peo chapter bk president Carol Phelps (left) and vice president Bobbi Mitchell (right) present Beth Myers with a $2,000 grant for continuing education on July 11.

Chapter BK first became aware of Beth Myers in March 2008 when projects chairman Carol Phelps shared Beth's determination to earn her bachelor's degree. While taking classes from Mesa State and CSU Pueblo during the summer, she simultaneously worked as a bookkeeper for four businesses, had a newspaper route, worked as a waitress three nights a week, was a janitor at Delta United Methodist Church, and taught Sunday school and played in the church's bell choir. In addition, she is a leader of the New Pride of the Valley 4-H Club and treasurer for the FFA Alumni.

"This certainly shouts commitment to us!" chapter vice president Bobbi Mitchell said in a letter accompanying Beth's application for the continuing education grant. The application was reviewed by PEO's executive office in Des Moines, Iowa, and this summer Beth was awarded $2,000.

Myers is working toward a bachelor's degree in special education. She has completed all the classes she can through Mesa State, so beginning in the fall she will attend the University of Northern Colorado for three semesters. She plans to return to Delta to complete her student teaching for the fourth semester. She can then work as a teacher in special education while studying for her master's degree as a teacher of the visually impaired, which is available online through UNC.

"As the number of visually impaired students steadily increases, the supply of teachers of the visually impaired steadily decreases," Myers noted. "These students deserve to have the assistance they need to succeed without having to spend time away from their families by attending schools specifically for the visually impaired such as the School for the Blind in Colorado Springs."

PEO is a Philanthropic Educational Organization which is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. Established in 1869, PEO supports five programs that are often referred to as "projects" by members. These are scholarship, grant, loan and award programs and a Cottey College, a two-year women's college owned by the organization. PEO projects were developed to assist women in furthering their education. Local PEO chapter fund raisers are one of the ways to support these programs.

Through its continuing education program, PEO provides need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

"Because we see such great determination and focus in Beth, we are excited to do something to help her reach her goal," said chapter president Carol Phelps. "Our support will certainly aid Beth in this way, and will benefit the community and the lives of children as well as their families."

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