Bernard and Nelda Haag Scholarship Fund
Haag Scholarship Ensures Continued Growth
McCook Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Bernard and
Nelda Haag Scholarship Fund. Through the generosity of Nelda and the late
Bernard Haag, a $1,000 scholarship will be presented annually. Residents in the
counties of Red Willow, Furnas, Frontier, Hayes and Hitchcock can apply if they
are starting college or currently enrolled in an accredited school of higher
education.
Nelda and Bernard Haag have lived in Red Willow County all their lives. They
were married nearly 60 years before Bernard passed away in 2003. Bernard served
in the Air Force and then farmed with Nelda from 1946 to 2003 south of Bartley.
Nelda explained her desire to create the scholarship. “We are grateful to our
community and want to ensure that our community continues to prosper.”
“Bernard had one year of college and had to come home and work. He always valued the higher education and felt that it had life-long impact. It is important to take care of our strong rural roots and encourage higher education to make our community stronger. By providing this scholarship, I hope that students will use the opportunity to make a difference for themselves and our rural families.”
Bernard and Nelda were committed to helping family members attend college. They were also committed to southwest Nebraska by serving on the Red Willow County Extension Board for sixteen years and traditionally supporting the 4-H Livestock Premium sale each year. Nelda Haag has taken a large leap in making a difference for the futures of rural Southwest Nebraska.
Applications for the Bernard and Nelda Haag Scholarship are available from area high school counselors, McCook Community College and McCook Community Foundation. Applications are due March 15 and applicants will be notified by May 1.