Macon County Cattlemen Announce 2023 Scholarship Winners

 

Macon County Cattlemen Announce 2023 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 $39,900 in scholarships to 22 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $1,700 each. In addition, 2 current college students with majors relating to agriculture will receive an additional $1,000; one student received a bonus of $500 for having the top essay.

Since 2001, MCCA has provided 443 scholarships to local students. Total scholarship payouts have totaled $355,050 in the past 23 years, which makes the scholarship program the largest of its type in the area.

According to member Sarah Jensen, 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,” Jensen said. “The strength of our future depends on our youth; supporting them supports the future of our industry.” 

The association provides annual scholarships funded through its annual February banquet.

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

·                  Atlanta – Shelby Stull, Aymee Young, Aislynn Baker, Roman Phillips, Jacob McElhaney, and Makaila Teter.

·                  Bevier – Madelyn Chiarottino and Catherine Walker.

·                  Bucklin – Anna Hines.

·                  La Plata – Audrey Belfield.

·                  Macon R-I – Hayden Burns, Allison Pollard, Gregory Seipel, Tajia Watson, Rachel Ancell, Carson Gingrich and Teagan Engle. 

·                  Macon County R-IV – Ashlyn Russell.

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

·                  Atlanta – Mason Howe and Matilyn Pinkstoin. 

·                  Macon County R-IV – Davian Gall and Kaite Mossbarger.

The college applicants included two students with majors related to agriculture. These students received an additional $1,000 scholarship making their total award amount equal to $2,700: Matilyn Pinkston and Kate Mossbarger. 

Teagan Engle also received an additional $500 for having the top essay of all applicants this year.

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 168, followed by: Atlanta (143) Macon County R-IV (44), La Plata (31), Bevier (21), Bucklin (6) and Other (30). 

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