Kayla Britsch, a senior at Devils Lake High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended for this international scholarship the by P.E.O. Chapter of Ellendale, ND.
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.
In addition to being an excellent student, Kayla’s was very involved in a wide variety of activities including Cross Country and Track, Basketball, Choir (including Honor Choirs), Academic Team, FCCLA (Future Career & Community Leaders of America), Prom Committee, Honor Society and Student Council. Outside the classroom she took piano lessons, was an active member of Bethel Church’s worship team and Youth Group leader and worked as a lifeguard or Camp Counselor each summer. Additionally, she donated over 500 hours of her time and talents to volunteering within the community. When she had free time, she loved decorating cupcakes or hanging out with friends, family, and her dog. At the heart of her involvement and volunteering is a desire to be part of a team and to help other people.
Kayla will attend the University of North Dakota (UND) in the fall where she has been pre-accepted to the Physical Therapy doctoral program.
P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women and helping women reach for the stars for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the non-profit organization has helped more than 122,000 women pursue educational goals by providing nearly $415 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 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 Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 5,600 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 at: facebook.com/peointernational
