College students who earned DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships connected with the generous donors of endowed scholarships being presented for this first year.
Schelkopf Scholarship
McKenna Dayhuff of rural Somonauk recently met with members of the Schelkopf family at the Farm Bureau. A senior at Iowa State University studying agriculture and rural policy, she is the recipient of the first Russell and Berni Schelkopf Ag Scholarship.
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Schelkopf Ag Scholarship,” said McKenna. The scholarship enables me to continue my education and gain skills and knowledge which I will use in the future in the agricultural industry.”
Berni and her son, Mike, appreciated learning more about McKenna’s undergraduate studies and career path of becoming an ag attorney. Likewise, McKenna came to understand the Schelkopf family’s journey from Nebraska to Iowa to DeKalb County, Illinois as lifelong veterinarians.
“For Russell and me, scholarships were important to us in completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and PhD,” said Berni. “Today, our family still values scholarships which help students attain their college degrees. It is a pleasure and honor to provide this first Schelkopf Scholarship to McKenna Dayhuff, a most deserving student for continuing her education in the agriculture field.”
Montgomery Scholarship
Tyler Ekstrom of Sycamore received the first James E. Montgomery Ag Scholarship. He is a junior at Iowa State majoring in ag business.
“My interest in agriculture started at a young age when I would ride in the tractors with my Dad and Grandpa to now when I am able to drive the equipment myself,” said Tyler. “When you take something you love and have a strong skill set, you can enjoy the work you do in life. I look forward to continuing my education; this scholarship will allow me to do that.”
The Montgomery family established this new scholarship in memory of their father, James E. Montgomery, a lifelong Kirkland farmer.
Stanley Scholarship
Cameron Russell of Waterman is the first recipient of the George W. “Bill” and Ann Marie Stanley Scholarship. He is a junior at Aurora University majoring in physical education and aspires to be a teacher.
“I want to thank Farm Bureau for choosing me for the Stanley Scholarship in memory of Bill and Ann Marie Stanley,” said Cameron. “I am very grateful and appreciative of this generous scholarship that will help immensely with my college tuition.”
Bill and Ann Marie Stanley’s daughter, Valerie, and Ann Marie’s sisters Donna and Joan established a college scholarship with the Farm Bureau Foundation. The scholarship honors the couple, formerly of Waterman, and their passion for education.