Bonners Ferry P.E.O. awards five $1,000 college scholarships

Five Bonners Ferry High School female graduates from the Class of 2026 received $1,000 scholarships from Bonners Ferry Chapter AP of P.E.O. during Wednesday’s Senior Tea and Awards ceremony. Scholarship recipients are Lilian Bremer, Hailey Dickson, Madeline Hart, Matisyn Stiern and Hallie Thomson. 

The scholarships are funded through community support of local fundraising efforts, including holiday nut sales and a spring yard and garden sale. 

One scholarship is awarded each year in memory of Mary Hayes, a longtime local P.E.O. member and educator in Boundary County. The scholarship is provided by her son, George Hays, a former Mount Hall Elementary teacher. This year’s Mary Hayes Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lilian Bremer. 

Each year, Chapter AP hosts a celebratory tea for scholarship recipients and their families. The event includes fresh flower arrangements, lace tablecloths, homemade cookies, punch and coffee in recognition of the graduating class and its accomplishments. 

Founded more than 150 years ago, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) works to provide educational opportunities and support for women. Bonners Ferry Chapter AP has served the community since 1937, and local scholarship awards began in 1956. Chapter AP has awarded $5,000 in local college scholarships annually for the past three years. 

P.E.O. International also offers scholarships, grants and low-interest loan programs at multiple educational levels, including the STAR Scholarship for exceptional high school seniors, the Program for Continuing Education for women returning to school, Scholar Awards for women pursuing doctoral degrees and the Educational Loan Fund. More information is available at www.peointernational.org/educational-support/scholar-awards.