NORFOLK, Nebraska – The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently awarded four scholarships to area graduates. The $500 scholarships are given to graduating high school seniors within the district who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture-related field.

To be eligible for a scholarship, the student must be a graduating high school senior who resides or whose family owns land within the LENRD boundaries. The student must have an overall grade point average of a 2.0, or higher, on a 4.0 scale. The student must also attend an accredited college, community college or vocational school the semester following graduation.

The four graduates selected to receive scholarships in 2020 are: Casey Doernemann of Dodge, Madeline Huwaldt of Osmond, Garret Kroupa of Pierce, and Mikayla Martensen of Humphrey.

Casey Doernemann is a graduate of Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point. He plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in agri-business. Casey is the son of Jim and Lynda Doernemann of Dodge.

Madeline Huwaldt is a graduate of Osmond High School. She plans to attend South Dakota State University and major in agricultural communications. Madeline is the daughter of Brad and Marla Huwaldt of Osmond.

Garret Kroupa is a graduate of Pierce High School. He plans to attend Northeast Community College and major in diversified agriculture. Garret is the son of Mike and Lanette Kroupa of Pierce.

Mikayla Martensen is a graduate of Humphrey High School. She plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and major in agricultural education. Mikayla is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Martensen of Humphrey.

“The LENRD board and staff would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our scholarship winners and thank all students who took the time to apply," said LENRD Information & Education Specialist Julie Wragge. "We’re happy to support you in your future endeavors and we encourage you to remember how important the protection of our natural resources is for our future. Good luck to all of you!”