The Tom Koch Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Tom Koch under the Mahoning County Youth Agricultural Association. Tom touched the lives of many Junior Fair youth through his love for the Market Livesock projects in Mahoning County.
Tom Koch left us suddenly in 2012, leaving many feeling his loss. He was truly dedicated to the youth of Mahoning County and was always found to be enjoying himself at the Canfield Fair. Raising poultry was Tom's true love on his family farm. Our hope is that Tom will continue to touch the lives of the Mahoning County Junior Fair members through this scholarship.
The recipient of this scholarship may not be the best academic scholar, but a youth that has given 100% effort to be the best. Two scholarships will be awarded yearly: 1 to a Poultry Club member and 1 to a Market Livestock Club member. Applicants must complete the the scholarship application.
1. Applicant must currently be or have been an active participant in good standing in the Mahoning County Poultry Club and/or the Market Livestock Club within one year of application.
2. Applicant must be a High School Graduate, or a college student currently enrolled in a college or technical school pursuing a degree with a GPA of at least 2.5.
3. Applications must be submitted by entry day (Tuesday) of the Mahoning County Junior Fair through the online form.
4. Applicant must have a sincere commitment to pursuing furthering their education by attending college, technical school, or school of trade.
5. A photo of the applicant MUST be uploaded into the application.
6. Scholarship payment should be used solely for tuition fees and/or books or school supplies.
7. Applicants may receive this scholarship only one time. Any individual not receiving the scholarship may apply a second time.
8. Scholarship recipients will be contacted to be recognized at the Youth Day Program during the Canfield Fair and will receive an acknowledgement letter with the scholarship check upon completion of the requirement listed in #9 below.
9. Scholarship monies will be dispersed AFTER the recipient sends a copy of college/technical school tuition/school receipts/transcripts to the scholarship chairperson to verify proof of attendance to the school of higher education. Scholarship monies will be used solely for tuition fees and/or books or school supplies.
10. Scholarship checks must be cashed by December 30, or the monies will be forfeited back to the scholarship fund. Any exceptions must be approved by the scholarship committee.
11. Applications for this scholarship must be submitted as specified ONLINE, or eligibility for this scholarship WILL be forfeited. The scholarship recipients will be chosen by a panel of judges selected by the Tom Koch Scholarship Committee. To maintain the integrity of this scholarship, the scholarship committee has the final determination as to the requirements for proof of attendance to college and the dispersal of the scholarship monies.
12. If any question or discrepancy should arise, the scholarship committee has final determination if the funds should be released.
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING BY THE DEADLINE:
1. Completed application MUST be submitted online. Application can be found on the Junior Fair Website Tom Koch Schlolarship page. Simple click on the button to complete the form.
2. Certified copy of high school/college transcripts verifying a minimum 2.5 GPA MUST BE uploaded into the scholarship form.
3. Three letters of reference: 1 from a club advisor, 1 from an academic advisor and one from another person such as a coach, teacher, youth advisor, employer, etc. References cannot come from family members. References MUST BE completed by the individual providing the reference. The Recommendation Form is available on the Tom Koch Schlolarship page. Applicant must direct their references to complete recommendations on this form.