Scholarship Fund as an extension of their mission to support and encourage the Christian community in Centralia.

The Centralia Community Church Scholarship in the amount of $500 may be awarded up to five graduating seniors from the Centralia High School who plan to enter a college/university or vo-tech/certification program. 

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Harry C.M. Burger Nemaha Central High School Scholarship (Burger I)

Harry C.M. Burger established a scholarship fund the proceeds from which will be awarded to TWO graduating seniors from Nemaha Central High School who plan to attend Kansas State University. The amount of the scholarship will be $700.00 for each scholarship and is renewable for four years. The STEP Foundation will administer the scholarship.

This scholarship will not be offered for 2024.

The 2022 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Harry C.M. Burger Nemaha County Scholarship (Burger II)

Harry C.M. Burger established a scholarship fund the proceeds from which will be awarded to ONE graduating senior from a Nemaha County High School who plans to attend Kansas State University. The amount of the scholarship will be $650.00 and is renewable for four years. The STEP Foundation will administer the scholarship.

This scholarship will not be offered in 2024.

The 2022 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Kathy L. Schmelzle Academic Scholarship

In 2005, Pat and Patty Schmelzle and family established the Kathy L. Schmelzle Academic Scholarship with the Nemaha County STEP Foundation in memory of their daughter. The Kathy L. Schmelzle Academic Scholarship for $750 is awarded to a graduating senior from Nemaha Central High School who plans to enter a degree program majoring in teacher education.    

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.

Leslie and Lola Droge Scholarship for Agricultural Studies

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of the Leslie Albert and Lola Fern Droge Scholarship for Agricultural Studies.  This scholarship is being offered to honor Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Droge who lived and farmed most of their married lives in Nemaha County.  

Leslie and Lola purchased and moved to the Droge family farm after Leslie returned from serving his country in WWII. The couple was progressive and looked at new and modern ways of farming.  They became leaders in terracing and other land conservation methods. Managing a cow and calf herd, along with grasslands, wheat, and row crops, they provided a living for their family while producing plants and animals to help feed the world.  Not only did they work hard in agriculture, they served in other activities as well.  

Lola was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was actively involved in her political party. Leslie served in the State Senate and was chairperson of the Senate Agricultural committee.  Leslie and Lola, as well as their five children, all attended Kansas State University. 

The Leslie Albert and Lola Fern Droge $500 Scholarship for Agricultural Studies is available to upperclassmen (Junior, Senior or Graduate studies) who are enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate from any Nemaha County high school.  

The 2024 application period opens on 05/24/2024.

United 4 Youth Scholarship

United 4 Youth provides preventation tools to assist and empower all Nemaha County youth to reduce destructive decisions and encourage physical and mental health by making positive choices.

The United 4 Youth Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to one graduating senior (must be a member of S.A.D.D.) from a Nemaha County High School (who lives in Nemaha County) and plans to enter a college/university or vo-tech/certification program. 

The 2024 application is now closed and scholarship recipients will be contacted soon.