Category: Scholarship Awards

2023-2024 Fairall Scholarship Recipients: Front row, left to right: Kelley Fairall Fifer (committee member), Willow Schmidt, Jacob Janssen, Braylee Kimberley, Abigail Dawson, Shelby Frohwein. Back row, left to right: Bob Miller and Vic Hellberg (committee members). Not pictured: Ana Perez Garces.

As has become a tradition close to Memorial Day, the Marshalltown Community College Foundation and the Fairall Memorial Scholarship committee celebrated with student recipients and their families the selection for one of MCC’s most prestigious scholarships. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, these Marshalltown Community College students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships for 2023-24.

The Committee awarded five full tuition and fees scholarships (up to 16 hours) to the following recipients: Abigail Dawson, Jacob Janssen, Braylee Kimberley, Shelby Frohwein and Willow Schmidt. A partial scholarship was awarded to Ana Perez Garces. The total value of the 6 scholarships is more than $38,000.

For the 21st year, the selection committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 128 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial Scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions of American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all of the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years.

“My father established this scholarship to honor his father’s service, and the service of all veterans. An education and service to country are the legacy my father and grandfather wanted to preserve,” says Kelley Fairall Fifer, daughter of Charles Fairall and granddaughter of Loyal S. Fairall. “We’re pleased to give out 6 scholarships this year, recognizing hard work and service evident in your families and these students.”

Applicants for the Fairall Memorial Scholarship must meet criteria of having family members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Members of the American Legion Scholarship Committee, Kelley Fairall Fifer, Vic Hellberg and Bob Miller, selected the students after carefully evaluating about two dozen applications.

Abigail Dawson – Abigail is the daughter of Christopher and Tawnya Dawson. She is a 2023 graduate of Marshalltown High School with a 3.959 GPA. Abigail shifted her focus from athletics to academic clubs and work during high school, participating in NHS and NSHSS, student rotarians, student senate and the Kindness Project. She worked hard to obtain 33 college credits while still in high school. At MCC she will continue acquiring credits toward transferring for a bachelor’s degree in mental health psychology and criminal justice. That interest has led to internships with law enforcement, the HS Law Enforcement Academy and Citizens Law Enforcement Academy. Family member Edwin Dawson served almost 2 years in the US Navy as a parachute rigger during World War II, earning 2 medals.

Shelby Frohwein – Shelby is the daughter of Jeremiah and Kelly Frohwein of LeGrand. She graduates from East Marshall this year with a 3.45 GPA. Shelby has participated in track, volleyball, golf, softball, band, choir and more. She volunteers at her local library and with church, and has worked detasseling and at Legends. She has completed a year of college credit already. After completing her AA at MCC, she intends to transfer to ISU for psychology with a business minor. She is even considering joining the military herself.  Her grandfather, Lewis Martin, was a Navy Seal in WWII.

Ana Perez Garces – Ana graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News, VA in 2018 with honors, then joined the National Guard. After training, she moved to Iowa and has served as a cook in the Iowa National Guard. She signed up for an 8-year commitment, so we appreciate her service. She completed an accounting degree at MCC previously, but has decided to return to pursue nursing. She is mother to a little boy to whom she is very dedicated, and is confident her nursing career is the best choice. Eventually she would like to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

Jacob Janssen – Jacob is the son of Teresa Janssen of Marshalltown and a 2022 graduate of West Marshall High School with a 3.25 GPA. Jacob currently works at the Marshalltown YMCA assisting with the after-school program for kids. Jacob has been at MCC this year, doing Computer Network Management with a 3.9 GPA, participated on the Rainbow Six Siege team for MCC’s new Esports program, and became an officer in the IT Club. Jacob hopes to use his degree to get a job in IT, and move to Arizona or Nevada in the next few years. Jacob’s grandfather Duane Janssen was a member of the Marine Corps, and during his 2 years of service received many medals and commendations, including the Purple Heart and Vietnam Combat Medal and Combat Action Ribbon for a year in Vietnam.

Braylee Kimberly – Braylee lives with her grandparents, Terry Allan and Betsy Ray in Marshalltown, and graduated this year from GMG High School. In addition to keeping up a 3.9 GPA, Braylee has been involved in track, cheerleading, dance, Spanish club, theatre and robotics, among others. She’s been involved with volunteering and serves her community. Her educational plans include exploring subjects she enjoys while working on college requirements: math, English, science and Spanish. Her internship at Emerson led to greater interest in STEM, but career options are still very open. Braylee’s military family includes grandfather Terry Allan Ray and Wilfred Lee Ray and Benjamin Jones III. Terry served in the Marines for 2 years, including a almost a year in Vietnam. He had several conduct and service medals commending him.

Willow Schmidt– Willow is the daughter of David and Rachel Schmidt of Albion, Iowa. She graduated this year from the Marshalltown Virtual Academy, and has been taking dual credit classes at MCC and has earned a spot on the Dean’t list. Willow has been involved in competitions such as Battle of the Books and National History Day, and participated in the Iowa Junior Naturalist program as well as 4-H. She earned Silver Cord by volunteering at the library. Willow would like to complete her associate’s degree and then begin working to explore and gain skills. She looks forward to writing, a photography business and continuing to help with her mother’s small business. Willow’s grandfather, William J. Thatcher served in the Army for three years, including a year overseas in Vietnam. He was awarded many commendations, service medals, Bronze Service Star and more.

Applications for the 2024-25 scholarship will be available from the MCC Foundation Office, 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown IA 50158 and on the Foundation’s website after Jan. 1, 2024. Completed applications with supporting documents will due to the Foundation Office by March 31, 2024. Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Director, at (641) 844-5747.

MARSHALLTOWN – Since 1983, outstanding students in Marshalltown Community College’s nursing program have been honored with a scholarship from the Anna and Harry Paul Memorial fund.

Applicants for the Paul Memorial Nursing Scholarship must be accepted into MCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, and meet these criteria:

• Marshall County high school graduate or current resident of the county
• Involvement in extracurricular or community activities
• Show good writing and communication skills through their application
• Show evidence of religious faith
• Have financial need

Cindy Mora of Marshalltown, Iowa has been awarded a $2,300 scholarship and Alarie Newton of State Center, Iowa, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship for the 2021-22 academic year.

The cost of the Associate Degree in Nursing program at MCC currently exceeds $15,000, so the need for financial assistance to the majority of our students is very high.

Donors wishing to contribute to or establish scholarship funds are encouraged to contact MCC Foundation Executive Director Carol Geil for more information at 641-844-5747 or carol.geil@iavalley.edu. Gifts to the MCC Foundation are always tax-exempt.

• Board/Staff recognition
• Donor News
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2021-2022 Fairall Scholarship Recipients: Front row, left to right: Kelley Fairall Fifer (committee member), Savannah Frohwein, Silva Schmidt and Drew Carson. Back row, left to right: Bob Miller (committee member), Vic Hellberg (committee member), Meleah Sadler, and Izabelle Duncan. (Not pictured: Meadow Knutson.)

As has become a tradition close to Memorial Day, the Marshalltown Community College Foundation and the Fairall Memorial Scholarship committee celebrated with student recipients and their families the selection for one of MCC’s most prestigious scholarships. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, these Marshalltown Community College students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships for 2021-22.
The Committee awarded 6 full tuition and fees scholarships (up to 16 hours) to the following recipients: Drew Carson, Izabelle Duncan, Savannah Frohwein, Meadow Knutson, Meleah Sadler and Silva Schmidt. The total value of the 6 scholarships is more than $40,000.

For the 19th year, the selection committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 127 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial Scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions of American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all of the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years.“My father established this scholarship to honor his father’s service and the service of all veterans. An education and service to country are the legacy my father and grandfather wanted to preserve,” says Kelley Fairall-Fifer, daughter of Charles Fairall and granddaughter of Loyal S. Fairall. “We’re pleased to give out 6 scholarships this year, recognizing hard work and service evident in your families and these students.”
Applicants for the Fairall Memorial Scholarship must meet criteria of having family members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Members of the American Legion Scholarship Committee, Kelley Fairall-Fifer, Vic Hellberg and Bob Miller, selected the students after carefully evaluating all submitted applications.

Drew Carson – Drew is the daughter of Kent and Emily Carson. She is a 2021 graduate of Marshalltown High School with a 3.8 GPA. Drew has played all four years on the MHS Volleyball team, earning the captain’s spot her sophomore year and the Legacy award as a senior, for creating an enduring legacy while on the team. She has also been involved in cheerleading, tennis, National Honor Society, Student Senate, and volunteered with The Mentors in Violence and Protection. Drew is pursuing a program of student in Animal Science, possibly to become a Veterinarian. She has also worked in an assisted living facility and may pursue nursing. Drew’s family includes service members Kent Carson, her father, and Dr. Richard Squiers, her grandfather. Father Kent served in the Marine Corps as a Machinegunner, including over a year and a half overseas with many ribbons, medals, and commendations. Grandfather Richard served in the Air Force as a Dentist.

Izabelle Duncan – This is the second year of the award for Izabelle, who is the daughter of Chad and Andrea Duncan. She graduated from GMG High School in 2020 with a 3.76 GPA and participated in track, cross country, basketball, softball, jazz band, student council, FFA, and National Honor Society, of which she was the president her senior year. She has attended MCC this year with a 3.96 GPA. Izabelle has been recognized with the MCC Provost’s Award for a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall, and received ICCAC First Team Academic All Region honors for the same term as part of the MCC Basketball team. Izabelle has a specific course of study mapped out, including completing her Dental Assisting program, then completing an Associates Degree at MCC while on her two-year waitlist for the Kirkwood Dental Hygiene Program. Izabelle’s Great Grandfather, Max Duncan, served in the Army as a Light Tank Crewman in Northern France in WWII, earning two battle stars and a Purple Heart. Other military family members include William Etter, who served as a draftsman in the Air Force, including a year and a half overseas; Jack Fay, who served as a Carpenter in the Navy with almost 3.5 years overseas service, and recipient of a National Defense Service Medal; and Melvin Yantis, who served as a rifleman in the Army.

Savannah Frohwein – Savannah is the daughter of Jeremiah and Khelood Frohwein. She is a 2021 graduate of East Marshall High School. Savannah has been involved in softball, track, cross country, food council, choir, band and spirit team. She also found time for school musicals, Awanas and various community service activities. Savannah is still exploring her options for college and career, taking a variety of classes to narrow down her interests while she completes an Associates degree at MCC. Katelyn’s great-grandfather Lewis Martin served as a Fireman in the Navy, as well as family member Forrest Ray.

Meadow Knutson – This is the second year of the award for Meadow, who is the daughter of Jed and Trini Knutson, and a 2020 graduate of Marshalltown High School. At MCC this past year, she’s been working hard in classes and kept a 3.2 GPA and made the Dean’s list. Meadow has also joined the Honors program at MCC, and has volunteered at the hospital, helped with Garwin’s blood drive, and is part of her church’s Youth Group Administrative team, which helps mentor younger members. Meadow intends to major in psychology and eventually move toward a career in neuropsychology, which will require Masters and Doctoral degrees. Her great-grandfather Henry Grovo served in the US Army in the field artillery battalion, including almost 2 years overseas during WWII, receiving multiple medals and commendations. She also has many other family members who have served, including 2 other great-grandfathers, on grandfather, four uncles and a cousin.

Meleah Sadler – Meleah is the daughter of Jerod and Ferren Sadler of Hudson, Iowa. She graduates this year from Hudson High School with a 3.84 GPA. Meleah has participated in softball, track, National Honor Society, FFA, and has been a basketball manager and a teacher’s assistant. She’s received numerous awards for her activities, and has been active in volunteering, including hospital, fire department, library, and the foodbank, to name a few, as well as her church. Meleah will be pursuing an Associate degree in Nursing at MCC, with the intent to continue to a BSN through Allen College. Meleah’s dream of becoming a nurse stems from a serious health condition she has dealt with and the inspirational nurses involved in her care. Both of Meleah’s grandfathers have served. Dennis Sadler was in the Army in a Field Artillery unit, gaining a sharpshooter designation and a national defense service medal. Alfred Harbarts served in the Army in Artillary as a surveyor, and spent over a year and a half overseas and earned a good conduct medal.

Silva Schmidt – This is the 2nd year of this award for Silva. Silva is the daughter David and Rachel Schmidt of Albion. She is a 2020 graduate of Marshalltown High School and has been at MCC this year, bringing in a 3.6 GPA. She has always been very interested in art, and now seeks to pursue art professionally. Her art has been awarded at the Fisher Community Center Art Show. She is active in the community by being a teacher’s assistant at MCC, volunteering with Grimes Farms, the Izaak Walton League, 4H, and has been a leader and mentor in the Pokemon and Anime Marsh clubs through the library. Silva’s grandfather William Thatcher served in the Army as an Armory Specialist, including about a year in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star as well as other recognitions.

Applications for the 2022-23 scholarship will be available from the MCC Foundation Office, 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown IA 50158 after Jan. 1, 2022. Completed applications with supporting documents will due to the Foundation Office by March 31, 2022.
Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Director, at (641) 844-5747.

• Board/Staff recognition
• Donor News
• Scholarship Awards
• Uncategorized

In a year that has seen a great deal of hardship for the country and particularly our derecho-ravaged community, one instance of good fortune has emerged. Through the generosity of many supporters of Alfonso Medina’s ‘No Love, No Tacos’ campaign and the Medina family businesses, this year 14 recipients will receive $500 Medina Family Scholarships, totaling $7,000 in awards!
“I am very humbled by all the support received locally, nationwide and abroad to make this possible. I want to thank everyone who has shown support by either calling us, dining-in, ordering carry-out and purchasing our No Love, No Tacos merchandise. Thanks to you all, we can continue to invest back into the community that helps keep our doors open. Keeping our money locally, while providing and easing the opportunity for students to attend our community college, and pursue higher education, has been very rewarding. Please stay safe, wear a mask, and make healthy decisions as we work together to overcome this global virus pandemic affecting us all. To support and donate to our mission and non-profit, please visit nolovenotacos.org ” Alfonso Medina, Jr. says. This scholarship is funded by two family-owned businesses in town, La Carreta Mexican Grill and El Portal Mexican Restaurant.
Recipients selected this year include Brenda Piedra, Makayla Backen, Ramon Regalado, Diana Guzman Carrillo, Citlaly Armas Duarte, Alondra Mares, Mung Piang, Grisel Chavez-Rodriguez, Weston Durman, Maritza Patricio, Darlene Smith, Alyssa Wenner, Thea Larsson, and Marisela Zamora. Students submitted essays about “What the American Dream Means to Me.”
Medina congratulated the students and told those in attendance that he insists on the essay because he loves to write and really enjoys reading the submitted essays. This year he was fortunate to be able to award so many more students than in the past, where there were two recipients chosen.

Pictured from left to right: first row Bertha Medina, Alfonso Medina, Vanessa Pérez and Marcos Medina. Second row Marisela Zamora, Citlaly Armas, Darlene Smith and Diana Guzman Carrillo. Third row: Alyssa Wenner, Ramon Regalado, Mung Piang and Weston Durman. Not pictured are Brenda Piedra, Makayla Backen, Alondra Mares, Grisel Chavez-Rodriguez, Maritza Patricio and Thea Larsson.