2025 Scholarship Applications / 2024 Winners

Since 1993, The Austin County Fair Association has been awarding Memorial Scholarships in memory of deceased directors and deceased spouses of directors. The Fair Association takes pride in awarding scholarships to the youth of Austin County for all their hard work they put towards their 4-H and FFA projects.  To continue raising scholarships, the Austin County Fair works hard all year long preparing for the Summer Music Fest, the County Fair and other projects that help support the scholarship fund.  Funding is also made possible through generous individuals in our community and memorial dedications of deceased supporters of the Austin County Fair Association.

In addition to the Fair Memorial Scholarship, the Austin County Fair Association offers the opportunity for seniors to apply for the Harold Luhn Memorial Scholarship, the C.W.  and Lillie Brandes Memorial Scholarship, the Ed Michalke Memorial Scholarship and the Judy Tiemann Memorial Scholarship.

Since 2009, the Austin County Fair Association has been awarding the Harold Luhn Agricultural Memorial Scholarship in memory of Harold Luhn.  Harold was an active member of the Austin County Fair Association since 1989.  In 2003, Harold was elected President to the Austin County Fair Association for a 3 year term.  His countless hours of volunteerism were always for the betterment of the Austin County Fair Association.  He believed that the youth of Austin County would forever be our future.  The Harold Luhn Agricultural Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a qualified recipient that will pursue a course of study in the field of agricultural.  This scholarship will be given in memory of Harold Luhn through an endowment funded by Chuck and Rita Scianna in the amount of $3,500. 

The family of Judy Tiemann will award one scholarship in her memory to a calf scramble participant.  Judy served on the board of directors with the Austin County Fair Association from July 1997-July 2006. Judy was the founder of the Austin County Fair Calf Scramble in 1990; retiring in 2010. Judy was able to run over $20,000 in donations through this program to help the kids of Austin County start their own beef herd.  Many showmen looked up to her for her guidance and knowledge that she had of the beef industry.  Judy was an honorary member of the Texas Jr. Maine Anjou Association, Texas Club Calf Association and Washington County Fair Beef Commission.  She also received the Leader of the Year Award for the Austin County 4-H Club.  The calf scramble to this day continues to be successful because of her hard work, determination and drive to help the youth of Austin County. Judy passed away in August of 2011 from a lengthy illness.  It is the hope of her family and the Fair Association that through this scholarship her legacy be kept alive and she will never be forgotten.

The family of Ed Michalke will award one scholarship in his memory.  Ed Michalke was a longtime supporter and friend of the Austin County Fair.  Ed started working with Austin County 4-H and FFA students in the mid 1960’s.  He served in many county and District 4-H leadership roles and was on the board of directors of the Austin County Fair for over 20 years.  He is now considered an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Fair Association.  In 2000, he was selected to be the parade marshal for the 73rd Austin County Fair.  Ed Michalke was a familiar face for well over 30 years serving as security for the fair.  His contributions and legacy to the Austin County Fair will always be remembered.

The Rancher's Ride will present one award in honor of Douglas & Kay Marek. Douglas & Kay were long time supporters of The Rancher's Ride, allowing The Ride to enjoy the western tradition of horseback riding on their land. Douglas taught agriculture in Hallettsville and Bellville until his retirement in 2004 and served on the Austin County Fair Board for 21 years. Kay was a Sunday school teacher and Board Member of the Bellville Public Library. Douglas was passionate about training students in leadership and judging contests. In 2022, he was inducted into the Texas Agriculture Teachers Association Hall of Fame. The Rancher's Ride is pleased to present this award to a student who shares Marek’s passion for agriculture.