Claire Williams, a senior at Wright City R-II 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 MS of Warrenton.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior 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.

Williams received this scholarship for her extraordinary record of academic excellence, athletic leadership, and community service. Williams currently serves as a staff writer and Editor-in-Chief of the “Wright City Connection,” Vice President of Student Council, Student Advisor for Future Business Leaders of America, Leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and an active member of the National Honor Society. Her achievements have earned her the Missouri State Activities Association Academic All-State Award, honoring her outstanding performance in both academics and athletics.

A four-year leader of the Wright City High School volleyball team, Williams balanced her athletic commitments with involvement in numerous student organizations, including Health Occupation Students of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Special Olympics Buddy, Key Club, Spanish Club and National Honor Society. She has also been recognized for exceptional dedication to community service through Future Business Leaders of America, where she provided outstanding service to her local chapter.

Her academic achievements include receiving English and Science Department Awards and being selected as Wright City High School Student of the Month during each of her four years of high school — an honor that underscores her consistent excellence and commitment to learning.

Williams has been accepted into the University of Mississippi Honors College, where she will pursue a degree in Nursing. Her leadership, compassion and dedication to service position her for continued success as she embarks on her next chapter.

Chapter MS has been a part of the Warren County community since it was organized in 1994.

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 approximately $462 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood is also the primary support for 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 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 over 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.