Six new scholarship opportunities available at the Community Foundation of Dunn County

By: The Community Foundation of Dunn County

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is pleased to announce the establishment of six new scholarship funds in 2025, made possible through the generosity of local families and donors committed to supporting students in their educational journeys. These scholarships support a wide range of academic and career pathways, including education, business, agriculture, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship studies. Applications for all scholarships are available online at cfdunncounty.org/scholarships. Students are encouraged to consult their school guidance counselor for application deadlines and additional details.

Merlyn and Shirley Jones Scholarship

Merlyn and Shirley Jones' lifelong connection to agriculture and community is shared through a scholarship for Boyceville High School seniors seeking a degree in agriculture, political science, or business.

Established in 2025, the Merlyn and Shirley Jones Scholarship honors Merlyn Jones, a 1958 graduate of Boyceville High School with deep roots in agriculture and community service. Merlyn participated in FFA and 4-H and helped on his family’s farm before pursuing higher education and a career in agricultural research and leadership.

This one-time $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Boyceville High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who plans to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or technical institution. Eligible students must be pursuing a degree in agriculture, political science, or business, with preference given to agriculture-related fields, participation in FFA, 4-H, or Science Olympiad, and demonstrated financial need. A letter of reference is required.

McKenna Marie Kay Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of McKenna Marie Kay Johnson, this scholarship was created by her grandfather, Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, to honor her life and support students pursuing technical and trade careers. Though McKenna’s life was short, her memory continues to inspire opportunity and encouragement for others.

This $1,000 scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Menomonie, Colfax, Boyceville, Elk Mound, Mondovi, Durand, or Eleva-Strum High Schools who are pursuing a technical diploma or two-year degree in trucking or a related field. Eligible programs may include diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operation, logistics, supply chain management, commercial driving, or other transportation-related fields. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need, and applicants must submit a personal statement of need. A letter of recommendation is preferred.

Beverly K. Meritt Legacy Scholarship for Educational Studies

Established in memory of Beverly Krueger Meritt, this scholarship honors a lifelong educator whose career in elementary and special education was defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to students. Beverly’s work allowed her to positively impact countless learners while remaining closely connected to their lives beyond the classroom.

The scholarship supports graduating seniors from Menomonie High School who plan to pursue a degree in elementary or special education at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a one-page essay describing how they plan to use their education degree in their future career.

Linda Krueger Legacy Scholarship for Business/Entrepreneurial Studies

Established in honor of Linda Krueger—known to many as “Señora” at Menomonie High School—this scholarship celebrates a career that blended education, business leadership, and an enterprising spirit. Linda began her professional life as a teacher before transitioning into business and human resources, where she applied her educational background to strengthen organizations and develop talent.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Menomonie High School pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related field at an accredited two- or four-year college or technical institution. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, submit a one-page essay describing how they plan to use their degree, and preference is given to students demonstrating financial need.

Linda Krueger Legacy Scholarship for Spanish Studies

In addition to the business-focused award, the Linda Krueger Legacy Scholarship for Spanish Studies reflects Linda Krueger’s lifelong passion for language, cultural understanding, and global learning. This scholarship supports a graduating senior from Menomonie High School who plans to pursue Spanish studies as a major or minor at the college or university level.

This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least four years of Spanish coursework and demonstrates a desire to increase fluency, an appreciation for other cultures, and plans to use Spanish in their future profession. Applicants should show leadership, enthusiasm for Spanish and international studies, and involvement in international or Hispanic extracurricular activities. A one-page essay explaining how the applicant plans to use Spanish in their future career is required.

Tim DeAtley Memorial Scholarship

Tim DeAtley's passion for craftsmanship and service lives on through a memorial scholarship supporting future automotive and diesel mechanics.

This scholarship honors Tim’s passion for mechanics, hands-on learning, and community involvement. Established by his family, the scholarship supports students pursuing technical education in automotive, diesel, or mechanical trades while recognizing the values of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship.

This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Menomonie, Boyceville, Colfax, or Elk Mound High Schools who plan to pursue a two-year technical degree in automotive or diesel mechanics. Preference is given to students who demonstrate community involvement and to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The scholarship is renewable for one additional year.

These newly established scholarships reflect CFDC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to education and supporting students as they pursue their academic and career goals. By partnering with donors to honor meaningful legacies, CFDC connects local generosity with opportunities that strengthen the community today and into the future.