CLARA DELA TORRE (right) receives two scholarships totaling $9,000 from Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Bonnie Brown (left), member of local Raymondville Chapter AQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and representing the Texas Cottey College Scholarship board was on hand at San Perlita High School’s graduation on Fri., May 28, to present the scholarship certificates to Clara. Clara is the daughter of Mrs. Virginia De La Torre. Clara DelaTorre, San Perlita High School graduate, was recently presented with two scholarships from Coney College in Nevada, MO. The Founders’ Academic Scholarship in the amount of $8,000 was presented to Clara; and at the same time, Clara also received a Texas Cottey College Scholarship for $1,000. Clara received several other local scholarships at the graduation ceremony on May 28, 2010.

Cottey College is supported by the members and families of the P.E.O. Sisterhood nationwide. The P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international women’s organization of approximately 250,000 members, accepted the College as a gift from Virginia Alice Cottey in 1927. That made Cottey the only nonsectarian college owned and supported by women. P.E.O. is dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities for women.

Cottey College is an independent two-year liberal arts and science college for women. The college prepares women to become leaders and offers courses in leadership as well as a four-level leadership certification program. Women learn to develop their own leadership style while clarifying concepts that will take them into the future. Cottey features over 40 student organizations and has been dedicated to the education and empowerment of women.

Clara is the first Willacy County student who will be attending Cottey College in 38 years. Raymondville’s Chapter AQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood honored Clara, her mother, and her sister at a luncheon on Thurs., June 4, where she was presented with a variety of gifts for her college dorm room.