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Kierra Bearinger, a 2020 graduate of the last senior class of Clearwater High School, and Kirsten Krebs, a 2021 Elgin Pope John High School graduate, have been named winners of the Schuchardt Family Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Bearinger, the daughter of Jarod and Tammy Bearinger of Clearwater, graduates in spring 2024 with a degree in elementary and early childhood education in the College of Education and Human Sciences. She completes her second-grade student teaching at Seward Elementary School in spring 2024, with graduation scheduled for May.

At UNL, she was selected as a freshman for the prestigious Teacher Scholars Academy giving her volunteer opportunities throughout her college career with mentoring incoming education students and teaching. Currently, she student teaches in the Ruth Staples Child Development Lab on East Campus, a requirement of the early childhood education component of her degree program.

At Clearwater High, Bearinger was active in sports, music and one-act. After graduation, she plans to take an elementary school teaching job. About the scholarship, she said, "It's really awesome this is available to rural students. I have enjoyed the faculty (at UNL) so much. They all are so supportive and greet me by my first name."

Krebs, the daughter of Jeff and Lynette Krebs of Neligh is a sophomore majoring in pre-veterinary science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). At the university, she is involved in the Pre-Vet Club and plans to attend vet school at Colorado State or Kansas State upon graduation in 2025.

About the scholarship, Krebs, who was active in FFA, sports, and one-act at Pope John, said, "I am extremely grateful for this financial support. It makes life less stressful. I really like it here at UNL." She works parttime at a building materials store in Lincoln. Upon obtaining her medical degree, due to growing up with cattle and spending time with animals, she hopes to come back to rural Nebraska, possibly Neligh, to set up a large and small animal clinic.

Kirsten Krebs

The scholarship is funded through the University of Nebraska Foundation by Rick and Jane Schuchardt of rural Elgin, both UNL first-generation graduates. With appreciation for the stellar education they received in the early 1970s, the scholarships are designed for Antelope County students with preference given to those attending Elgin schools. If no students from Elgin are available, the scholarship competition reaches to nearby areas.

Given to incoming or current undergraduate students majoring in courses of study offered by CASNR and CEHS, candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and preferably demonstrate financial need. To apply for 2024-2025 academic year funding, contact the CASNR or CEHS Dean's office.