The prestigious Philanthropic Educational Organization Scholastic Talent Accomplishment Recognition scholarship for this year was awarded to Natalia Cao, a Parkland High School senior.

Cao, the daughter of Jin Cao and Danijela Cao, was recommended for this scholarship by Chapter BB, Allentown.

Cao will attend New York University’s College of Arts and Sciences, where she plans to major in International Relations beginning this fall.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics, and potential for future success.

The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of application.

A student must be recommended by a P.E.O. chapter.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded Jan. 21, 1869, at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is an international philanthropic and educational organization which promotes increase educational opportunities for women.

There are nearly 6,000 local chapters in the United States and Canada with almost 250,000 initiated members.