The Blog

Meet an Eagle: Grant Stuhmer

Freshman Grant Stuhmer, son of Travis (’94) and Kim Stuhmer, found an interesting new hobby while attending the Nebraska State Fair last summer. Upon going to the fair, he came across a booth entitled, The Nebraska Beekeepers Association. The attendant at the booth told him about their youth program. The Nebraska Beekeepers Association Youth Program annually awards grants to students who are between the ages of 14 – 17. The student must apply for this grant by filling out an extensive application.

The grant provides the students with instruction in beekeeping, a complete hive, honey bee package, protective gear, hive tool, bee brush, smoker and a mentor to assist them during their first year.

Students are to maintain their hive, records of their experience in beekeeping, and complete a presentation before the association membership at their annual meeting. This program was started in 2008 to encourage young people to become involved in the industry of beekeeping.

After hearing about the program, Grant decided to complete the scholarship and try his hand at beekeeping. The process took a long time, but finally he got approved for the grant. “I remember my grandparents having bees when I was younger, and I always liked looking at the hives. I also think bees are cool and it’s just something different to do,” he said when asked why he wanted to work with bees. Grant has already attended a beekeeping class, and his bees will arrive when the weather is a little warmer and he is ready to begin the beekeeping process.

Top photo: Grant Stuhmer (top row, green cap) with the beekeeping students in his class.