The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is excited to announce the new 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 in a four-year accredited college or university. Applications are due April 1 to the STEP Foundation, PO Box 165, Seneca, Kansas 66538. Late applications will not be accepted.

In 2005, Pat and Patty Schmelzle and family established the Kathy L. Schmelzle Scholarship with the STEP Foundation in memory of their daughter. The Kathy L. Schmelzle Academic Scholarship for $500 is awarded to a graduating senior from Nemaha Central High School who plans to enter a degree program with a major in teacher education. The deadline for the Kathy L. Schmelzle scholarship is March 15 to the STEP Foundation, PO Box 165, Seneca, Kansas 66538. Late applications will not be accepted.

The Elmer Heiman Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 is given in memory of the Heiman family’s father and husband a 1939 graduate of Baileyville High School. They honor his support of the B&B school district and his service to the Baileyville and Seneca communities. Applicants must be a senior at Nemaha Central High School and a former B&B student. They also must plan to attend an accredited post-secondary school. The deadline for the Elmer Heiman Memorial Scholarship is April 1 to the STEP Foundation, PO Box 165, Seneca, Kansas 66538. Late applications will not be accepted.

The B & B Legacy Scholarships of $1,000 total (given out twice in $500 increments) is provided through the STEP Foundation to graduating seniors who previously attended B & B High School. The Legacy Scholarships are a result of a challenge presented to the St. Benedict and Baileyville communities and alumni by August Bergman, M.D., during the 2006 graduation ceremony. Thus, began the fundraising to match Bergman’s seed money of $25,000. During the fundraising, another graduate, Albert Wietharn added an additional $25,000 if the communities matched 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. Applications for the B & B Legacy are due by April 19 to Laurie Niehues at the Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School, 110 North 11th Street Seneca, Kansas 66538. Late applications will not be accepted.