We are so happy to announce the 7 graduating seniors that are being awarded an MWGEA scholarship this year!

Of the seven scholarships gifted this year, three recipients received one with special honors. The Mary Jane Landreth Scholarship and Shepherd Scholarships are gifted to three young women who inspire those around them inside the golf community and in their everyday lives.

Mary Jane Landreth was a great character among us during her time with the Missouri Women’s Golf Association. Her great love of education and dedication to making opportunities for women was her hallmark. She provided scholarships within her own family for her nieces and nephews. Perhaps her greatest contribution to women’s golf was her oversight of the incorporation of Missouri Women’s Golf Education Association, Inc. Her genius financial investments and stock market analysis gave MWGEA a strong foundation for the future. Along with her friend, Jane Kelly, they personally funded the incorporation of the scholarship program. Due to their generosity and leadership, they made certain that the scholarship program would be forever a nonprofit organization and would remain solvent for future generations of young ladies needing educational assistance. Today, one of the scholarships given each year to a deserving candidate bears her name as the “Mary Jane Landreth Scholarship.”

Mrs. Susan Shepherd was truly a Renaissance woman. She wrote, produced and commentated fashion shows for auxiliary and medical conventions. When her husband died, she began a new career at the age of 50, entering the world of stocks and bonds. Her “can do” attitude resulted in being named the first Vice President of Investments at Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc. In 1980, she was chosen by her company as Top Woman Broker of the Year. She hosted a weekly show on Channel 30, interviewing mutual fund managers, corporate presidents and economists. Mrs. Shepherd was an avid golfer. She competed in many Missouri Golf Association tournaments and remained active until 1996.

Our Mary Jane Landreth Scholarship recipient this year is Peyton Cusick. Peyton is from Ballwin, Missouri and graduated from Marquette High School in May. Throughout her high school career as a varsity golfer, Peyton qualified for the Missouri Girls’ Golf State Championship all four years and finished in the top 15 twice. She also earned the title of Conference Player of the Year twice. Aside from golf, Peyton was involved in National Honor Society, Key Club and Marquette Mentoring Club. Peyton plans to attend the University of Nebraska in the fall to study PGA Golf Management with minors in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management and Business Administration. She hopes to eventually become a general manager at a country club. 

Our first Shepherd Scholarship recipient this year is Elle Copple. Elle is from Gallatin, Missouri and graduated from Gallatin High School in May. During her high school career on the varsity golf team, Elle qualified for the Missouri Girls’ Golf State Championship three times and was the Class 1 District 3 Individual State Champion. Outside of golf, Elle was involved in basketball, track, National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Elle plans to attend the University of Missouri in the fall to study Organizational Communications with a minor in Business. She plans to eventually attend law school and become a corporate lawyer. 

Our second Shepherd Scholarship recipient this year is Catherine Rhoads. Catherine is from Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Glendale High School in May. Throughout her high school career as a varsity golfer, Catherine competed in over 20 tournaments and earned a top-ten placement in 19 of them. Her team also received the Class 3 Girls’ Golf Missouri State Champions title in 2022. Aside from golf, Catherine was part of the Fellowship of Christians Athletes, Student Council, A+ Advisory Board, National Honor Society and Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. Catherine plans to attend Evangel University in the fall to study Non-Profit Business with a minor in Biblical Studies and continue her golf career. She would eventually like to obtain a law degree and become a human rights lawyer. 

One of our general MWGEA scholarship recipients this year is Madalyn Breckenridge. Madalyn is from Dardenne Prairie, Missouri and graduated from Liberty High School in May. During her high school career on the varsity golf team, Madalyn played in the MSHSAA State Championship twice and several Gateway Jr. PGA tournaments. Outside of golf, Madalyn was involved in National Honor Society, DECA, FBLA and LINK crew. Madalyn plans to attend Truman State University in the fall to study Accounting with a minor in Statistics. She would eventually like to obtain a master’s degree in Accountancy and become a Certified Public Accountant. 

Another one of our scholarship recipients this year is Tierney Baumstark. Tierney is from Columbia, Missouri and graduated from Rock Bridge High School in May. Throughout her high school career as a varsity golfer, Tierney was conference champion, district champion and MSHSAA Class 4 state runner-up. Aside from golf, Tierney was involved in basketball and track. Tierney plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri in the fall to study Biology, and continue her golf career. She wants to eventually attend medical school and study dermatology. 

Kennedy Wrisinger also earned a MWGEA scholarship this year. Kennedy is from Richmond, Missouri and graduated from Richmond High School in May. During her high school career on the varsity golf team, Kennedy played in the Conference tournament, District tournament, and MSHSAA Girls’ Golf State Championship tournament for three years. Aside from golf, Kennedy was involved in the band, FBLA and National Honor Society. Kennedy plans to attend State Fair Community College in the fall to study Business and continue her golf career. She plans to eventually obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. 

Our last scholarship recipient is Maya Beavers. Maya is from Harrisonville, Missouri and graduated from Harrisonville High School in May. Throughout her high school career as a varsity golfer, Maya competed at the Conference tournament for three years and earned academic all-conference awards. Outside of golf, Maya was involved in soccer, basketball, marching and concert band, Interact Club, Missouri Rotary Youth Leadership Academy and Bright Futures Harrisonville. Maya plans to attend the University of Arkansas and study Apparel Merchandising and Product Development with a minor in International Business. 

To learn more about the MWGEA and its scholarship efforts, click here.

To view previous years’ winners, click here.