(MACON, MO) The Macon County Cattlemen’s Association (MCCA) has announced the winners of their annual scholarship program.
This year, the Cattlemen awarded $40,250 in scholarships to 32 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $1,250 each. In addition, 4 current college students with majors relating to agriculture will receive an additional $250; one student received a bonus of $500 for having the top essay.
Since 2001, MCCA has provided 532 scholarships to local students. Total scholarship payouts have totaled $474,050 in the past 26 years, making the scholarship program the largest of its type in the area.
According to member Samantha Halley, 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,” Halley 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 – Aislyn Bender, Landon Gladhill, Samuel McElhaney, Cooper Nelson, and Joshua Watson.
La Plata – Kendrick Hulett and Tate Lock.
Macon R-I – Ava Ancell, Kodie Bales, Kace Holman, Kadence Leeper, Allison Milhollin, Rhett Pollard, Connor Primm, Taylin Schneider, Kadence Swallow, McKenna Swallow, Keegan Turnmire, and Grady Woodcock.
Others – Jersey Rowe, Braden Gaughan, Melia Gittemeier, and Ryley Waterhouse.
College or Technical School Students represented the following local high schools:
Atlanta – Grady Hruska, Sawyer Nelson, and Bailey Watson.
La Plata – Landyn Hulett.
Macon R-1 – Denver Gingrich, Owen Young, Grayson Turnmire, Tinley Schneider, and Preston Burns.
The college applicants included 4 students with majors related to agriculture. These students received an additional $250 scholarship, making their total award amount equal to $1,500: Sawyer Nelson, Landyn Hulett, Tinley Schneider, and Grayson Turnmire.
Kendrick Hulett 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 who 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 206, followed by: Atlanta (167) Macon County R-IV (47), La Plata (45), Bevier (24), Bucklin (7) and Other (37).
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.
