BROKEN BOW — For Erin Taylor, receiving the P.E.O. Chapter S Senior Student Achievement Award is more than a scholarship. It is a reminder that the next step in her education comes with the support of a community behind her.
Taylor, a graduate of Broken Bow High School and the daughter of Amy and Jess Taylor, was selected as this year’s recipient of the $500 award. She will attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall, where she plans to study pre-pharmacy through the KHOP program.
“I was really honored,” Taylor said. “It’s such a good group of women wanting to support my future. It’s nice to have people behind me as I enter the next chapter.”
The award recognizes a senior girl who has gone above and beyond in academics, leadership, volunteerism, community involvement and service to others. Chapter S members said Taylor stood out not only because of what she has accomplished, but because of the way she carries herself while helping those around her.
“She always makes sure that whatever is going on, everybody is taken care of and everybody gets included,” one Chapter S representative said. “She puts others before her needs.”
Taylor said much of her success at Broken Bow High School came from the support system around her. She credited her family, teachers, coaches, sponsors, and classmates with pushing her to grow through academics, athletics, and school activities.
“I think mostly the support from everyone in my school helped me,” Taylor said. “My parents and family, obviously, but all the people in school were always pushing me to want more.”
Taylor said being involved in multiple sports, clubs, and activities helped shape her high school experience. She said each group gave her opportunities to learn leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.
“I’m involved in a lot, so I have lots of different sponsors and lots of different coaches and people who push me every day,” Taylor said. “Every single one of them contributed.”
As she looks ahead to college, Taylor said UNK felt like the right fit because of its welcoming environment and smaller campus feel.
“I went there, and it felt very welcoming,” Taylor said. “It’s a smaller campus compared to a lot of them, but all the people just felt really happy to be there and really encouraging.”
Taylor said her long-term goal is to give back to the same community that has supported her throughout her life.
“Community has made one of the biggest impacts on me,” Taylor said. “Lots of people know me, and lots of people are always willing to help out whenever we need it. I want to give back to the people who have supported me.”
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is an international philanthropic organization dedicated to helping women achieve their educational goals. Through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans, P.E.O. supports women as they pursue higher education and career aspirations.
Founded in 1869, P.E.O. has empowered generations of women through educational opportunities, personal encouragement, and community service. Chapter S said it is proud to continue that tradition by recognizing and supporting outstanding students in the community.
One Chapter S representative said the organization’s mission remains centered on women helping other women move forward.
“One of our main goals is promoting education for women and helping them succeed,” the representative said. “We’re sisters helping sisters.”
Chapter S members said students interested in future opportunities are encouraged to connect with local P.E.O. members in the community. The chapter said it is always looking for young women who are working hard, serving others, and preparing for their next step.
Taylor also offered advice for younger students hoping to earn awards or scholarships in the future.
“Put yourself out there,” Taylor said. “Don’t be shy. Get involved in everything you can. The more leadership you take in those groups, your opportunity is even better.”
Chapter S congratulated Taylor on the achievement and said members look forward to the positive impact she will make in her community and beyond.
