George left us suddenly weeks before the 2025 Canfield Fair, leaving his family, friends, and both the Mahoning County Junior Fair and Senior Fair feeling his loss.
Most would recognize George with a camera in his hands, as he spent many years as the official fair photographer, but one of his greatest passions was mentoring the youth of 4-H, the same program in which he grew up. With his life-long connection to 4-H, George had a special place in his heart for teaching and supporting the youth lucky enough to know him. George truly lived by the 4-H motto and strove each day to "make the best better" in the lives of all those around him. He lived in a way that was larger than life!
Our hope is that George will continue to positively impact the lives of 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, well rounded individual, that he or she can be!
One scholarship will be awarded, yearly, to a member enrolled in a market steer, market dairy or beef feeder or market hog project.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES
1. A non-returnable photo of the applicant must be uploaded into the scholarship form.
2. Payment will be made directly to recipient upon official proof of enrollment in a college/technical school. To maintain the integrity of this scholarship, the scholarship committee has the final determination as the requirements for proof of attendance and the dispersal of the scholarship monies.
3. The scholarship payment MUST be used solely for tuition fees and/or books and supplies.
4. An applicant may only receive this scholarship ONE time. Any individual not receiving this scholarship may re-apply.
5. Applications must be submitted by October 5, 2026 for this year, and then by Entry Day (Tuesday) of the Mahoning County Junior Fair through the online application form in years to come.
6. The scholarship recipient will be chosen by a scholarship committee which will consist of a panel of judges selected by the Houk Family and a representative of the Mahoning County Youth Agricultural Finance Committee.
7. The scholarship recipient will be contacted to be recognized at the Youth Day Program during Canfield Fair and will receive an acknowledgement letter with the scholarship check upon receipt of offiicial proof of enrollment in the college/technical school.
8. Scholarship check 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.
CRITERIA TO APPLY
1. Applicant must meet all of the criteria listed below to be eligible to obtain this scholarship.
2. Applicant must have been a 4-H member in good standing, or at least four years, including his or her senior year for high school.
3. Applicant must have successfully taken and shown a market steer, market feeder or market hog for at least two years AND must currently be enrolled in one of these projects (or have been enrolled during his or her final year of 4-H.)
4. Applicant must be a graduating senior or a student currently enrolled in a college, technical school or trade school program.
5. Applicant must demonstrate a sincere commitment to furthering his or her education. Any career path will be considered as long as the applicant demonstrates a true passion to continue to "make the best better" for him/herself and his/her community.
6. Applicant should demonstrate a servant's heart. The applicant should have a strong history of leadership and community service. The applicant will be required to provide proof of a minumum of 20 Hours of community service earned throughout the year of application submission. The community service hours are inclusive of all forms of community service.
7. Applicant will submit three letters of reference using the following criteria:
a. One from a 4-H club or Junior Fair Board Advisor or member of the species committee.
b. One academuc reference (an academic advisor, a school counselor or a teacher.)
c. One personal reference from a coah, religious leader, youth leader, creative arts director, employer, etc.
*** References MAY NOT come form a family members.
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING BY THE DEADLINE:
1. Completed application. Application can be found at www.mcjrfair.com. Click on Youth Awards and go to the George Houk Scholarship page.
2. Signed copy of applicant's high school or college transcript, uploaded into the scholarship form.
3. Signed proof of the minimum of 20 hours of community service as described above.
4. Three letters of reference as described above. Each reference much come from a separate individual. NO references may come from family. References must be submitted online by each individual reference; have your reference click the button on the website and complete form.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. In 250 - 500 words, describe how you involvement in 4-H and your Market Livestock Project has influenced the person you have become.
2. George Houk believed strongly in the 4-H motto, "Make the Best Better." In 250 - 500 words, explain what this phrase means to you and how you have put it into practice.
3. In 250 - 500 words, describe you experiences with community service and how serving others has shaped you as an individual.
4. In 250 - 500 words, describe you plans for education and future career and how you hope to use your talents, knowledge, and experiences to benefit others.