Plawchan receives P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
P.E.O. Chapter AH of East Tennessee recommended and sponsored Plawchan.
“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 USA or Canada during the next academic year,” a P.E.O. press release stated. “The STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.
“Sofia leads with her musical talents, sharing her skills on bass clarinet and saxophone in Farragut High School marching bands, concerts and plays during her high school career,” the press release
stated. “As a leader in music, she also won many awards at state and national competitions. Her community service included over 50 hours through the National Honors Society.”
Additionally, Plawchan received high praise from a local middle school for her work with their musical instruments, supplies and especially her work with the youth, encouraging their interest in music.
“Her physical talents and leadership skills also shined on the soccer field, where she played as a team member for many years and later became a certified referee and member of USSF Referee Association, Tennessee Branch.
“Sophia’s academic excellence in high school showed high potential for future success and she is still ‘reaching for the stars’ while attending North Texas University this fall, where she will study
music business,” the release added.
“P.E.O. Tennessee Chapter AH has been an active part of the Knoxville community since its organization in 1983,” it stated. “P.E.O. has been celebrating women helping women ‘reach for the stars’ for more than 155 years.
“Since its inception in 1869, this nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships and awards and loans,” it stated. “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,” the press release stated. “What started as 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 educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also join at @PEOInternational on Instagram.
