Have you ever wondered about project recipients once they have received their awards? Five P.E.O. STAR Scholarship recipients at Cottey discuss their past, present and future plans. See how YOU have made a difference …
BELLA DALLY
“I have always been fascinated with teaching and helping other people.”
(2010 recipient)
Bella grew up on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation among the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai people. Focusing on her cultural heritage, she learned to speak the Salish language mand volunteered for the reservation’s health education programs.
During her eighth grade year, a P.E.O. introduced Bella to Cottey College. “There was an intercom announcement for a presentation about a women’s college and at that time I really wanted to get out of my math class.”
During high school Bella played volleyball, basketball and softball; coached youth softball and basketball; served as vice president of the West Montana District of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); worked part-time and graduated fifth in her class.
At Cottey, Bella has served as the Robertson Hall freshman representative to Cottey’s Student Government Association and cleans local houses for extra money. When asked about her favorite aspects of Cottey, she quickly answered, “The welcoming suite environment, helpful tutoring program, [her] loving Catholic Church host family and P.E.O.!”
Bella plans to attend the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., or Boise State University to pursue a constitutional law degree.
JOSEPHINE FOLEY
“I want to be an ambassador for horses that have been mistreated or are injured.”
(2010 recipient)
Despite growing up in a small town, Josie found opportunities to make a difference. In high school, she was involved with the Nevada Future Farmers of America, Spanish Club, band, theater, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She had a part-time job and graduated with honors.
Currently, Josie serves as secretary for Angels for Pets and Cottey’s Emerson Society and is a freshman suite representative. Three nights each week she tutors students from her high school and is also involved in numerous church activities.
Josie plans to earn a master’s degree in equestrian science, a doctoral degree in animal science and hopes to make a positive impact on the cattle industry by developing a healthy, chemical-free meat and an efficient grain for the animals.
ANNETTE STEVENSON
“I have always been a rather driven and goal-oriented individual.”
(2010 recipient)
As a high school senior, Annette was the crew leader for one of Pineville’s Heart of Oregon Corps crews. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, her crew worked on a wetland preservation project studying stream vegetation.
Leadership and decision making were familiar concepts to Annette, who served as the student government secretary, Key Club member and Rotary Club volunteer. She also competed in track and cross country skiing. Graduating tenth in her class, she wanted an academically focused college and said, “I liked the idea of having close connections with my professors.”
At Cottey, Annette has participated in the LEO certificate program; is Freshman Class Song Leader; a member of the Feminist Majority Foundation and a receptionist for P.E.O. Hall. Although focused on a career in marine biology, Annette has enjoyed studying ceramics this semester.
Annette is thankful for the support system resulting from completing her STAR Scholarship application, “It is nice to have someone to talk to and share your experiences with that cares about your education.”
REBECCA EATON
“My fascination with law and psychology I will use as stepping stones to influence my surroundings.”
(2009 recipient)
“I would definitely choose Cottey College again,” Rebecca states. “The STAR Scholarship meant I had an opportunity to continue my education wherever I might go, and it’s given me the opportunity to live through my education to be a better woman in life.”
Currently Rebecca is a resident assistant in Robertson Hall, vice president of the Rotaract Club, a member of Bacchus and the LEO program and an intern for the Vernon County Youth Task Force. Rebecca plans to study political science andcounseling, minoring in Spanish, at William Jewell College with the goal of becoming a lawyer for children’s advocacy.
JULIE HANKINSON
“I want to make a difference in the life of a child.”
(2009 recipient)
To earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Julie hosted a community Thanksgiving dinner for 200 people in need or alone during the holiday. Growing up in a small town, she was active in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, served on numerous mission teams and worked at the local nursing home as a dining room aide.
After graduation, Julie plans to earn an elementary education degree from William Woods University and pursue a career teaching kindergarten—she already has classroom experience after completing a work-study program at an elementary school in Nevada. Julie served as a Golden Key Ambassador, is a member of Psi Beta National Honor Society for psychology students, volunteers through the LEO program, participates in a wind ensemble and is a student representative on the Cottey Assessment Committee.
“The [STAR] Scholarship was an honor to receive,” Julie shared. “My mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and sister are all P.E.O. members. I have also been initiated. Being a P.E.O. made my Cottey experience even more meaningful.”
Ever-changing circumstances and economic realities are encouraging young women to expand their horizons and explore new careers—often with a global impact. This is no more evident than with the innovative achievements and leadership shown in the increased number of P.E.O. STAR Scholarship applications and continued growth of Cottey College.
Leadership is the common thread running through the lives and focus of today’s young women, providing opportunities and encouraging them “to step out of the mold,” reaching far beyond their comfortable surroundings. They have traveled more extensively, participated in decisions affecting their communities and regions, advocated policy changes and seek to address the needs, lives and cultural conditions of the world’s population.
Since P.E.O. accepted the gift of Cottey College in 1927, Cottey has continued as a premier college encouraging students to flourish by providing life-changing educational opportunities and programming designed for the success of women. Eighty-two years later, with the establishment of the STAR Scholarship in 2009, there is a perfect blending of efforts offering recognition and endless possibilities for achievement and growth. By acknowledging their present excellence and encouraging and channeling the skills of these Scholarship and Cottey College will make them more forward-thinking and poised to achieve higher goals and greater recognition in their future endeavors.
The accomplishments of these young women are a glimpse of what their future achievements are certain to be. P.E.O. members are encouraged to explain the benefits and opportunities our projects offer and how they work. By sharing information and answering questions, school administrators, parents and communities will have a better understanding of the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship and the uniqueness of a Cottey College education.
Help identify these emerging leaders
- for the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, recognizing and encouraging dreams, and
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for Cottey College, to develop their confidence, to realize their dreams and experience A Defining Moment.
