Kathy Schmelzle Scholarship Awarded to Alayna Scism

In 2005, Pat and Patty Schmelzle and family established the Kathy L. Schmelzle
Academic Scholarship through the Nemaha County STEP Foundation in loving memory
of their daughter Kathy. This $750 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior
from Nemaha Central High School who plans to pursue a degree in teacher education.

The 2025 recipient is Alayna Scism, daughter of Benjamin and Kelsey Scism. Alayna
discovered her passion for working with children through a summer nanny position,
which inspired her to pursue a career in education. She plans to major in Early Childhood
Special Education at Northwest Missouri State University.