Macon County Cattlemen Announce 2018 Scholarship Winners

(MACON, MO) The Macon County Cattlemen’s Association (MCCA) has announced the winners of their annual scholarship program.  

This year, the Cattlemen awarded $19,200 in scholarships to 22 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $800 each. Two current college students with majors relating to agriculture will receive an additional $800 for a total of $1,600, each.

Since 2001, MCCA has provided 328 scholarships to high school seniors, college or technical students.  Total scholarship payouts have totaled $217,950 in the past eighteen years, which makes the scholarship program the largest of its type in the area.

According to member Aaron Baker, the scholarship program is just one way the cattlemen are supporting youth in the county.  “We are proud to support local youth by sponsoring activities at the county fair, charitable groups serving youth and industry interests and also providing funds for our junior organization,” Baker said.  “Our future is only as strong as our youth.”  

The association raises the funds to provide annual scholarships through its banquet, auction, and “Texas Hold ‘em” Tournament in February. 

This year’s winners include seniors from the following high schools: 

Atlanta -  Brianna Still, Trevor Fitzsimmons, Brianna Mackestry, Ashtin Grigsby and Aaron Bondy. 

La Plata – Madison Ebeling.

Macon – Emily Howe, Jacob Primm, Alex Quido, Sarah Flowers, Callie Legan, John Ancell.

Other – Ben Retherford, Brennah Collins.

College or Technical School Students represented the following local high schools: 

Atlanta – Jordan Teter, Molly Waddle, Tyler Johnson.

Macon – Mariah Gann, Daniele Pagliai Elyse Wilhoit.

Other – Abigail Weber, Laura Smith.

Two students with majors related to agriculture received an additional $800 scholarship making their total award amount equal to $1,600: Elyse Wilhoit and Jordan Teter.

All applicants for this scholarship program must be current members of a Macon County 4-H Club, FFA Chapter, or Junior Cattlemen and/or have parents, grandparents, or a spouse that are current members of the Macon County Cattlemen’s Association.  Applications were judged by an impartial committee; preference was given, but not limited to, students who plan a future related to agriculture.

Macon High School leads in total scholarships received in the history of the program at 129, followed by: Atlanta (101) Macon County R-IV (37), La Plata (23), Bevier (13), Bucklin (5) and Other (20).

The students will receive their scholarship at the livestock auction at the Macon County Fair.

For more information or a link to the applications for the Macon County Cattlemen’s Scholarship Program, visit www.maconcountycattlemen.com.