This year, 170 students received individual awards totaling over $439,000 in scholarships from Funds at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The average amount awarded per recipient exceeded $2,500, a marked increase over previous years.

Scholarship donor Harry Hartman presents the Ben C. Eade Scholarships to Jackson Heilemeier and LilyAnn Richardson at Sandwich High School senior awards night.

Class of 2025 Total Awards by School District

• • DeKalb High School – $70,400
  • Genoa-Kingston High School – $41,250
  • Hiawatha High School – $950
  • Indian Creek High School – $25,600
  • Sandwich High School – $5,700
  • Somonauk High School – $12,600
  • Sycamore High School – $91,825
  • Non-local High School – $15,200

Thanks to donor generosity, the Foundation awarded $51,925 in financial assistance to students attending 2-year colleges and trade schools this fall. Another $285,100 supports students enrolled in 4-year colleges, while $99,050 benefits scholars pursuing postgraduate degrees.

Locally, Kishwaukee College students received $39,625 (26 awards), and Northern Illinois University students received $59,050 (31 awards).

Scholarships are made possible by individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of education. Donors establish Scholarship Funds for various reasons, such as memorializing a loved one, supporting students pursuing specific career fields, or celebrating personal success.

New scholarships established this year include the DeKalb High School Outstanding ESL Student Scholarship, the Dombek Family Community Service Scholarship, the Samardzija-Gutesha FFA Scholarship, and the Sharon Sue Betts Wiggins Mier Scholarship.

Students can contact their high school counseling department to learn how to apply and visit dekalbccf.org/scholarships for details.

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