Although the snowbirds have flown north, and the town has taken on a bit of quiet before the summer visitors arrive, giving is still happening on Vero’s Beach.
The Vero Beach Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization awarded a scholarship to island resident Samantha Simpson last Tuesday, at a luncheon held at the Riomar Beach Club.
Simpson, who graduated from Sebastian River High School last Saturday, is an extremely well rounded young woman. An articulate, competitive swimmer, as well as a singer, she is passionate about science. She was honored by the local chapter of the PEO, an organization that helps women succeed through educational opportunity. The award process is a competitive one, and the members who spoke with scholarship applicants were amazed at the caliber of the young scholars.
In order to come up with deserving scholarship candidates, members speak to guidance counselors and other school administrators. Strong leadership and academic skills are also taken into account, in addition to a financial need. Selection Committee members spoke enthusiastically about the experience of meeting so many talented young people. Samantha stood out from a wide field of applicants, both in the community and statewide, a bright hope for the future.
“It was eye-opening to see what talent we have in this community,” said PEO member Bobbie Winger, the wife of the Vero Beach mayor.
Susan Caito, another member, and a former executive, was extremely impressed with Simpson’s curriculum vitae.
“She has one of the best resumes I have ever seen,” said Caito.
Kristen Simpson, an Indian River County teacher, and Samantha’s extremely proud mother, was grateful for the scholarship.
“It is a nice push in a positive direction,” said Kristen Simpson, beaming, as she talked about Samantha’s love of science, from the time she was a small child.
“Ever since she was little, Samantha has had a scientific mind,” said Simpson. “Other kids would run to the playground, but Sam has always been the kid that had to examine the flower or the bug.”
Modest Samantha lowered her eyes and looked sweetly embarrassed as her mom sang her praises.
“I like science, but I’m not the best” said Samantha, humbly. “But I am excited to learn more.”
Said Kristen Simpson, who makes sure that she attends all of her children’s activities, especially since her two children lost their father, Brian, who was tragically shot by an intruder in 2011. “Science is her passion.”
PEO members were impressed by that, and found that a common thread for all applicants was the work and involvement by their families.
“These are kids from families who have supported them through the years, driven them to practices, helped them study,” said PEO member Marie Stiefel. “So this is a tribute to the hard work of the parents, as well.”
Samantha Simpson will attend The University of Florida in the fall and is looking forward to studying Marine Sciences.
The Philanthropic Educational Organization was founded by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, IA.
Today, it has grown to almost a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada. The sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a women’s college with two-year and selected four-year programs, and five other philanthropies that provide higher educational assistance.
