(September 8, 2020), Neodesha, Kansas – A new administrator recently joined the Neodesha Promise Scholarship Program team. The organization welcomes Mrs. Rebekah Peitz to oversee the day-to-day operations of the program and will ensure scholarships are administered properly. Her appointment follows previous Administrator, Pattie Bailey, who will continue to serve on the Promise Advisory Board.

“Rebekah brings spark and a youthful perspective to the team. Her previous experience and coveted achievements make her the perfect match to assist youth in pursuing their post-secondary education,” said Juanita Erickson, USD 461 Superintendent. “The district is grateful to have her helping students navigate the cumbersome challenges that are associated with pursuing college or technical certifications,” added Erickson.

Peitz understands the significant impact that the Neodesha Promise has on high school graduates. “I could not be more excited for this new role as the Neodesha Promise Administrator and College Academic Coach,” said the new administrator. “College can be a very stressful time for students and their families. I will be providing extra support to ensure that Neodesha students have the resources that

they need to be successful in college,” added Peitz. Her role will include providing additional academic advising, assistance in completing financial aid, and identifying campus services.

Prior to taking on this role, Peitz was the Student Advocate at Fredonia Jr./Sr High School. Her efforts were concentrated on student programming with post-secondary institutions as well as increasing work study opportunities for youth.

Peitz holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Her and her husband, Mitchell Peitz, who is employed by Neodesha Plastics, reside in Neodesha and have two daughters, Savannah and Caroline.

To learn more about the Neodesha Promise Scholarship Program, please contact Rebekah Peitz at (620) 205- 6520. Please visit Neodesha Promise for program details and eligibility requirements.

The Neodesha Promise Scholarship Program Honors 2020 Graduating Seniors
Almost $500,000 in scholarships and grants awarded to Neodesha graduates (August 6, 2020) – Neodesha, Kansas –A special signing ceremony was held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 for the thirty-three recipients of the Neodesha Promise Scholarship Program.

“Signing on Saturday made everything really settle in place. It’s all so surreal to be provided with this unique scholarship that many other communities don’t have. The Neodesha Promise scholarship means a lot to me. It signifies hometown support and the opportunity to pursue my dream career. Without this scholarship, my dream would be much more difficult to achieve,” said Promise recipient, Kylie Johnson.

After months of hard work navigating their high school careers during a pandemic, 33 graduates from the first Promise Program class received their Promise award. College costs totaled $617,215 for the NHS 2020 Promise graduates. The total award amount for the Promise scholarships was $144,682. Together with Pell grants and other post-secondary scholarships, and awards provide $471,040 in scholarship funding for the graduates to pursue their educational pathway of choice. Almost 76% of the Neodesha Promise graduate’s schooling has been covered by scholarships, the Neodesha Promise Program, and U.S. Pell grants.

Fifteen Neodesha graduates will be attending a four-year college which includes Pittsburg State University, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, University of Missouri, Missouri Southern State University, and Fort Lewis College in Boulder, Colorado. Community colleges from across the state will host 12 Neodesha graduates including Independence Community College, Neosho County Community College, Cowley College, Labette Community College, and Johnson County Community College. Six Neodesha graduates will attend a trade or technical school in the fall, which include North Central Kansas Tech, Wichita State University Tech, and Pratt Community College.

To learn more about the Neodesha Promise Scholarship Program, please contact Rebekah Peitz at (620) 205- 6520. Please visit Neodesha Promise for program details and eligibility requirements.

Neodesha Promise Program At A Glance: On November 19, 2019, Neodesha, Kansas made national news unveiling the first-ever Kansas PromiseNet Scholarship Program. The announcement revealed that a generous Neodesha alumnus would provide a scholarship to qualifying graduates to attend any U.S. Pell Grant approved college, community college or technical school of their choice.