Folsom resident receives prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship

Grace Damico, a Folsom resident and recent graduate of Cottonwood High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter PI of Placerville. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the US 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. Damico is a member of the National Honor Society, earned Girl Scouts of America Silver, Gold and Rose awards, volunteered and led fundraising for NorCal Freedom for Paws, a foster-based animal rescue. While still in high school and earning college credit at Jessup University, she volunteered in a kindergarten class and wrote, illustrated and published a children's book, "The Life of Hollywood," about finding one's life purpose. She will continue her studies at Jessup in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher. Chapter PI has been a part of the foothills community since it was organized in 1978. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been motivating, educating and celebrating women for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 129,000 women pursue educational goals by providing $462 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. 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 more than 5,400 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.