Big E Ruby Morris 4-H Scholarship

Every two years Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school, and this is one of our years!

This is a scholarship that was established by The Morris Family who are longtime concessionaires at ESE.  A total of three $500 scholarships are awarded each year.  In 2025 and future odd-numbered years, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will each name a scholarship recipient.  In even-numbered years, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut name a scholarship recipient.

Eastern States would like our recipient from Maine to be present on 4-H Day (the first Saturday of ESE, September 13, 2025) at The Big E for the presentation ceremony; an alternative presentation time can be arranged for youth attending The Big E on other dates. All 4-H members who represent Maine at Eastern States this year or in a prior year are eligible for this scholarship.

Criteria:

To be eligible for the Maine 2025 Big E Morris 4-H Scholarship, nominees must:

  1. Be a member of a current or prior Maine ESE team Beef, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Working Steer, or New England Center Program.
  2. Graduate from high school in 2025 or 2026 and continue their education beyond high school in one of the following: two- or four-year colleges or universities, technical schools, professional training, or apprenticeship programs.
  3. Have demonstrated leadership as a Maine 4-H member at the local, state, or regional level.
  4. Be a junior or senior in high school and in good academic standing.

Application Process:

Complete applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025.

To be considered, applications must include an Application Checklist Word – PDF and these three components:

1)     A letter from the nominee regarding their qualifications for the scholarship that includes information about their:

a)     Participation on a Maine ESE team in 2025 or prior.

b)     Intention to continue their education beyond high school in 2025 or 2026, including area of study or training and possible location.

c)      Demonstrated leadership as a Maine 4-H member at the local, state, or regional level.

2)     A copy of the applicant’s high school transcript or equivalent.

Application materials must be sent to:
Jessy Brainerd
Maine State 4-H Office
491 College Ave
Orono, ME  04473
Fax: 207-581-5720
jessica.brainerd@maine.edu

All applications and supporting materials must be received, by mail, fax, or e-mail, by 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee at the State 4-H Office.

The winner will be notified by Monday, August 25, 2025. Eastern States would like our recipient from Maine to be present on 4-H Day (the first Saturday of ESE, September 13, 2025) at The Big E for the presentation ceremony; an alternative presentation time can be arranged for youth attending The Big E on other dates.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessy Brainerd at 207.581.3877 or jessica.brainerd@maine.edu.