Elgin group announces Woman of the Year
Submitted by Altrusa Club
The Altrusa International Club of Elgin Inc. has named Carole Peto of Elgin as its Woman of the Year 2012. She will be honored at the 63rd annual Woman of the Year Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 17, at Elgin Country Club in Elgin. For information and reservations, call Priscilla Nagreen at (847) 791-4764.
The local Altrusa Woman of the Year Award began in 1950 when Harriet Armstrong was recognized as the first recipient. Since then, a long line of dedicated local women have been honored for their volunteer service to the greater Elgin area community.
“She is an inspiration as a business woman, community volunteer and leader,” said Dr. Clare Ollayos, Altrusa Woman of the Year committee chairwoman.
Peto, a graduate of Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University, is a distinguished educator with 35 years of service in both public and private schools. While an administrator with Elgin Area School District U-46 schools, she led the Bartlett High School Language Arts Division. While under her leadership, reading scores for students increased 19 percent over a five-year time period.
An active participant in the Elgin community, Peto served in numerous committee and board positions with Women Aglow International. While an 18-year member of Christ Community Church in St. Charles, she served in leadership positions there as well. She is active today with Harvest Bible Chapel and one of the founding staff members of the Harvest Christian Academy.
She helped found the organization Women of Grace & Dignity in 2010. In the fall of 2011, the group honored 20 local women-servant leaders at a luncheon which 120 civic leaders attended.
Peto leads weekly book studies for women in her neighborhood and the community. She finds time to serve needy individuals and more in service to the community. She has written a children’s book; has begun writing “First Fruits,” a book detailing the development of Women of Grace and Dignity; and also compiling her memoirs, “On a Wing and a Prayer.”
For information and reservations regarding the Altrusa Woman of the Year dinner, contact Priscilla Nagreen at (847) 791-4764.
Altrusa International Club of Elgin Inc. is an international service organization composed of executive and professional women. The Altrusa Club of Elgin sponsors a number of projects in the community through volunteerism and monetary support. Members reside throughout the Northern Fox Valley area, including Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Bartlett, Hampshire, Huntley and Pingree Grove.