Kyle Kramer Awarded 2019 Droge Agricultural Scholarship

Kyle Kramer grew up on the family farm and knew at an early age that he enjoyed working in the field of agriculture. After graduating from Nemaha Central High School, Kyle attended Kansas State University in Manhattan. This past summer he had a summer internship working for Helena Agri Enterprise in Fargo, North Dakota. "The opportunity has been wonderful! I am working in so many different facets of the company and meeting many people. I spend the majority of my time in sales and look forward to that possibility in the future. I have also been putting my minor in Agronomy to us as I have been in fields all summer working directly with plants and determining the diseases and growth rates," Kramer shared in his scholarship application.

Kramer will complete his final semester at Kansas State University this fall. He plans to graduate in December with a major in Agribusiness and a minor in Agronomy. After graduation, he plans to secure a job closer to home. Kramer explained in his application, "Nemaha County and the surrounding area is perfect for me. My family has instilled in me a good work ethic and desire to serve others. Nemaha County values both of these attributes."

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is proud to award Kyle Kramer 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 lives 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 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 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.