WHEATLAND – The annual daddy/daughter dance sponsored by the local Philanthropic Educational Organization chapters “R” and “AW” was held at the West Elementary gymnasium in Wheatland Feb. 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In addition to Justin Herdt, who ran the lights and the music with DJ Magik, there were snacks and refreshments, pictures taken and lots of dads carrying their daughters to the car after a full night of dancing under Herdt’s transformation of a gymnasium into stars and lights.

The dance floor was “dancing room only” for most of the night, and when the family duos weren’t dancing, they were enjoying refreshments on the bleachers or in the hallways.

According to organizer, Murel Connolly, “Although it was huge, the last year we sold 225 tickets, this year we had 362! Everyone ate all cookies and drank punch; had a grand time dancing the night away.”

Since Jan. 21, 1869, the P.E.O. or Philanthropic Educational Organization has been dedicated to women helping women reach for the stars.

The organization has come a long way from that second story music room when the P.E.O. was founded.

At the P.E.O. headquarters, the open concentric circles sculpture represent the founders and the virtues of this “sisterhood” are listed as faith, love, purity, justice and truth.

The organization itself is a giving organization created and formed for the celebration and advancement of women through education by way of scholarships, grants, awards, loans and the stewardship of Cottey College.

According to their website, the goal is to motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations.

The scholarship recipient that was in attendance for the evening was Makenzie Johnson who is a 2020 Wheatland High School graduate and now attends Eastern Wyoming College attended the dance with her dad and she was the recipient of a PEO $250 scholarship which will be used for educational purposes. She is majoring in animal science and equine science.

“This is my second time attending this dance,” Johnson said. “I won a few years ago and won a scholarship a few years ago too. I am really excited because this money really helps me out.”

The scholarships are given from chapter “R” to help young people further their educations. It’s a local scholarship given to educate young women. There were four nominations this year.

For further information regarding educational opportunities for women you can visit www.peointernational.org or call the local Chapter presidents:

Rosalie Ruwart, president, Chapter R at 303-910-6002 or Deanna Christensen, president, Chapter AW at 970-768-1511.