Isaac Sunderland Awarded Droge Agricultural Scholarship

Isaac Sunderland, son of Robert and Jane Sunderland, has spent the past two years in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University. After graduating from Sabetha High School, Isaac attended Kansas State University in Manhattan. “These past two years in the College of Agriculture have been nothing short of life-changing,” Sunderland shared in his scholarship application. “My knowledge and appreciation of the agricultural industry have grown exponentially as a result of the fantastic staff, challenging courses, and life events provided to me.”

This past summer he had a summer internship working for Sunrise Agribusiness Solutions in Hays, Kansas. His work focus was in grain merchandising and farm consulting. “Ultimately, it is my dream to open and operate my own private Ag-Consulting and Brokerage firm in Sabetha, Kansas. Helping farmers continue their operation through implementing wise risk-management strategies and helping them take action in future markets to their benefit,” Sunderland shared in his scholarship application.  Sunderland will complete his final semester at Kansas State University in the fall of 2022 with a degree in Agribusiness. 

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is proud to award Sunderland the $500 scholarship established in 2008 by Lola Droge and her family, called the Leslie Albert and Lola Fern Droge Scholarship for Agricultural Studies.  

The scholarship honors Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Droge who lived and farmed most of their married life in Nemaha County.  Leslie (deceased) and Lola, of rural Seneca, purchased and moved to the Droge family farm after Leslie returned from serving his country in World War II.  

The couple was progressive and looked for 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, but they also served in other areas 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 Scholarship for Agricultural Studies is awarded to a Nemaha County high school graduate who is a junior or above and enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University.