Greater Jefferson County Foundation Scholarship Series - Part 6

[Editor’s note: This is sixth in a series of informative articles regarding the scholarships available from The Greater Jefferson County Foundation.]

The Fairfield Community School District is fortunate to offer two scholarships for teachers pursuing their educational careers.

In 2004, Myrna Leyden created the Jim (Lefty) Leyden Memorial Scholarship. Jim was a resident of Fairfield and a 30-year elementary teacher in the Ottumwa Community School District. He knew what a burden it could be to pursue a Master’s degree while raising a family. His family established this scholarship to help any certified staff employee of the Fairfield Community School District pursue a Master’s Degree. The applicant must have already been accepted into a Master’s program. This scholarship is to assist with tuition payments and will not be awarded to those who have already completed a Master’s program. Special consideration will be given to applicants with a family. The application for this scholarship is available through the Foundation’s scholarship website.

In 2012, Pat and Barbara McMahon created the Harold and Catherine Turner Memorial Scholarship in memory of Barb’s parents, who lived full lives dedicated to education.

Harold served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific and married his wife Catherine on April 5, 1946. After World War II, Harold worked for Sheaffer Pen Company in Fort Madison, Iowa, until the GI Bill allowed him to continue his educational endeavors. He attended Carthage College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1950. Harold continued his education at the University of Illinois where he earned a Masters of Education in 1951. After teaching for 3 years, he furthered his education at George Peabody College (Vanderbilt University), where he completed his Doctorate in Education in Secondary Supervision and Curriculum in 1956.

Harold began his professional career in 1956 as an administrator for Jefferson County Public Schools in Lakewood, Colorado. In 1961 he accepted a position as an associate professor of secondary education at North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas). In 1963 he accepted a position as an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Development with the Sacramento Public Schools. In 1966 he accepted a position as Professor of Secondary Education at the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL) where he taught for 20 years.

Catherine supported his efforts, typed his papers and worked a variety of jobs as an executive secretary while he pursued his education. She retired in 1982 after 17 years at Monsanto.

This scholarship is for the faculty member of FHS who is enrolled in a directed program to complete an advanced degree in the field of education. The application for this scholarship is available through the FHS counselor’s office.

The 2025 scholarship application process will begin December 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 1, 2025. Both FHS and Pekin senior students are welcome to apply. Online applications will be available on the application website at www.gjcfscholarships.org. For more information, contact the Foundation at gjcf0758@windstream.net or call 641-472-0758.