The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2017 Spinoso Masters Scholarship recipients. Four individuals will receive a total of $30,000 to use toward Masters level education. The award winners are Carlie Hayes, Rachael Pazsotta, Kelsey Rodgers, and Anna Stiker.

To receive a Spinoso Masters Scholarship, individuals must be past graduates of a high school located in DeKalb County and enrolled in a post-undergraduate institution working toward a masters or higher degree in any field of study.

Carlie Hayes is a graduate of DeKalb High School and is pursuing her Masters of Science in Crime Scene Investigation at George Washington University. Rachael Pazsotta is a graduate of DeKalb High School and is pursuing a Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. Kelsey Rodgers is also a graduate of DeKalb High School and will be pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Illinois Chicago. Anna Stiker is a graduate of Indian Creek High School and is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

“I am beyond blessed by the generosity of the Spinoso family in supporting and encouraging my path in higher education,” said Carlie Hayes. “With a thankful heart, I now have the opportunity to reach underserved populations and speak for those who do not have a voice.”

Donors John and Vivian Spinoso are long-time residents of DeKalb County with a strong desire to support continuing education. In its sixth year as a scholarship award at the Community Foundation, the Spinoso Masters Scholarship has awarded a total of $180,000 to local graduates.

For information about scholarships available at the Community Foundation, please contact Grants & Community Initiatives Manager Becky Zantout at 815-748-5383 or becky@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: John and Vivian Spinoso with scholarship recipients Anna Stiker and Carlie Hayes. Not pictured: Rachael Pazsotta and Kelsey Rodgers.