Local P.E.O. serves as host for state convention

Special to Long Beach Breeze

2025-26 officers of the Mississippi State Chapter of P.E.O. include (l to r) Treasurer Deejah Wiseman, Organizer Cathy Miceli, Secretary Allegra Brigham, 2024-25 State President Dawn Pizzalato, President Madalyn Ivy and Vice President Lea Ann McElroy.

The Mississippi State Chapter of P.E.O. held its 57th Annual State Convention in Madison, Mississippi, this spring, hosted by Chapters B – Long Beach, U – Diamondhead, and Y – Madison.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization interested in bringing women increased opportunities for higher education. State President Dawn Pizzalato’s theme, “Women Shooting for the Stars,” was prevalent throughout the convention.

Women representing nineteen chapters throughout the state had the opportunity to meet with like-minded sisters throughout Mississippi. The keynote speaker was Karen Fite, International Leadership Development Committee Member. Also addressing the attendees were outgoing State President Dawn Pizzalato (Chapter Y-Madison) and incoming State President Madalyn Ivy (Chapter AB-Columbus).

2024-25 State President Dawn Pizzalato and International Representative Karen Fite (Photo credit: Special to The Clinton Courier)

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is dedicated to the mission of promoting the education of women by motivating, educating and celebrating women. The group supports eight philanthropy projects, which include the STAR Scholarship (STAR), the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF), the Program for Continuing Education (PCE), the International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS), P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA), Cottey College (Nevada, Missouri), the Miriam Scarborough Scholarship (MSS) and the Lynette Curry Cottey Scholarship (LCCS).

The yearly conference began on Friday with a Time of Remembrance service, honoring those members who have passed throughout this year into chapter eternal. Sixteen sisters were memorialized at the emotional ceremony.

The annual Project’s Banquet was held on Friday evening at the Annandale Golf Club. Attendees enjoyed dinner while listening to three women whose lives have been enriched with the assistance received from P.E.O. philanthropy awards. Local chapters were also recognized at the event for their monetary contributions to the eight projects.

The convention continued Saturday with several activities, including the recognition of the six Golden Girls (P.E.O. members for 50+ years) and the installation of the 2025-26 state officers by International Representative Karen Fite.

The 2025-26 State Officers include Madalyn Ivy, president (Chapter AB-Columbus); Lea Ann McElroy, vice president (Chapter P-Jackson); Cathy Miceli, organizer (Chapter AA-Ocean Springs); Deejah Wiseman, treasurer (Chapter M-Hattiesburg); and Allegra Brigham, secretary (Chapter O-Columbus).

Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing over $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri.

In addition to educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members. What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America, with close to 5,500 chapters.

To learn more about P.E.O. and its educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit PEOInternational.org and PEOMississippi.org.

Time of Remembrance ceremony (Photo credit: Special to The Clinton Courier)