Group helps non-traditional student

The P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational

Organization) Program for Continuing Education has awarded Margaret

Stell of Whitefish a $2,000 grant.

She was sponsored by Chapter D of

Whitefish to continue her studies for a bachelor’s degree in

elementary education from Flathead Valley Community College and the

University of Great Falls.

Stell returned to school after being a

stay-at-home mom. She was inspired to get an education degree after

working with Campus Corps, an AmeriCorps Program, and Whitefish

CARE.

“It’s incredible,” she said of the

grant. “Without this I’d be looking to drop classes to work

more.”

Stell said the grant will pay for a

semester of school at FVCC and help with books. She expects to

graduate May of 2012.

While going to school she is working as

an assistant teacher at the Whitefish Community School and has also

spent time in the Whitefish schools.

Established in 1973, the Program for

Continuing Education presents need-based grants to women in the

United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted.

P.E.O. is an organization whose members celebrate the advancement

of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards and 4

percent loans.