2026 MCFB Foundation Scholarship Recipients

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 ten 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.

Mason Gray

Mason is the son of Donald and Kathy Gray of Aledo. He is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. He plans to attend Western Illinois University, majoring in Agricultural Science and minor in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. Mason is a winner of the 2026 John Sheriff-Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Mercer County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Agriculture has been a central part of my life since I was young, shaping my values, work ethics, and future aspirations which have transferred to my involvement in 4-H and FFA. Receiving this scholarship provides me with the opportunity to focus fully on my education in agricultural science while also pursuing my goals in law enforcement. With reduced financial stress, I can dedicate myself to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in both fields. I am deeply thankful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau and the community for their support and investment in my future."

Addison Monson

Addison is the daughter of Jason and Cathleen Monson of Reynolds. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East College, majoring in Agribusiness. Addison is a winner of the 2026 Steve and Marilynn Willits Memorial Scholarship

“Agriculture has been a huge part of my life from an early age. I grew up as a 4H member, showing rabbits and ducks since I was in grade school. I joined FFA as soon as I could. I’ve served in many officer positions with the Hamlet Handy Helpers 4H Club,as Vice President of the Mercer County FFA Chapter, and Sentinel for Section 4 FFA. I greatly appreciate receiving the Steve and Marilyn Willits Memorial Scholarship Award from the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation. My intention is to attend Black Hawk East to obtain an associate’s degree in Agribusiness Management. Upon completion of that degree, I hope to transfer to Western Illinois University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. This Scholarship will be essential in helping me pay for tuitionand books while attending college. Thank you so much!”

Kinsey Biddle

Kinsey is the daughter of Scott and Erica Biddle of Seaton. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Illinois Central College, majoring in diagnostic medical sonography in the fall. Kinsey is the winner of 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“I am honored to be receiving a Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship. This will be a great benefit as I pursue my education in Sonography. I am truly grateful for the support, and I look forward to giving back to my community after graduation.”

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 2026 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. ”

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 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Receiving the Mercer County Farm Bureau scholarship is such an honor, and I am very grateful for their support. Growing up on a farm gave me a strong appreciation for hard work and the importance of community, which has influenced both my goals and values. I will be using this scholarship to continue pursuing my degree in education, and I am excited for the opportunity to one day make a difference in students’ lives. Thank you again to the Mercer County Farm Bureau for investing in my future.”

Ryan Lower

Ryan is the son of Andrew and Courtney Lower of Reynolds. He is a recent graduate of Rockridge High School. He plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Platteville, majoring in Construction Management. Ryan is the winner of the 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“I am very thankful for receiving this scholarship. It will help me tremendously in achieving a higher education in the agricultural field.”

Autumn Marston 

Autumn is the daughter of Dustin and Sarah Marston of Joy. She currently attends University of Iowa, majoring in nursing. Autumn is the winner of the 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship is more than financial aid; it is the vital support that allows me to transition from student to practitioner, ensuring I can focus on mastering the clinical skills necessary to provide exceptional care to my future patients and give back to my community”

Carmen Marston

Carmen is the daughter of Dustin and Sarah Marston of Joy. She is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. She plans to attend Black Hawk East College, majoring in Agribusiness in the fall. Carmen is the winner of the 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Receiving this scholarship will help me take an important step toward my goal of becoming an optometrist and making a meaningful impact on people’s everyday lives. It will ease financial stress and allow me to stay focused on my education as I continue working toward my future career.”

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 2026 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship will support my education as I pursue a career in teaching, where I hope to help students better understand and appreciate agriculture. I am grateful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau for supporting local students like me.”

Meredith Yung

Meredith is the daughter of Brian and Paula Yung of Alexis. She is a recent graduate of United High School. She is undecided on where she would like to attend college in the fall, but she is planning to major in Agribusiness. Mer

“Receiving this scholarship from the Mercer County Farm Bureau will undoubtedly ease the financial burden of college while I continue to pursue my goals in the classroom towards a career in the Ag Business field.”

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