Mike Roach Building Trades Scholarship is a scholarship fund of North Lee Community Foundation. Mike Roach had a passion for construction and teaching the trade to others. He owned and operated his business, M/R Construction, in Fort Madison, Iowa for over 40 years performing most of his work in Southeast Iowa and West Central Illinois as a remodeling contractor. He taught several others the trade including his daughter, Kristi Roach, leaving behind a continuing legacy of craftsmanship.

Mike graduated from FMHS in 1969 and was a 20-year veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard 224th.  He was involved in volunteer projects within the community including HTC Elementary Boys Basketball Coach, Eagle’s Nest Foreman, and the building of the Tri-State Rodeo Shelter Pavilion (aka Larry Roberts Pavilion) and the Fort Madison Saddle Club Arena. He also participated with the family horse “Ben” at The Special Kids Rodeo and served as Beer Chairman for years during the Tri-State Rodeo. Mike was exceptionally outspoken and appreciated in the community, always stood by his word, looked you in the eye, and a handshake meant commitment.

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SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

The Mike Roach Building Trades Scholarship is awarded to Fort Madison High School and Holy Trinity High School Seniors. The student MUST BE PURSUING STUDIES in the Building Trades Industry which includes, but not limited to construction, engineering, electrical, painting, ironwork, HVAC, carpentry, plaster and cement, welding, plumbing, and roofing. The scholarship award is $1,000.00. The 2024 Mike Roach Building Trades Scholarship deadline is April 15, 2024.

Candidates for the Mike Roach Building Trades Scholarship should have maintained at least a 2.5 grade average in high school. Preferred scholarship candidates will articulate their desire to work in the construction and/or building trades whether for large scale projects or retrofitting and rebuilding existing buildings and structures.