CASPER — Pinedale woman and president of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Wyoming Chapter Sharon Anne Johnson, of Pinedale, presided over the state chapter’s 101st Convention in Casper from June 2 through 4. The convention marked Johnson’s last year on the Executive Board. Johnson has been on the P.E.O. Chapter Executive Board for the past 15 years since she and her husband Bill retired in his hometown of Pinedale.

The P.E.O began as a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America. The nonprofit has celebrated women helping women for more than 150 years, since its inception in 1869. The P.E.O. has helped more than 119,000 women pursue their educational goals by providing over $398 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. Today, there are nearly 5,8000 chapters across North America.

For more information about P.E.O. and to see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org.