Birkel Receives PEO Continuing Education Grant

Abby Birkel (middle) of O'Neill received a grant to help defer the cost of her continuing education. Presenting the check are (left) Karen Scott and Jeanne Crumly (right).

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O'Neill's PEO chapter GT recently presented Abby Birkel with a Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant for $1,100 to continue her schooling toward a degree in business. 

Birkel is a graduate of Spencer-Naper. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her freshman year after which she transferred to Western Iowa Technical School in Sioux City to complete a dental assistant program. She has worked in that field for 20 years, the last 12 of which have been in O'Neill for Kersenbrock's Dental Clinic.

Last year marked a significant change in the Birkel family dynamic; their older daughter Peyton is in her freshman year of college at Wayne State College where she is studying to be a physician's assistant. Birkel felt like it was her time for personal development, as well, and thus enrolled in a degree program of her own. In her words, she wants to be “an inspiration to Peyton and a model for younger sister Sydney.” 

Birkel is one of many women in the Holt County area who have benefitted from PEO financial assistance. The PCE grants, as well as PEO Educational Loans, are available to women seeking to improve their lives by advancing their education.

Anyone interested in inquiring about either the grant or the loan could contact Jeanne Crumly, Janice Vosler or any PEO member. Paperwork is also available at Northeast Community College.

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