The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is excited to announce several scholarships available for 2020. The August (Gus) Bergman, M.D., Scholarship is a county-wide scholarship, established in 2019, which annually awards up to three $1,000 scholarships. Nemaha County students must have plans to enroll at 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 13 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.

Due to the generosity of the Leroy “Roy” Heiman Family, an additional $30,000 was added to the B & B Legacy Scholarship Fund in 2019. Beginning this spring, up to two additional $1,000 B & B Legacy Scholarships in memory of Leroy “Roy” Heiman may be granted thanks to memorial money given.

Applications for the B & B Legacy Scholarship, including the Leroy “Roy” Heiman Memorial Scholarships, are due by April 17 to Laurie Niehues at the Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School, 110 North 11th Street Seneca, Kansas 66538. Late applications will not be accepted.