Carolyn Erich, Marrie Crawford, Penny Cerruti, Jessica Burke, and Kay Stanicek
Kay Stanicek
Jessica Burke, a graduate of Hamilton High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter CY, Sun Lakes.
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited postsecondary 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.
Jessica has made numerous contributions as a volunteer, author, and founder of a very successful blog, Otium, with more than three million viewers, dedicated to answering common questions about the food industry. She excelled academically while participating in many school and community activities and leading a TED talk. Her participation in Girl Scouts led her to authoring a cookbook and receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Jessica is pursuing her undergraduate degree at Pepperdine University focusing on food studies. Chapter CY has been a part of the Sun Lakes community since 1985.
P.E.O. has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 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 half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance though 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 Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 5,500 chapters.
To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies, and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also join us by contacting Chapter CY Jeanette Fletcher at 641-777-0284.