MARSHALLTOWN – 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 MCC students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships for 2026-27.

The committee awarded seven scholarships to the following recipients: Kaylie Andrews, Cora Hall, Brandon Mathern, Jonathon Remster, Delaney Ryan, Bayleigh Tompkins, and Isabelle Hendricks. The total value of the seven scholarships will total $52,500.

For the 24th year, the selection committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 148 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial Scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions for the American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years.

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.

Kaylie Andrews - Kaylie is the daughter of Brian and Tarah Bowles. She is a 2025 West Marshall Graduate from State Center, as her class valedictorian, with a GPA of 4.0. She is currently attending the PN nursing program and plans to continue to the ADN program to become a Registered Nurse. She currently works at Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown while being part of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at MCC. Her grandfather Keith Cooney served in the US Army from 1949 - 1953 and fought in the Korean War. Her grandfather Mervin Morgan served in the US Navy from 1942 - 1945 where he received honorable service Emblems and multiple stars.

Jayden Beichley - Jayden is the son of Brent and Susan Beichley. He is a 2026 graduate from GMG High School in Garwin. He plans to get his 2 years degree at MCC before transferring to ISU to enroll in their Culinary Food Science Program. He currently works at Hy-Vee and has been to State with his high school bowling team while on 1st team All-District and 2nd team All-State. His grandfather Gary Boone was in the US Army from 1972-1978 and received a National Defense Service Medal, 2 Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal, and an Expert Marksman medal.

Elizabeth Downs - Elizabeth is the daughter of Martin and Katie Downs. She is a 2026 Marshalltown High School graduate where she participated in cheerleading and tennis for 4 years, while coaching tennis and being a member of STEP (Student Empowering Philanthropy) group. She will be a 4th generation student attending MCC while she discovers what career path her future will take her on. Her Great-Great-Grandfather Sylvester Stegman and Gene Thomas fought in WWI in the military. Her Great Grandfather Gerald Downs, Howard Stegmann, and Guy Erb fought in WWII while her Great-Uncle lost his life fighting during WWII. Her grandfather Philip Lander is a Vietnam Veteran while he served in the Army from 1967-1973.

Isabelle Rawlins - Isabelle is the daughter of Corey and Jennifer Rawlins. She is a 2026 graduate from Newton High School with a GPA of 3.8 where she played varsity volleyball for 4 years. In her 4 years at Newton High School, she earned Academic All-District, Honorable Mention, team MVP, set school records, and earned All-Tournament titles all while receiving multiple A honor rolls and A/B honor roll awards. She plans to follow the role of her mom and become a teacher as well as coach volleyball. Her Grandfather Roger Rawlins was enlisted into the Army from 1969-1971 where he received multiple medals and honors including an Expert Marksman and Sharpshooter award.

William Rawlins - William is the son of Corey and Jennifer Rawlins. He is a 2026 graduate from Newton High School with a GPA of 3.5 where he played football and was selected for the 2nd Team All-district, all while make the A honor roll in school. He also attends Business classes through DMACC where he made Dean’s list. He plans to finish his AA degree and then transfer to a college for a 4-year degree in the business field. His Grandfather Roger Rawlins was enlisted into the Army from 1969-1971 where he received multiple medals and honors including an Expert Marksman and Sharpshooter award.

Drayson Stephenson - Drayson is the son of Scott and Jacqueline Stephenson. He is a 2026 Graduate from GMG High School in Garwin where he participated in cross country, track, golf, and baseball. He also was Homecoming King in his senior year. He participated in many iJAG events and served as the Vice President while also became a member of the National Honors Society. He plans to get his AA from MCC and wants to explore furthering his education with a 4-year college with a degree in Business. His Great-grandfather Dale Petty served in the US Army in 1944 for 2 years as a finance clerk for most of his enlistment and received a star and several medals, including the bronze service star and Good Conduct Medal Victory Medal.

Bayleigh Tompkins - Bayleigh is the daughter of Jack Tompkins and Casey Sirdoreus. She is a 2023 West Marshall graduate where she participated in FCCLA, Big Brother Big Sisters, varsity cheerleading, youth group and completed more than 100 hours of community service hours. Her senior year she was captain of the cheerleading squad and was nominated for the Iowa Cheer Honor. She is currently in the LPN program at MCC and wishes to continue to complete the RN program with the possibility of continuing to get her BSN degree. Her Grandfather Jack Tompkins was a member of the US military where he earned the National Defense Service Medal.

Applications for the 2026-27 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, 2027. Completed applications with supporting documents will be due to the Foundation Office by March 31, 2027.

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 Elizabeth Wise, MCC Foundation Director, at 641-844-5747.