P.E.O. members, Nancy Henrichsen and Mary Kay Birum presenting scholarship grant from Joan Bacso Scholarship Fund to Vanessa Giebink, center.

Mesquite’s P.E.O. Chapter AM is pleased to announce recognition and financial support for local women Vanessa Giebink and Kaitlyn Frump.  Vanessa graduated with a business degree from Dixie State University in 2016 and is currently head of the Mesquite Learning Center.  To fulfill her desire to advance in the growth and development of our new library, she must earn a master’s degree in library science. Funds awarded by local P.E.O. will help Vanessa achieve that goal and serve the Mesquite community.

Kaitlyn graduated from Virgin Valley High School and is currently attending Utah Valley University majoring in business management and marketing with the end goal of becoming a CEO of a nonprofit organization.   While working various part time jobs and carrying a full load of classes, she continues to hold a 3.92 GPA.  Scholarship money received from P.E.O. will go toward her textbooks.

P.E.O. is an international organization with almost 6000 chapters and a quarter million members across the United States and Canada.   As stated in it’s mission statement:  P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational 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.

Chapter AM is a group of over 50 local women who share friendship and passion for helping women “reach for the stars.”   Since its organization in 2006, Chapter AM has given support and financial assistance to over 20 local women and contributed many thousands of dollars to centralized projects that benefit women all over the United States and Canada.   In addition to social interaction the group works on two major fund raisers each year in order to provide financial assistance to women in Mesquite as well as around the world.  A giant garage sale in spring and a very popular Oktoberfest celebration in the fall help provide income for scholarships, grants and loans.

P.E.O. is a source of encouragement and support for women; both for members in chapter life and for women who benefit from philanthropic assistance, whether newly embarking on college or career training, pursuing a graduate degree, or returning to school after life events have derailed dreams.  To find out more about P.E.O., please go to the website PEOinternational.org.  Membership is by invitation and there is currently an effort underway to form a second P.E.O. chapter in Mesquite.  If you are interested in learning more about the organization and being part of this force for good or if you or someone in your circle needs assistance in attaining educational goals, please email the local chapter at peo.amchapter@gmail.com.