2023 Scholarship Winners

2023 MCFB Foundation Scholarships Recipients

THE MERCER COUNTY FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION AWARDED $16,250 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO THRITEEN STUDENTS WHO ARE DEPENDENTS OF MERCER COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBERS WHO PLAN TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE IN THE FUTURE.

Megan Gray- Winner of John Sheriff and Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

Megan Gray is the daughter of Donald and Kathy Gray of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Northern Illinois University this fall, majoring in Biological Science. Megan is the winner of the 2023 John Sheriff, Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship.

“Agriculture has been an important part of my life. I am thankful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation for selecting me as the recipient of this scholarship. Being able to spread the joy of agriculture to young children through ACE camp, Ag in the Classroom, 4-H, and FFA has been an exceptional experience. This scholarship will allow me to continue my educational endeavors at Northern Illinois University and help off-set the skyrocketing cost of a secondary education. While at NIU, I plan to continue developing my leadership and management skills to further my career plans. I am eternally grateful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation for supporting their local students.” Shared Megan.

Tristan Headley

Tristan is the son of Lance and Erin Headley of Reynolds. He is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. He plans to attend Iowa State University this fall, majoring in Agri-business. Tristan is the winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“The farm bureau has not only supported me with this scholarship but supported my love of agriculture. Knowing that this scholarship comes from my home makes it more meaningful to me. The money the farm bureau foundation has provided me with will take pressure off of me in the long run.”

Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is the daughter of Robert and Christine Taylor of Sherrard. She is a recent graduate of Sherrard High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall, majoring in Horse Science Technology and Equestrian Science. Anna is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. She also was awarded the Steve Willits Memorial Scholarship at the IAA Foundation level

“I plan to major in Equine Science and Equine Horsemanship. When I am finished with my education at Black Hawk, I will not move on to a university. I plan to immerse myself in skill-based learning. My future goals are to run an equine facility with farming or work with a veterinarian. This Scholarship will help me with my academic career.” Anna stated.

Cora Whitenack

Cora Whitenack is the daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Whitenack of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Central College this fall, majoring in Elementary Education. Cora is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship will help me with minimizing my college debt. I hope to graduate with little to no debt which will allow me to put money into my classroom ultimately benefitting my students”

Blaine Lucas

Blaine Lucas is the son of Stephen and Tara Lucas of Aledo. He is a recent graduate of Sherrard High School. He plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall, majoring in Agri-business. Blaine is the winner of the 2023 In Memory of Steve Willits Scholarship that was given out by the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation.

“This “In Memory of Steve Willits’ Scholarship” from the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation is an honor and greatly appreciated. The scholarship will be a huge help with continuing my agricultural education, focusing on ag business and production.”

Carson Holmes

Carson Holmes is the son of Bryce and Nikki Holmes of Joy. He currently attends Black Hawk East, majoring in Agriculture Transfer. Carson is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Being awarded a Foundation scholarship is extremely rewarding and I am forever grateful for how supportive our local Farm Bureau is. I am very thankful to have been chosen for this scholarship and it will go a long way in helping me to achieve my goals!”

Sarah Lloyd

Sarah Lloyd is the daughter of Barney and Tiffanee Lloyd of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall, majoring in Ag Production. Sarah is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship is helping me to attend college as a first-generation student in my family. It will help to cover the cost of books and tuition as I attend Black Hawk East. I am so grateful to have been chosen.”

Gracie Lloyd

Gracie Lloyd is the daughter of Barney and Tiffanee Lloyd of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall, majoring in Ag Production. Gracie is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship will help me as I pursue my future at Black Hawk East. It will help cover the costs of tuition and books. I’m grateful for the support!”

Kassandra Maas

Kassandra Maas is the daughter of Ron and Jennifer Maas of New Boston. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall, majoring in Veterinary Technician. Kassandra is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

"It means a lot to me that I received this scholarship because it will help me to pay my tuition so that I can pursue my career, thank-you so much!"

Sheridan Hank

Sheridan is the daughter of Jeff and Trisha Hank of Aledo. She currently attends Iowa State University, majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in International Agriculture. Sheridan is the winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. She was also awarded the Dwain Ford Memorial Scholarship at the IAA Foundation level.

“I have held my own M membership with Mercer County Farm Bureau since I began my own herd of Angus cows in 8th grade.  I love everything about the Farm Bureau - talking with our legislators, volunteering with Ag in the Classroom, and promoting agriculture. Now, as I complete my Junior year at Iowa State (as an Ag Com/International ag student), I am focused on the future. I currently work in the Land Management Division with The People's Company and have enjoyed using my on-the-farm practical experience as I interact with landowners and tenants. My intent is to return to Mercer County someday and be involved with our family farming operation. This Foundation Scholarship has been especially impactful for me, assisting with college expenses.”

Walter Franck

Walter Franck is the son of Suerette Franck and the late Wayne Franck of Aledo. He currently attends Iowa State University, majoring in Agricultural System Technology. Walter is the winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“It is an honor to be selected for the 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. With this scholarship, I plan to continue into my junior year at Iowa State studying Agricultural Systems Technology. After graduation I wish to work on experimental design and testing of farm equipment.” Shared Walter

William Franck

William Franck is the son of Suerette Franck and the late Wayne Franck of Aledo. He currently attends Drake University, majoring in marketing and management. William is the winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2023-2024 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. I am going to use the money to help support my education at Drake University where I am currently studying Marketing and Management.” William said, “My future plans include either attending law school where I hope to become an Agriculture Lawyer and serve the rural community or coming back and working on my family’s farm.”

Reed Yung

Reed Yung is the son of Brian and Paula Yung of Alexis. He currently attended Western Illinois University, majoring in Ag Business. Reed is a winner of a 2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this year's Mercer County Farm Bureau scholarship. I appreciate your generosity.”

Congratulations to all of our scholarship receipts! We wish you the best of luck in the future. We wish you the best of luck in the future.