PEO chapter presents “Ready? Set-Goals!” program

PEO Chapter CA presented their Ready? Set-Goals! (RSG) program to the ninth-grade girls at Polson High School on March 19. Designed to inspire, the RSG program helps young women to become more organized and prepared for college, vocational school, the job market, or the military.

Twenty-five ninth graders (including upper class students) attended the program where they learned the first step in being an organized person is to recognize its importance. Students were advised that it takes practice and then it becomes a habit.

With practice, goal-setting can also become a habit. During the program, a practical goal-setting workshop led the girls through steps necessary to reach a specific goal that is achievable, challenging and worthwhile.

This year’s goal workshop was based around “Community Involvement,” one of four Pirate Pursuits Pathways new to PHS this year. Using “Community Involvement,” the girls picked a community service goal, and then followed the steps of goal-setting to achieve it.

Another focus of the RSG program is to stress the importance of community service. Most college scholarships require community service, and employers are looking for students who have completed service hours as well. According to the students’ PEO mentors, volunteering is a benefit, not only to the community, but it makes for a more well-rounded, self-confident individual.

Each of the girls received a three-ring binder with topics including organization, community service, essay writing, goal-setting and leadership. Along with the included topics, the binder is designed to help store and track the students’ activities throughout high school, so they can easily find their documents when needed.

The girls also learned throughout the program about the purpose of PEO (a philanthropic educational organization), which is to educate women of all ages through scholarships, awards, low-interest loans, and grants. PEO owns and supports Cottey College, a fully accredited four-year liberal arts and sciences college for women located in Nevada, Mo. The college is a debt-free institution, welcoming women from around the world.

The RSG Committee expressed appreciation to Principal Andy Fors for allowing the program to be held during school hours, which was crucial for attendance. They also praised teachers Melissa Bahr and Robyn Bishop for their input and participation, and guidance counselors Chris McElwee and Nicole Bonner for their encouragement and assistance.

The RSG Committee is co-chaired by Lynn Gardner and Marilyn Trosper with assistance from Chapter CA members Lois Abell, Linda Bone, Janice Donovan, Mary Jensen, Cheryl Keegan, Julie Reffner and Jeanne Newgard. The RSG program is available for purchase from Montana’s 87 local PEO chapters.

For more information, contact Lynn Gardner at gglivestock84@gmail.com