Merrill and Sihn Awarded Founders' Scholarships

Mar 12, 2025

Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students who are dedicated to finding their calling throughout their higher education journey. The College historically welcomes two Founders’ Scholars among each freshman class, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2029, Grace Merrill from Wheaton, Illinois, and Hyunho Sihn from Kenya, Africa. As Founders’ Scholars, Merrill and Sihn have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

Merrill (pictured left) plans to major in Exercise Science with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Neuroscience. She looks forward to getting involved in Ballet 5:8 in the evenings and continuing her years of dance training. In between school and dance, she plans to invest her energy in the community as a servant leader, whether in worship, Bible studies, or just growing in faith alongside her fellow college students.

She recalls the blessing and privilege of being homeschooled alongside her three younger siblings throughout high school, managing a rigorous course schedule and taking dual-credit classes each week. She loves attending church with her family, serving on the worship team each week, and attending youth gatherings and service projects.

“Through faithful prayer and consideration, Trinity Christian College was my top choice. After attending the Founder’s event, it became evident to me that this is a place where people take their faith seriously, which informs other aspects of the school,” Merrill stated. “I believe Trinity is somewhere I can be both challenged and encouraged, and most importantly, grow closer to God. I praise Him for bringing me this opportunity!”

Sihn (pictured right) plans to take advantage of the multiple opportunities to enrich his higher education and invest in his career through the vast network of internships available through Trinity Christian College. He looks forward to participating in many student activities at Trinity, like the International Students Club, Tabletop, and Innovation Clubs.

Originally from South Korea, Sihn now lives in Kenya and is actively involved in the community at Rift Valley Academy. Whether through school or church, he regularly attends Bible studies and is an enthusiast about music, as he is part of the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. The Robotics Club at school has allowed him to grow and explore ways to incorporate this passion into his learning journey.

“Trinity Christian College offers great, high-quality education, and it also really helps me with opportunities for my career in the future,” Sihn states. “And most important to me was the Christ-centered community at Trinity Christian College. I am happy to have the privilege of having a Christian community to help me grow in my faith.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Grace and Hyunho to the Trinity community this fall. Both have demonstrated outstanding leadership in spiritual, academic, and social areas,” said Andrea Mossuto, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions.  “We are eager to see how these two remarkable individuals will influence, guide, and thrive at Trinity throughout their time here.”

***

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.