Pictured left to right: Robert Miller, Kelley Fifer Fairall, Kaylie Andrews, Isabelle Rawlins, William Rawlins, Jayden Beichley, and Elizabeth Downs. Not Pictured: Bayleigh Tompkins, Drayson Stephenson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MARSHALLTOWN – Marshalltown Community College Foundation and the Fairall Memorial Scholarship Committee celebrated with student recipients and their families following the selection of recipients 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 2026-27.

The committee awarded seven scholarships to the following recipients: Kaylie Andrews, Isabelle Rawlins, William Rawlins, Jayden Beichley (GMG), Elizabeth Downs, Bayleigh Tompkins and Drayson Stephenson (GMG). The total value of the seven scholarships is $52,500.

For the 24th year, the selection committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 148 MCC students have received Fairall Memorial Scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions for American Legion Post 46 and was commander in 1956. The award honors all 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.

Kaylie Andrews

Kaylie is the daughter of Brian and Tarah Bowles. She is a 2025 West Marshall graduate from State Center and graduated as class valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently attending the PN nursing program and plans to continue to the ADN program to become a registered nurse. She currently works at Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown while being part of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at MCC.

Her grandfather, Keith Cooney, served in the U.S. Army from 1949-53 and fought in the Korean War. Her grandfather, Mervin Morgan, served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-45, where he received honorable service emblems and multiple stars.

Jayden Beichley

Jayden is the son of Brent and Susan Beichley. He is a 2026 graduate from GMG High School in Garwin. He plans to earn his two-year degree at MCC before transferring to Iowa State University to enroll in its Culinary Food Science Program. He currently works at Hy-Vee and has been to state with his high school bowling team while earning first-team all-district and second-team all-state honors.

His grandfather, Gary Boone, served in the U.S. Army from 1972-78 and received a National Defense Service Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal and an Expert Marksman Medal.

Elizabeth Downs

Elizabeth is the daughter of Martin and Katie Downs. She is a 2026 Marshalltown High School graduate where she participated in cheerleading and tennis for four years while coaching tennis and being a member of the STEP (Student Empowering Philanthropy) group. She will be a fourth-generation student attending MCC while she discovers what career path her future will take.

Her great-great-grandfather Sylvester Stegman and Gene Thomas fought in World War I. Her great-grandfathers Gerald Downs, Howard Stegmann and Guy Erb fought in World War II, while her great-uncle lost his life during World War II. Her grandfather, Philip Lander, is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army from 1967-73.

Isabelle Rawlins

Isabelle is the daughter of Corey and Jennifer Rawlins. She is a 2026 graduate from Newton High School with a 3.8 GPA, where she played varsity volleyball for four years. During her four years at Newton High School, she earned Academic All-District, honorable mention, team MVP, set school records and earned all-tournament honors while receiving multiple A honor roll and A/B honor roll awards.

She plans to follow her mother’s example and become a teacher while also coaching volleyball.

Her grandfather, Roger Rawlins, enlisted in the Army from 1969-71, where he received multiple medals and honors, including Expert Marksman and Sharpshooter awards.

William Rawlins

William is the son of Corey and Jennifer Rawlins. He is a 2026 graduate from Newton High School with a 3.5 GPA, where he played football and was selected second-team all-district while making the A honor roll. He also attends business classes through DMACC, where he made the dean’s list.

He plans to finish his AA degree and then transfer to a college for a four-year degree in the business field.

His grandfather, Roger Rawlins, enlisted in the Army from 1969-71, where he received multiple medals and honors, including Expert Marksman and Sharpshooter awards.

Drayson Stephenson

Drayson is the son of Scott and Jacqueline Stephenson. He is a 2026 graduate from GMG High School in Garwin, where he participated in cross country, track, golf and baseball. He also was homecoming king during his senior year. He participated in many iJAG events, served as vice president and became a member of the National Honor Society.

He plans to earn his AA degree from MCC and explore continuing his education at a four-year college with a degree in business.

His great-grandfather, Dale Petty, served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1944 for two years as a finance clerk for most of his enlistment. He received a star and several medals, including the Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

Bayleigh Tompkins

Bayleigh is the daughter of Jack Tompkins and Casey Sirdoreus. She is a 2023 West Marshall graduate, where she participated in FCCLA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, varsity cheerleading, youth group and completed more than 100 hours of community service. During her senior year, she was captain of the cheerleading squad and was nominated for the Iowa Cheer Honor.

She is currently in the LPN program at MCC and wishes to continue into the RN program, with the possibility of earning a BSN degree.

Her grandfather, Jack Tompkins, served in the U.S. military and earned the National Defense Service Medal.