2025 Scholarship Winners

The Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation’s mission is to educate the public on agriculture and support students pursuing agriculture-related careers. The Foundation supports programs such as Agriculture in the Classroom programs, student scholarships, teacher training, and more. Through the efforts of the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation, we can help to tell the true story of agriculture. The Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2009. This year the Foundation awards fourteen scholarships to students in the Mercer County area. We believe these students represent the values of the Farm Bureau and are proud to support them in their education.

Our top award is the John Sheriff/Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship. John and Dan were lifelong Farm Bureau members and founding members of the Foundation. They spent many years on both the Farm Bureau and Foundation boards, as well as volunteering a great deal of their time promoting agriculture. The scholarship began with generous donations from both of their memorials and continues with additional contributions from community members.

The foundation had an opportunity to give out a memorial scholarship called Steve and Marilynn Willits Memorial Scholarship. Steve was a long-time farm bureau member, a board member, farmer, and active community member. Steve passed away in July of 2021 and Marilynn passed away in January of 2025. Funds were given to the foundation to help with the scholarship program.

Macy DeBlock- Winner of the John Sheriff and Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship 

Macy is the daughter of Matt and Kimberly DeBlock. She is a recent graduate of Sherrard High School. She plans to attend the University of Iowa this fall, majoring in physical therapy. Macy is a winner of the 2025 John Sheriff-Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship.

“This scholarship will be a great benefit to me for paying for the next 6 years of undergraduate and graduate studies that I have ahead of me at the University of Iowa. I look forward to coming back home and serving our area as a physical therapist!”

Aurora Fitchner- Winner of Steve and Marilynn Willits Memorial Scholarship 

Aurora is the daughter of Luke and Tabetha Fitchner of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East this fall. Aurora is the winner of the 2025 Steve and Marilynn Willits Memorial Scholarship.

“This scholarship will help me pursue my passion for agriculture by giving me the financial support I need to further my education.”

Megan Gray

Megan is the daughter of Donald and Kathy Gray of Aledo. She currently attends Northern Illinois University, majoring in Biological Science. Megan is a winner of a 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Agriculture has given me the ability to focus on my dreams and pursue my passion. I have gained valuable leadership, public speaking, and management skills because of my activities through FFA and 4-H. I am thankful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau for selecting me as the recipient of this scholarship. While attending Northern Illinois University, I was able to apply my agriculture background to my Biological Science Major, as well as a minor in Chemistry and Psychology. I was fortunate to be a part of a research team which allowed me to be a co-author on a publication and presented my findings at CURE (Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement) and the Phi Sigma Research Symposium. Additionally, I applied my leadership and management skills while I attended a Medical Jamaica Trip last summer. I greatly appreciate this scholarship because it is helping me further my career, knowledge, and experiences”

Carson Holmes

Carson is the son of Bryce and Nikki Holmes of Joy. He currently attends Purdue University, majoring in Agribusiness. Carson is a winner of a 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship

“It is extremely rewarding to receive a foundation scholarship, and I am forever grateful for the support out of our county farm bureau office. This generous support eases the financial burden for myself and allows me to pursue my degree. I am honored to receive this scholarship, and I look forward to giving back to my community after graduating. ”

Maddie Hofmann

Maddie is the daughter of Brad and Jenny Hofmann of Aledo. She currently attends Faith Baptist Bible College, majoring in Elementary Education. Maddie is the winner of 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“The Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship represents more than financial support—it is an investment in my future as an educator. With this assistance, I will be able to pursue my studies with greater focus and determination, ultimately allowing me to return the favor by making a lasting impact in the lives of my future students and in the community that helped shape me.”

Alexia Zenk

Alexia is the daughter of Corey and Jessica Zenk of Aledo. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend St. Ambrose University this fall, majoring in nursing. Alexia is the winner of 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“I am so thankful for this scholarship as it will help me pay for my college tuition to become a registered nurse!”

Grace Gillespie

Grace is the daughter of Eric and Sarah Gillespie of Aledo. She is currently attending Augustana College, majoring in Business. Grace is a winner of a 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress, helping me make the most of my educational opportunities. ”

Cora Whitenack

Cora is the daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Whitenack of Aledo. She currently attends Central College, majoring in Elementary Education. Cora is a winner of a 2025 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Thank you so much for awarding me with the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. We are so blessed to live in Mercer County, where so many organizations and people want to see us succeed. This scholarship will lighten the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more on my classes and preparing me to inspire young minds as an elementary educator.”

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