Meet Our 2026 Heartland Bank Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Kenna Merrihew - Aurora High School
Northwest Missouri State University - Animal Science

Kenna was involved in the National Honor Society, FFA, Youth Engaged Philanthropy (YEP), and Future Problem Solvers (FPS). She has participated in volleyball and basketball, serving as team captain in both, and earned all-conference honors in volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

She has a strong background in agriculture and livestock, growing up on her family’s ranch. She has also worked as a Horse Camp Instructor at the Edgerton Explorit Center, teaching horsemanship, animal care, and safety to youth.

Karsyn Bower - Burwell High School
Southeast Community College - Respiratory Therapy

Karsyn was Vice President of the National Honor Society, Class President junior and senior year, and President of the Karp and Krow 4-H Club. Involved in FFA, speech, the National Forensic League, GLW Youth Advisory Club (Secretary), and her church youth group.

She received varsity letters in volleyball and basketball all four years, was named a Nebraska D1 Libero of the Year Finalist, and ranked on the basketball single-season steals leaderboard.

Karsyn's community involvement includes volunteering at Red Cross blood drives, Lions Club Bus screenings, Wreaths Across America, Veterans Day events, and supporting local food donation efforts.

Karsyn has been accepted into the pre-respiratory therapy program at Southeast Community College in Lincoln and plans to begin the full program in 2027. She plans to pursue a career in a rural hospital, where she hopes to provide accessible, personalized care and continue supporting her community through volunteerism, particularly in youth activities and programs.

Christian Guenther - Meridian Public Schools
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Civil Engineering

Christian has been active in Boy Scouts, most recently serving as Patrol Leader and earning the Eagle Scout Award. He has participated in FFA and National Honor Society, and competed in track and field all four years. Christian also played basketball throughout high school, serving as team captain his junior and senior years.

His interest in building and design began at a young age and has continued through hands-on experience in construction and welding classes, where he has created a variety of projects and developed technical skills. Through academics, sports, and group work, he has built strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities that will support his future studies. He looks forward to continuing to develop his skills in college and applying them to projects that benefit his community.

Berkelee Beekman - Diller-Odell Jr./Sr. High School
Doane University - AgriBusiness

Berkelee earned four varsity letters in volleyball, was the team captain senior year, and was a multi-year Academic All-State selection, state tournament participant, and All-State Honorable Mention recipient. She was named Pioneer Conference All-Conference Second Team and First Team, and received Mudecas A-Division Honorable Mention.

She earned three varsity letters in basketball, served as team captain senior year, was a state tournament participant, and a Mudecas B Division Honorable Mention. Berkelee was also a 4-year member of the track team.

 She was involved in Student Council (Vice President), FFA, FBLA, and National Honor Society. Berklee is active in her church youth group and an 11-year member of the Riverview Jr. Stockmen 4-H Club, where she has held multiple leadership roles. 

Berkelee plans to attend Doane University to study Agribusiness and participate in the Hansen Leadership Program. Through her academic and extracurricular experiences, she has built a strong work ethic and a goal-oriented mindset. She plans to pursue a career in agricultural banking and finance, with the goal of making a positive impact and giving back to her community.

 Jack Phillips - Diller-Odell High School
SCC Milford - Electrical & Electromechanical Technology

Jack was involved in basketball, band, FFA, FBLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Quiz Bowl, and has served as a class officer and basketball team captain.

He is currently employed as an electrical apprentice, working toward the required hours to obtain his journeyman license, with plans to eventually start his own electrical business. He is also involved in his family’s multi-generation farming operation, which he takes pride in being involved with as it has been in the family for over 100 years.

Jack plans to return to his roots in Southeast Nebraska in the future which will allow him to remain involved in and support his local community in the future.

Molly Hansmire - Fairbury High School
SCC Beatrice - Livestock Production & Management

Molly served as Class of 2026 President and is an active member of the National Honor Society. She has been involved in Student Council all four years, currently serving as Secretary.

She is active in FFA, serving as Vice President and now President, and in FBLA, where she has held roles as Parliamentarian, Vice President, and Leadership Chair.

She is a four-year participant in both softball and basketball, serving as team captain in each. She is also involved in 4-H, where she has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President.

Molly has been shaped by growing up on a cattle farm, where she developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep commitment to agriculture. Through daily responsibilities such as feeding and caring for livestock in all conditions, she has learned the importance of consistency, dedication, and perseverance. These hands-on experiences have prepared her for a future in the agriculture industry.

Calli Gonzales - Fillmore Central High School
Hastings College - Elementary Education

Calli is a four-year letter winner in high school softball and plays for Quakes Softball. She's been involved involved in FFA, Student Council, Yearbook, and One Act.

She is active in her community, volunteering with youth sports camps, a youth softball team, Ag Safety Day, and highway clean-up efforts.

She has worked as a childcare provider for over two years, gaining experience in responsibility and communication. She plans to continue her commitment to shaping young minds by pursuing a degree in education.

Jaret Potthoff - Fillmore Central High School
SCC - Milford - Electrical and Electromechanical Technician

Jaret volunteers annually at the county fair, assisting with equipment, grounds maintenance, and operations. He also volunteers at Youth Ag Safety Day, mentoring and guiding participants.

He's been involved in a school community give-back day, helping with local cleanup projects, and assists with youth basketball and multi-sport camps, working with younger athletes.

Jaret plans to attend Southeast Community College to pursue a career as an electrician, with additional interest in plumbing. 

He aspires to work in the electrical field while remaining involved in his family farm. He also plans to build his own cattle herd and continue working toward future goals in agriculture. 

Alexis Saatmann - Fillmore Central High School
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Ag Banking & Finance

Alexis has been active in FFA, serving as Reporter and now Vice President, and in National Honor Society, where she serves as Vice President. She has also been involved in FBLA, holding leadership roles including Parliamentarian, Vice President, and Leadership Chair.

She has participated in basketball, softball, trap shooting, and quiz bowl, and has been involved in Student Council.

Her community involvement includes volunteering for highway clean-up, youth sports camps, Ag Safety Day, Red Cross blood drives, and the Blue Valley Christmas Store.

She is actively involved in her family’s farming operation, working with cattle and grain production. Through hands-on experience, she has developed skills in livestock management and operating farm equipment.

Aaron Mack - Grand Island Central Catholic High School
York University - Business or Media Communications

Aaron is a member of the National Honor Society and a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He serves as captain of the varsity tennis team and was nominated as a Future Leader of St. Paul at the Chamber banquet.

He is also involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska. His faith plays an important role in his life, participating in mission trips where he has completed community projects such as home repairs and supporting local organizations.

He has developed strong skills in photography and videography, capturing school events and producing media projects, including work for a local organization. He plans to continue his education in a field related to media, communications, or marketing.

Nicholas Mousel - Adams Central High School
Iowa Lakes Community College - Aviation & Airport Management

Nicholas has been involved in wrestling and football, serving as team captain and a member of the Unity Council, where he was selected by coaches to lead team discussions. He also participates in baseball, and has been recruited to continue his athletic career at Iowa Lakes Community College.

He has also been active in FBLA, Student Council, and his church youth group.

He plans to study aviation, with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. His interest in aviation began at a young age through travel experiences.

Logan Nickman - Kearney Catholic High School
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Computer Engineering

Logan has participated in football all four years, serving as team captain and earning honors including R-Project Player of the Year, All-Conference, All-Region, and selection to the West Nebraska All-Star Team. He has also been involved in basketball and track.

He's been involved in Mock Trial, serving as Lead Attorney and a state finalist, and in Quiz Bowl, where he helped lead his team to regional, state, and national competition and served as team captain. He is also involved in National Honor Society, Book Club, and Youth Leadership Kearney. He attended Boys State at UNL, serving as Secretary of the Nationalist Party.

His community involvement includes volunteering with organizations such as the World Theatre, Kearney Catholic Foundation, G.O.L.D., ARC of Buffalo County, East Lawn Food Pantry, Salvation Army, and St. James Parish.

Logan credits his family and faith as the primary influences in shaping his character and values. Through their support, he has developed perseverance, responsibility, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Addison Stethem - Ord High School
Southeast Community College - Medical Imaging

Addison is involved in softball, basketball, and track. She is also active in Student Council, where she serves as President, and participates in the Chanticleer Committee and National Honor Society.

In addition, she's been an active member in her church youth group and contributes to a variety of school and community activities.

She plans to pursue a career in the medical field, with an interest in medical imaging. Her interest was influenced by exposure to healthcare and personal experiences.

Braedyn Bergsten - Amherst High School
Northeast Community College - Utility Line

While in high school, Braedyn has also worked various jobs. He credits these experiences for helping him become more disciplined, responsible, and motivated to improve himself both academically and personally.

Braedyn plans to pursue a career in utility line work, focusing on building hands-on skills and contributing to essential services within his community.

Brady Noel - Shickley Public School
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Finance & Ag Business

Brady was selected as a Nebraska Boys State Delegate and participated in the DreamBig business leadership camp. He has been involved in Student Council all four years.

He's been active in FFA and contributes to a variety of community service efforts, including volunteering at Ag Safety Day and participating in roadside clean-up.

His additional involvement includes volunteering with church programs, youth camps, community events, and assisting with athletic facility maintenance.

Brady plans to pursue degrees in finance and agribusiness with the goal of becoming a financial advisor in a rural community to support individuals and businesses.

These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their goals, their communities, and their futures. The Heartland Bank Foundation is honored to play a part in supporting their next steps.

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients—we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!