About Us

The Art Davis Memorial Scholarship
Honoring a Legacy of Dedication to 4-H Youth and Horsemanship

In 1972, Art Davis moved his family to Porter County. By 1973, he had purchased a horse and a pony and began exploring the 4-H program for his children. What started as a simple interest quickly became a lifelong commitment. By 1974, Art was fully immersed as a dedicated 4-H Horse and Pony parent.

His children all became long-time members: Paul, the eldest son, participated for 8 years; Gerri, the eldest daughter, was involved for 10 years; and Terri, the youngest, was also a 10-year member. Every year during fair week, Art took vacation time and stayed at the fairgrounds from start to finish, fully devoting himself to the program.

Art’s support extended beyond his own children. He organized workshops focused on horse care, grooming, horsemanship, and showmanship. He sponsored ribbons and trophies, served as ringmaster, patrolled the horse barn for security, and acted as project superintendent. In 1979, Art helped establish the Versatility Class, a unique event that continues to this day. Since 1985, the Davis family has proudly sponsored the rosette ribbons awarded to its participants.

Art truly loved working with 4-H youth. He took pride in watching them grow, not just as horsemen and women, but as responsible, skilled individuals. He believed deeply in the values and life skills that 4-H instills and dedicated his time to teaching, encouraging, and mentoring its members.

We lost Art suddenly in the spring of 2022. In his memory, the Davis family has established this scholarship to honor his unwavering belief in the 4-H program, its leaders, and its members. May his passion for horses and youth development continue to inspire future generations in the Porter County 4-H Horse and Pony Project.

In remembrance of Art’s commitment, an endowment fund has been established that will provide an annual scholarship award in his name. This fund will award scholarships to deserving youth for postsecondary education. This includes technical, certificate, and university programs.

This scholarship is administered by the Porter County Community Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, to ensure proper management and longevity. Donations are tax deductible.