The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2023 Spinoso Masters Scholarship recipients. This year, four individuals pursuing a master’s or doctorate divide $30,000 in generous support. Congratulations to recipients Hannah Kirby, Caitlyn Merkel, Emilie Schramer, and Gretchen Sprinkle on receiving an award. The scholarships are made possible through the annual generosity of donors John and Vivian Spinoso to the Spinoso Masters Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation.

For individuals to receive a Spinoso Masters Scholarship, they must be graduates of a DeKalb County high school and enrolled in a post-undergraduate institution working toward a master’s or higher degree in any field of study.

The four award recipients have a variety of educational pursuits:

• Hannah Kirby is a 2019 Sycamore High School graduate pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy at North Central College.
• Caitlyn Merkel is a 2018 Somonauk High School graduate working towards a master’s in speech-language pathology at Northern Illinois University.
• Emilie Schramer is a 2019 DeKalb High School graduate pursuing a master’s in speech-language pathology at Purdue University West Lafayette.
• Gretchen Sprinkle is a 2010 DeKalb High School graduate working towards a master’s in early childhood education at Northern Illinois University.

“I know the importance of speech-language pathologists firsthand and the impact they can make in one’s life,” said recipient Caitlyn Merkel. “My experience as a child and my recent clinical practicum experience reaffirmed my desire to be an SLP. I look forward to the impact I can have on future generations in a school setting. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my classwork and full-time clinical experience in the spring. I greatly appreciate the Spinoso’s generosity and support. Thank you!”

Donors John and Vivian Spinoso have a strong desire to support continuing education. In its 12th year of award distribution, the Spinoso Masters Scholarship has awarded over $360,000 to local graduates.

If giving the gift of education is of interest to you, consider donating to an existing Fund online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional scholarship information, please contact the Community Foundation at 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured above: 2023 Spinoso Scholarship recipients Hannah Kirby, Caitlyn Merkel, Emilie Schramer, and Gretchen Sprinkle.