Elgin Community College Welcomes Second Cohort of Seigle Scholars

Four Elgin Community College students no longer worry about the cost of pursuing higher education. As the newest Seigle Scholars, they will receive full scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and books. The second cohort was welcomed at a reception on Wednesday, September 24, in Building E.

Established in 2024 by District 509 philanthropists Mark and Robin Seigle, the Seigle Scholar Program covers all student expenses for up to 60 credits toward an associate degree at ECC for graduating high school seniors or first-year college students.

“We were both so thrilled to meet the four 2025 cohorts at the reception, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this group of young women,” said the Seigles in a statement. “Once again, we are impressed with the decisions made by the selection committee, as these students deserve to be recognized as Seigle Scholars.”

The 2025-26 scholars are Sophia Cork, Trinity Tecson, Brynn Copp, and Ream Basraoui.

Sophia Cork

Sophia Cork, an ECC freshman and Burlington Central High School graduate, is majoring in biology and pre-med. She earned the 100-hour volunteer service award for her years of volunteering and community service at events and fairs. Cork also became the first female Senior Patrol Leader for the Three Fires National Youth Leadership Training Program. In 2024, she received the rank of Eagle Scout, earning the Bronze Palm award in August 2024.

“While Community Service may be primarily to give back to the community, many people don’t realize the impact it can have on you as an individual as well as the group you’re giving back to,” Cork said in her application essay.

Trinity Tecson

Freshman Trinity Tecson from St. Charles East High School will major in Veterinary Medicine. Like Cork, she has a history of community service, including her high school involvement and volunteering at her local church.

“I plan to pursue the veterinary field, as my volunteer work has influenced me to integrate compassion into helping more families,” Tecson said. “As veterinary practices continue to evolve, I want to ensure that care and kindness remain at the forefront.”

Brynn Copp

Brynn Copp, also from St. Charles East High School, is studying accounting at ECC. Copp has volunteered primarily at the St. Charles Public Library. There, she led seven teen open mic events and a teen craft fair. She also tutors students at the St. Charles East Writing Center.

“Having positive experiences at the library has demonstrated the sense of fulfillment I get from being a leader, and I will seek that for the rest of my life,” Copp said in her essay. “I am passionate about learning and continuously improving my leadership skills.”

Ream Basraoui

Ream Basraoui, a Streamwood High School graduate, plans to study biology and pre-med. Her goal is to enter the medical field, which is supported by her history of volunteering and community outreach.

As a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Ream qualified for state certification in EMT and was exposed to various aspects of health care. This solidified her desire to enter the health field.

“Assisting with community health initiatives has deepened my understanding of proactive medical care and its role of improving lives,” she wrote in her essay.

“The ECC Foundation, the 2025 Seigle Scholars Cohort, and their families will be forever grateful to Robin and Mark Seigle for their outstanding generosity,” said Rachel Stack, interim executive director of Institutional Advancement and the ECC Foundation. “The Seigles are making ECC and the Elgin community stronger through their investment in higher education.”

More information on the scholarship program can be found here. Those interested in investing in education at ECC, please contact the ECC Foundation at 847-214-7377 or foundation@elgin.edu.