Local PEO chapter supports young women with scholarships

PEO is a worldwide philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Sandpoint has two active chapters of PEO (Chapter CA & Chapter V) who have been encouraging and supporting young women in our community for over half a century. PEO Chapter CA recently awarded scholarships to four area seniors who personify the organization’s ideals of Faith, Love, Purity in Heart & Spirit, Justice and Truth.

PEO Chapter CA is made up of more than 40 local women of diverse ages and backgrounds dedicated to helping young women continue their education in a myriad of ways, to improve their lives so they can in turn give back to the world and their communities in their own unique ways.

Funds for local scholarships are raised in part through proceeds from annual fundraising events including an annual luncheon auction and raffle ticket sales for Yoke’s shopping sprees. Just as the dreams of these students were not quashed by COVID, the members of PEO Chapter CA remained committed to awarding the scholarships as planned — conducting interviews with all applicants virtually — and wish to congratulate and celebrate the following young women for their accomplishments and their future plans they are embarking on this fall:

Sophie McMahon, Clark Fork High School, is attending Western Washington University to study International Development & Special Education leading to a career that will involve working for, and one day perhaps founding, a non-profit organization focused on helping people with special needs and disadvantaged communities in developing countries around the world.

Mikayla Schoening, Sandpoint High School, is attending Idaho State University in Pocatello to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene, with an ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric dentist who travels to third world countries to perform surgeries and promote dental hygiene.

Taylor James, Sandpoint High School, is a Vandal this fall at University of Idaho, majoring in Political Science/International Studies, followed by Law School, studying to become an environmental lawyer to help preserve natural resources.

Sage Saccomanno, Sandpoint High School, headed to Bard College in Annandale-on-the-Hudson, New York, to major in Environmental Studies & Political Science, with a goal to become an environmental lawyer. She also has political aspirations to serve in public office to make a positive difference.

PEO Chapter CA salutes these fine young members of our community as they head out into the world to make a positive difference. “You go, girls,” members said.