Mike Orris Annual Scholarship
Scholarship in Memory of Mike Orris Applications being Accepted
The Washington County Fair Association started an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County in 2019 to provide for an annual scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a member of the graduating Class of 2026 who has been a participant in Washington 4-H or FFA for 4 years.
Mike Orris, a long-time community member, veteran, and volunteer member of the Washington Fair Board for 50+ years passed away in the summer of 2019 at the age of 92. “They don’t make volunteers like Mike anymore,” said Fair Board member, Jarrod Horning. “He has had a huge impact on our organization over the past 50+ years.”
The Fair Association approached Mike’s family to create this fund, and they were immediately onboard with the idea.
“The Community Foundation is uniquely capable of creating a fund such as this,” said Executive Director, Millie Youngquist. “Our whole purpose is to create permanent endowment funds that continue providing money to support local non-profits and their causes. We are especially honored to create a fund in the memory of such a community leader and volunteer.”
Donations of any amount to this fund qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit, a program giving donors a state tax credit of 25% of the amount of their donation. Individuals interested in making a donation to this fund may donate by writing a check to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, writing “Mike Orris Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, and mailing it to: The Community Foundation of Washington County, Attn: Millie Youngquist, 831 South 13th Ave., Washington, IA 52353.
Scholarship application forms are available on the Fair Association website: washingtoncountyfairia.com . Applications will also be available from area high school guidance counselors, FFA advisors and at the Washington County Extension Office. Applications are due on February 28, 2026