Women's philanthropy group awards this year’s scholarship to Newberg High grad

The local chapter of the women’s advocacy group Philanthropic Educational Organization has announced the recipient of its annual scholarship: Newberg High School grad Isabella Herboldt.

The organization, established internationally in 1869 and locally in 1967, “has been celebrating women and helping women reach for the stars for more than 150 years” and has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing in excess of $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans.

“We are delighted to award Isa with our funds, which have been raised by community members for our foundation,” Chapter President Sue Nesbitt said in a release.

Herboldt, according to the release, will put the $2,000 scholarship to good use as a nursing student at George Fox University.

The chapter has been offering scholarships to female NHS graduates since the 1960s, although back then the scholarship was a more modest $200. To be eligible, students must earn a minimum 2.75 grade-point average. Once awarded, the funds are sent directly to an accredited institution of higher learning or technical school.

Termed the “sisterhood,” membership in the organization “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 organization sprouted from the friendship of seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and is now one of the oldest women’s groups in North America with 45,600 chapters.

To learn more about the organization, visit www.peointernational.org . To join the local organization or access more information, email Chapter DX Publicity contact Leslie Atiyeh, at leslie@atiyeh.com or call her at 503-538-7560.