Sara Nickels, recipient Delaney Baylor, Kirk Lundbeck (DeKalb Municipal Band Conductor)

Congratulations to Delaney Baylor, this year’s Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship recipient. Baylor is a 2025 Sycamore High School graduate pursuing a degree in music education at Illinois State University. An accomplished musician, Baylor serves as principal cellist in multiple ensembles, including the Sycamore Jazz Strings, NIU CSA Sinfonia, and Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestras.

Longtime DeKalb Municipal Band Director Dee Palmer and his supporters established the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation in 2009. The Fund awards one scholarship annually to a graduating senior from a DeKalb County high school who plans to pursue a music career.

“Each year, the scholarship committee faces the difficult task of choosing a single recipient from an exceptional group of applicants from all over DeKalb County,” explained Foundation Grants & Scholarships Manager Sara Nickels. “Their selection of Baylor is strong evidence of her talent, achievements, and commendable post-graduation goals.”

For questions or additional scholarship information, contact Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.

Past Palmer Scholarship recipients >

Dee Palmer – Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship