Schmidt

PENDLETON — A pair of Pendleton High School seniors were among 900 candidates across the United States and Canada who received scholarships from the Philanthropic Educational Organization.

Julianne Jones — nominated by Pendleton PEO Chapter CM — and Hailey Schmidt — nominated by Pendleton PEO Chapter EM — each received the PEO STAR Scholarship award of $2,500. According to a press release, the STAR Scholarship program was established in 2009 to reward outstanding young women in their senior year of high school.

Applicants were evaluated for their achievements in and out of the classroom. Candidates were reviewed by local PEO chapters with special attention given to community service and leadership, as well as academics and extracurricular activities.

Jones has been involved with the CommuniCare Club at Pendleton High School since 2021. The statewide organization invites students to become involved in their communities through volunteer work, fundraising and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations. In addition, she has served as co-chair on the Pendleton Public Library Teen Advisory Board.

“I have been encouraged, guided, and empowered by strong and inspiring women through every step of the PEO STAR scholarship process,” Jones said. “I feel eternally grateful for the positive impact that they have had on the trajectory of my educational goals.”

She plans to study aviation technology at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

A student-athlete, Schmidt was captain of the girls varsity basketball and soccer teams. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society, co-founder of the school’s Ecology Club and a member of the Culture Club. Her volunteer activities include the Festival of Trees and Daddy Daughter Dance.

“To be selected for this scholarship is an honor to me, as it is not just financial support but is also confirmation of my dedication and hard work within my community and at school,” Schmidt said. “This opportunity allows me to successfully pursue my academic aspirations and conquer my goals as I move forward into college.”

Schmidt will study nursing at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California.

PEO is an international women’s group that focuses on opportunities for women. In addition to assisting women in pursuing educational goals, the sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for its members. For more information, search www.peointernational.org.