Independence Community College (ICC) is proud to announce the selection of the Sproul Family as the First Generation Family of the Year for 2024, an honor that celebrates the transformative power of family support in achieving educational goals. Kelsy Sproul, an ICC alumna, has demonstrated remarkable dedication in becoming a first-generation college graduate and an impactful educator. Her journey, fueled by her family’s unwavering support, embodies the values of perseverance and community that ICC holds dear.
Kelsy balanced her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and student with the encouragement of her husband, Raymond, and their four children—Johnny, David, Adeline, and Olivia. Together, they created an environment that enabled Kelsy to complete her studies while working and raising a family. Raymond played a crucial role by managing household duties and helping with their children so that Kelsy could focus on her studies and teaching goals. Her children offered heartfelt support and understanding, especially on long days when Kelsy came home after a full schedule of classes and teaching.
Reflecting on her journey, Kelsy expressed, “Independence Community College has been instrumental in my educational journey, providing the support I needed to reach my goals and positively impacting my family along the way. Through the K-State/ICC Pathways Program, I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education from Kansas State University. I was able to take courses through ICC and easily transfer those credits to Kansas State to make that dream a reality. Today, I am proud to be a graduate student at Kansas State University, furthering my studies in Curriculum and Instruction. The foundation I built at ICC has been transformative for both my career and my family, inspiring us all to embrace lifelong learning and growth.”
David Adams, ICC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, expressed his admiration for the Sproul family, stating, "It is a true honor to present the First Generation Family of the Year award to the Sproul family. Their story exemplifies the strength, dedication, and resilience that it takes to achieve great things in higher education. Kelsy and her family embody the mission of ICC, and we are proud to celebrate their success as an inspiration to future generations of first-generation students.”
ICC congratulates the Sproul Family for this well-deserved recognition and applauds their commitment to education, family, and community.