The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 Spinoso Masters Scholarship recipients. This year, four individuals pursuing postgraduate degrees divide $30,000 in generous support. Congratulations to recipients Abigail Krull, Ashley Peterson, Jennifer Kuo, and Misty Villagomez. 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.

Individuals who receive a Spinoso Masters Scholarship must be graduates of a DeKalb County high school and enrolled in an accredited institution working toward a master’s degree or higher in any field of study.

The four award recipients have a variety of educational pursuits.

1. Abigail Krull is a 2020 Sycamore High School graduate pursuing a master’s in genetic counseling at the University of Minnesota.
2. Ashley Peterson is a 2019 Genoa-Kingston High School graduate pursuing a master’s in communication sciences and disorders at University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.
3. Jennifer Kuo is a 2016 Sycamore High School graduate working towards a Juris Doctor degree at University of Chicago Law School.
4. Misty Villagomez is a 2018 Genoa-Kingston High School graduate working towards a master’s in international relations at American University.

“I went into college thinking I would become a speech therapist in the schools, helping children of all ages,” said recipient Ashley Peterson. “I love the schools and kids, but as I started exploring the field more, I took my first medical-based speech therapy class and absolutely fell in love. I knew then that working with adults with acquired disabilities in medical settings was my calling. I am extremely grateful to have been selected as a recipient. This scholarship will assist in funding the last year of my master’s degree, where I will be completing full-time training internships and finishing up my content classes.”

Donors John and Vivian Spinoso have a strong desire to support continuing education. In its 13th year of award distribution, the Spinoso Masters Scholarship has awarded over $390,000 to local graduates.

If giving the gift of education interests 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: The 2024 Spinoso Scholarship recipients are (left to right) Abigail Krull, Ashley Peterson, Jennifer Kuo, and Misty Villagomez.