The DeKalb County Community Foundation is honored to share the establishment of the Shirley Lorenz Yates Scholarship Fund.

Created in memory of Shirley Lorenz Yates through the estate of her son, Steven Yates, and by her daughter Jean Klock, the Fund will support graduating seniors from Hiawatha High School in Kirkland, Illinois, who plan to major in education. This is the first endowed Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation designated specifically for Hiawatha High School graduates.

“I am pleased that my mother’s passion for teaching will be forever remembered through this scholarship,” said Jean Klock.

Shirley Belle Yates taught for 31 years, including many years at Hiawatha School in Kirkland. She began her teaching career in 1942 after graduating from Northern Illinois Teacher College and also taught at Burlington High School. She primarily taught sixth grade and was known for her love of social studies and her dedication to helping students understand American history and civic responsibility.

Her love of teaching extended beyond the classroom. Everything in her life, including the farm she lived on, the gardens she tended, and the home she cared for, provided teachable moments for her children. Her grandson, nieces, and nephews continue to share a deep love and respect for the passionate life she lived.

Through this Fund, her legacy will continue by supporting students who feel called to pursue a career in education and make a difference in the lives of others.

“It is an honor to witness this historic moment for our rural school district,” said Chris Mrofcza, Professional School Counselor at Hiawatha Sr High School CUSD #426. “Shirley’s life and career have touched generations, and now her legacy will continue to support students through our very first endowed Scholarship Fund. This is a proud day for our community, and we hope it marks the beginning of a tradition that will benefit students for years to come.”

This opportunity was made possible through an unrestricted gift from the Steven Yates estate, which named the Community Foundation as a beneficiary. In alignment with the family’s wishes, the Foundation Board directed a portion of the gift to create a lasting tribute to Shirley’s life and passion for teaching.

”We are grateful to Steve Yates for entrusting his estate to the Community Foundation and to his remaining family for helping honor Shirley and her passion and commitment to education and the Kirkland community,” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

Donations to the Shirley Lorenz Yates Scholarship Fund can be made online, by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178, or in person at the Foundation office.

For questions or to learn more about how your estate can support the organizations, causes, and communities that matter most to you through Generosity Across Generations, contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.