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2024-2025 Fairall Scholarship Recipients: from left to right: Kelley Fifer Fairall, Braylee Kimberley, Carrie Campbell, Rebecca Downs, Makayla Kerber, Alainey Happe, and Cory Reynolds. Missing from the photo was scholarship recipient Payton Peters.

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 2024-25.

The committee awarded five full tuition and fees scholarships (up to 16 hours) to the following recipients: Rebekah Downs, Alainey Happe, Makayla Kerber, Braylee Kimberley and Payton Peters. Partial scholarships were awarded to Carrie Campbell and Cory Reynolds. The total value of the seven scholarships is more than $42,000.

For the 22nd year, the selection committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 135 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 of 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.

Carrie Campbell – Carrie is the daughter of Gerald Roll, Jr. and Rita Babinat. She is a 2002 graduate of Marshalltown High School. Carrie is pursuing a career in nursing and is planning on entering the Registered Nursing Program with a GPA of 3.83. In her spare time, she volunteers at local hospitals by assessing patients, administering medications and documenting new patient information under the supervision of her nursing professor. Carrie’s father, Gerald Roll, Jr., served in the United States Army for five years where he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal.

Rebekah Downs – Rebekah is the daughter of Martin and Katie Downs. She is a 2024 graduate of Marshalltown High School where she graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Rebekah is currently employed at Tyler Peschong State Farm as a customer service intern. She plans to pursue an AAS degree in Accounting at MCC. Rebekah has been very active all four years in high school and has achieved many awards during her tenure including Volleyball Academic All-State, Tennis Captain, and National Honor Society. Rebekah’s family includes service members Vern Thomas, her great-great-grandfather who served in WWI, Guy Erb, her great-grandfather who served in WWII, Gerald Downs, her great-grandfather who served in the Korean War, and Phil Lander, her grandfather who served in the Vietnam War. All received numerous medals and commendations.

Alainey Happe – Alainey is the daughter of James and Kendra Happe. She is a 2024 graduate of East Marshall High School where she graduated with a 3.99 GPA. During high school, Alainey participated in both volleyball and softball. She was also a member of her school’s philanthropy group, S.E.A.L. (Students Empowering and Leading). She will be attending MCC and pursing a degree in psychology. Alainey’s grandfather was a member of the United Sates Army. He was a Tabulating Machine Operator and during his two years of service received many medals and commendations, including the Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Silver Battle Star and three Overseas Bars and a Good Conduct Medal. 

Makayla Kerber – Makayla is the daughter of Mike Kerber and Kari Bizios and a 2024 graduate of East Marshall High School with a 3.8 GPA. Makayla is community-minded and participates in “Community Day” every year which is a day where volunteers clean up their community. Makayla plans to continue her education in the Dental Assisting program at MCC. Makayla’s grandfather served six years as a member of the United States Armed Forces where he was a Prime Mover Driver and a Sharpshooter. He received many awards, including at five-year State Service Award and two service stripes Sharpshooter Badge.

Braylee Kimberley – Braylee is the granddaughter of Terry and Betsy Ray. She graduated from GMG High School in 2023 with a 3.87 GPA. She was awarded the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Scholarship in 2023 and received a 3.25 GPA her first year at MCC.  Braylee is currently the STEM president and in the book club “Overbooked” at MCC.  Braylee’s grandfather was a Member of the Marine Corps Reserve for four years. During that time, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

Payton Peters – Payton is the daughter of Loren and Jenessa Peters and a 2023 graduate of West Marshall High with a 3.24 GPA. Payton has dedicated over 100 hours of community service and also ran the West Marshall media’s board for two years. Payton will be attending the dental assisting program at MCC in the fall. Payton’s grandfather was a member of the United Sates Army for six years. During this time, he received the National Defense Service Medal.

Cory Reynolds – Cory is son of Glen and Michelle Reynolds. Cory is a 2023 graduate of West Marshall High School. He just completed his first year of MCC with a 3.23 GPA and will be pursuing a Computer Network Management degree. Cory is also the Rocket League Team Captain for Tiger E-Sports. Cory’s family includes service members LaVerne Reynolds, his grandfather who served in the WWII Navy, Gray Blanchard, his grandfather who serviced in the Marine Corps, James Ellis, his grandfather who served in the United States Army, and Glen Reynolds, his father who served in the Marine Corps. All members received numerous awards and commendations. 

Applications for the 2024-25 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, 2025. Completed applications with supporting documents will be due to the Foundation Office by March 28, 2025.

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.