The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Hicks Family Scholarship Fund. The Fund is a tribute to the late James 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 father spent over 50 years in education there, and he played a major part in shaping the school district into what it is today. The scholarship honors his legacy and gives hope to those pursuing a degree in education. We know he would be pleased with the partnership we formed with the Community Foundation for the Fund. The Foundation has a great reputation in the community. 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 Hicks

James E. Hicks was born June 13, 1937, in Hillsboro, IL. He completed high school in 1955 and went on to William Jewel College in Liberty, MO, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education. James went on to attend Northern Illinois University, earning a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced study in school administration and school superintendent administration.

Overall, James 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.

Education and a commitment to community service are familiar to the Hicks family. James’ wife, Claudia, was the Mayor of Shabbona for many years and also worked for the Waterman school district prior to its consolidation with the Shabbona School District. When the schools merged in 1993, she transferred to the Indian Creek High School, working until her retirement.

“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.