NRD Press Release
The board of directors of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District has named Sara Weisheit of Henderson and Evan Frink of Hastings as recipients of 2025 Burke Scholarships. Garrett Ostrander of Goehner was named as the alternate for the award.
These awards, in the amount of $2,000, are designated for district residents who are full-time students pursuing a two-year or four-year degree at a Nebraska college or university. Recipients must be enrolled in a natural resources program, or related field, and intend to enter the workforce upon graduation in a hands-on position such as farmer, conservationist, land manager, ag educator, or engineering technician.
The family of Raymond A. Burke established this scholarship in his memory for the benefit of young men and women interested in pursuing careers in natural resources-related fields. Mr. Burke was a land improvement contractor and farmer with very strong interests in the management of conservation and educating young people. He served for 40 years on the elected boards of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. From time to time, donations memorializing other individuals have been added to the Raymond A. Burke Scholarship Fund.
Previous recipients of Burke Scholarships have attended technical schools, private colleges, and state universities across Nebraska. Many have gone on to have rewarding careers in natural resources, including conservation and research activities.
Applications for 2026 Burke Scholarships are now available at www.upperbigblue.org/burke. The deadline for applications will be March 20, 2026.
Sara Weisheit is a 2024 graduate of McCool Junction Public School. The child of Darwin and Cheryl Weisheit, Sara is currently studying agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her high school awards and honors include class valedictorian, National Honor Society, honor roll, and Academic All-State. She was very involved with FFA at McCool, serving in volunteer capacities as well as officer roles, winning the Star Greenhand Award, and qualifying for state in competitive events. In college, she is part of the honors program and club basketball at UNL.
Evan Frink will graduate this spring from Adams Central High School. The child of Jason and Shannon Frink, Evan plans to attend UNL to study agriculture economics and precision agriculture. His future plans include returning to the family farm. He has been very involved in FFA, earning many awards, ribbons, and medals for contests and achievements throughout high school. He has also participated in quiz bowl, and lettered in football and golf. He has been an active community volunteer as well.
Alternate Garret Ostrander will graduate this spring from Seward High School. The child of Angie and Clint Ostrander, Garret will attend UNL this fall to study plant and landscape systems. He is an honor roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and has been recognized for his achievements in agriculture, animal, and environmental sciences. He has worked with his family’s aerial application business, CMK aerial, in the summers and has operated his own business, breeding and raising show rabbits. He has also been very involved in FFA, serving as the chapter Historian, earning multiple awards, and competing in both state and national competitions. Additionally, he assists with the operation of his school’s greenhouse. His future plans include owning a landscaping and plant nursery business specializing in native plants.
