McCook Community Foundation fund announces recipient of Haag Scholarship

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Brendan Johnsen, of Curtis, was awarded the Bernard and Nelda Haag Scholarship from the McCook Community Foundation Fund for the 2013-14 academic year.

The Haag Scholarship is presented annually by the McCook Community Foundation Fund through the generosity of Nelda Haag and her late husband Bernard. Nelda and Bernard have lived in Red Willow county all of their lives and farmed south of Bartley for nearly 60 years.

"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 to work. He always valued the higher education and felt that it had life-long impact," explained Nelda. "By providing this scholarship, I hope that students will use the opportunity to make a difference for themselves and our rural families."

Selections were made by the McCook Community Foundation Fund's Scholarship Selection Committee, chaired by Janet Korell.

"Brendan's leadership in extracurricular activities, academic excellence, extensive volunteer experience and dedication to rural Nebraska made him stand out among the 30 applications we received this year," Janet Korell explained their decision.

Brendan plans on attending Hastings College for a Bachelor's in 7-12 Mathematics Education and also obtaining a Coaching Endorsement. He hopes to return to rural Nebraska to teach and coach.

"I understand the qualities that small communities in Nebraska have and I hope to instill those qualities and values into my future students/athletes," wrote Brendan. "Hopefully, my students will see the benefits of growing up in rural Nebraska and will choose to spend their lives in this great state too. After all, there is No Place Like Nebraska!"

The McCook Community Foundation Fund works to maintain McCook as a vibrant, inclusive community with access to the world for generations to come. McCook's legacy and heritage have endured for 130 years. MCFF helps prepare McCook for the next 130. If you would like more information on the McCook Community Foundation Fund and our scholarships, please visit nebcommfound.org/fund/McCook, email foundation@mccookne.org, like us at facebook.com/McCookCommunityFoundationFund or call (308) 344-9363.