The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is proud to announce the recipients of its annual KSO Senior Musician Scholarship, awarded to DeKalb County graduating high school musicians.

Awardees of the KSO’s 2024 scholarships:

Stephanie Kim – DeKalb High School

Makena Ndicu – Sycamore High School

Keira Specht – DeKalb High School

Ellison Xu – Sycamore High School

Stephanie Kim, a violinist from Sycamore High School, aspires to major in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences in college, combining her passion for music with her goal of contributing to the field of healthcare.

Makena Ndicu, an oboist from Sycamore High School, plans to major in Oboe Performance in college, with a minor in Music Business.

Keira Specht, a violinist from DeKalb High School, plans to major in Violin Performance in college.

Ellison Xu, a harpist from DeKalb High School, intends to pursue a dual degree/double major in college, with options including Harp Performance (B.M.)/Actuarial Science or Music (B.A.)/Mathematics.

These scholarships recognize exceptional talent and dedication, supporting the continuing education and musical development of these young artists. Scholarships are given to one or more select high school student musicians who reside in DeKalb County, have played in an instrumental music ensemble in high school and will be a member of an instrumental music ensemble in college this fall.

The KSO is grateful for the support it received for the scholarship program by a grant from the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation and other generous donations from individuals. To donate to the KSO Scholarship Fund, visit kishorchestra.org/donate or contact Deb Loitz, KSO Music Education Outreach Chair, at musicoutreach@kishorchestra.org.

Photo Caption: Stephanie Kim and Lynn Hansen, KSO personnel manager, (not pictured: Makena Ndicu) at Sycamore High School