05/28/2026
This is awesome! Delaynie was one of our scholarship winners this year, too!
Introducing our next 2026 IWIL Scholarship Recipient Delaynie Raufer.
She graduated this year from Rochester High School and will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University, majoring in business with minor in music. Music, specifically the trombone, has been a huge part of Delaynie’s life. She has participated in the marching band, jazz band, concert band, and the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Delaynie feels she discovered her leadership potential in the band room; often spending time there during her free periods so she could mentor other band students. Beyond music, Delaynie has participated in high school government, Chess Club, Debate Club, Environmental Wellness Club, along with being the vice-president of her German Club and German National Honor Society.
Currently, Delaynie works at Cocoa Blue Chocolates in Rochester.
Her high school mathematics and NHS teacher, Maggie Murray, state that she is, “one of the most outstanding students I have encountered in my teaching career. Her hard work, kindness, and dedication truly set her apart.” She goes on to say that she “possesses the qualities and determination that will contribute to her success in higher education and beyond.”
We couldn’t agree more and are excited to see what the future holds for Delaynie!”
📸Photo Credit: Kristi Mitchell Photography
