News

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 MCC students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships for 2021-22.The Committee awarded six 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 six 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 six 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. She 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 study 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 machine gunner, 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 Associate’s 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, Awana 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 Associate’s 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 two years overseas during WWII, receiving multiple medals and commendations. She also has many other family members who have served, including two 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 food bank, 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 Artillery as a surveyor, and spent over a year and a half overseas and earned a good conduct medal.

Silva Schmidt – This is the second 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.