Educational organization supports local graduates
Submitted by Charlotte Walters
Three young women who graduated from local high schools last spring each received an award of $500 from P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), Chapter KH of Quincy. Each of the young women is away at the college of her choice, working hard and enjoying college life.
Savannah Gay is at Montana State University, majoring in political science with a minor in environmental science.
Chyanne Morrison is in Twin Falls, Idaho, majoring in education. She is already using some of her teaching skills in the community.
Lana Murray, a graduate of Portola High School, is majoring in economics and math and minoring in computer science at the University of California at San Diego.
All of the students are attending some classes in person in the classroom and some virtual, online.
The members of Chapter KH are sending cards to encourage the students, and are hoping to see them at Christmas.
P.E.O. began in 1869 at Iowan Wesley University by seven young women who were attending college there. They were so thankful that they could study at college, and they wanted other women to have that same benefit. Since then, P.E.O. has grown into an international organization, with $5 million in scholarships, ranging from high school seniors, those in continuing education, and those in graduate and doctoral programs. Since 1927 P.E.O. has owned Cottey College, a highly ranked women’s liberal arts college in Nevada, Missouri.
In addition to giving the two local scholarships, Chapter KH nominates one young woman each year to P.E.O International to compete for one of the 175 Star scholarships. Each Star Scholarship is $2,500.
If you would like to know more about the financial help available from P.E.O. you can go online at peointernational.org. For local scholarships, please check with the counselors at Portola High School and Quincy High School.
