Dee Palmer, former director of the DeKalb Municipal Band.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation proudly announces that Zoe Markle of DeKalb, is the 2016 award recipient of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship. Markle was honored with a $3,500 scholarship award at the June 14 DeKalb Municipal Band Concert at Hopkins Park in DeKalb. Markle will attend the Lawrence University to study Instrumental Music Education.

Dee Palmer, director of the DeKalb Municipal Band since 1948, passed away in November 2011 at the age of 97. Palmer and his family have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The scholarship was set up in 2009 to honor this local music legacy.

“This year’s ten scholarship applicants were exceptional,” stated Becky Zantout, from the DeKalb County Community Foundation, adding that while it is uniquely inspiring for the Scholarship Selection Committee to witness the impressive breadth and depth of talent around DeKalb County, it makes selecting the recipient that much more difficult.

The scholarship was selected by a committee composed of individuals from various musical backgrounds.

For more information about scholarship applications, or to make a donation to the Palmer Family Music Scholarship, please contact Becky Zantout, Grants & Community Initiatives Manager, at 815-748-5383 or becky@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: Becky Zantout and Gary Palmer take a moment for a photo with scholarship recipient Zoe Markle shortly before the Flag Day concert begins.