The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Hicks Family Scholarship Fund. The Fund is a tribute to the late James and Claudia Hicks and honors the legacy of the Hicks family and their impact on education and community service to the Indian Creek Community. The scholarship is intended for a graduating senior from Indian Creek High School with financial needs pursuing a degree in education.

“As a family, we wanted to give back to the town of Shabbona and the Indian Creek community,” said Egan Hicks. ““My family spent over 50 years in education in Shabbona, and we played a major part in shaping the school district into what it is today. The scholarship honors my parent’s legacy and gives hope to those pursuing a degree in education. We know they would be pleased with the partnership we formed with the Community Foundation for the Fund. The Foundation has a great reputation in the community to which we have similar values and focus.”

High school students interested in applying for the Hicks Family Scholarship are encouraged to use the Community Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application process. For questions or additional information, contact Becky Zantout, Grants and Scholarships Manager, at 815-748-5383 or b.zantout@dekalbccf.org.

James and Claudia Hicks

James Hicks worked in education for over 50 years. He began his education career as a teacher and principal in Fillmore, IL. James moved to Shabbona in 1967 and was a teacher, junior high basketball coach, high school track coach, principal, and superintendent in the Shabbona, Lee, and Rollo school system. He was the first superintendent for the Indian Creek School District, and after retirement, he served as a board member. James also worked as an administrator in the DeKalb and Sandwich School Districts.

Claudia Hicks started working in education as a playground supervisor, later moving into a paraprofessional position within a special needs classroom at Shabbona Elementary School. She then became the administrative assistant to the superintendent of Waterman Community School District. Claudia remained in this position until 1993 when the Shabbona and Waterman school districts consolidated, forming the new Indian Creek School District. She transferred to Indian Creek High School as the administrative assistant at the high school, working until her retirement.

Claudia served the Shabbona community in many important areas. She was involved in the Shabbona government, beginning her political career as the village clerk, where she oversaw the financial records and payment of bills. Claudia then became the mayor, serving multiple terms before retiring in 2017 to move to Arlington Heights to be closer to her daughter.

“We thank the Hicks family for their legacy of education and community development in the Indian Creek School District and beyond as well as entrusting the Foundation with an endowment that will support generations of educators to come,” said Dan Templin, Community Foundation Executive Director.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Hicks Family Scholarship Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.