Hiawatha Teacher Honored with New Scholarship Fund

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation has established the Shirley Lorenz Yates Scholarship Fund to support graduating seniors from Hiawatha High School in Kirkland who plan to major in education. The fund, created through the estate of her son Steven Yates and contributions from her daughter Jean Klock, is the first endowed scholarship at the foundation designated specifically for Hiawatha graduates. Shirley Belle Yates taught for 31 years, primarily at Hiawatha, and was known for her dedication to social studies and helping students understand American history and civic responsibility. The scholarship will continue her legacy by assisting students pursuing careers in education, and donations can be made online or through the foundation’s office.