Hamilton awarded P.E.O. STAR Scholarship

Special to Long Beach Breeze

Andria Hamilton

Long Beach High School (LBHS) senior Andria Hamilton has been selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting women’s educational advancement. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter B of Long Beach. Hamilton is the daughter of Josh and Danielle Hamilton of Long Beach.

Established in 2009, the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship recognizes exceptional young women in their final year of high school who plan to pursue postsecondary education in the United States or Canada. Recipients are chosen for outstanding leadership, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, community service and strong potential for future success.

Organization representatives say Hamilton exemplifies the spirit of the STAR Scholarship through her remarkable achievements and service. A scholar-athlete who ranks near the top of her graduating class, she has been honored at the Superintendent’s Awards each of her four years of high school and has earned numerous academic distinctions. She was recently selected for the LBHS Hall of Fame.

Hamilton’s involvement at LBHS includes serving as captain of the LBHS Dance Team, participating in track and cross country and being a member of the LBHS Band. She has also been active in numerous organizations, including the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Bearcat Buddies, Co-Op, Peer Mediation and Women in STEM; and she attended Girls’ State, where she was named “Distinguished Citizen.” She also excelled as a dual enrollment student, earning college credits, all while also maintaining a part-time job.

Beyond campus, Hamilton has contributed to her community through her work with C.A.M.P. Awesome, Gulf Coast Buddy Sports and other civic groups.

“Andria is a quite accomplished young lady. She is well respected and is a wonderful asset to her school and our community,” said Gail Donald, Chapter B STAR Scholarship Committee Chair.

Hamilton will continue her studies at Dartmouth College in the fall. She plans to major in chemical engineering and continue her running career at the collegiate level.

Founded in 1930, Chapter B of Long Beach is Mississippi’s second-oldest P.E.O. chapter and includes nearly fifty members. The P.E.O. Sisterhood, established in 1869, has supported more than 129,000 women in pursuing their educational goals, awarding over $462 million in scholarships, grants, awards and loans. With more than 5,400 chapters across the United States and Canada, P.E.O. remains one of North America’s oldest and most impactful women’s organizations.

To learn more about P.E.O., visit www.PEOInternational.org or PEOMississippi.org.