Mt. Pleasant’s McCormick receives P.E.O. STAR Scholarship

Katie McCormick, a senior at Mt. Pleasant Community High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter NZ of Mt. Pleasant.

Katie is involved in Mt. Pleasant Community High School music programs: she is in the jazz band, show band, symphonic band, marching band, chamber choir and participates in the St. Alphonsus Church Youth Band and Church Choir. She also uses her talents in the First Presbyterian handbell choir. Katie is active in the community and works at Hy-Vee part time. She will attend the University of Iowa in the fall, and is undecided about what her major will be.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior women to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000 women pursue educational goals by providing over $385 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the U.S. and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.

What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mt. Pleasant is now one of the oldest women's organizations in North America with close to 6,000 chapters. To learn more about P.E.O., its educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from its programs, visit peointernational.org.