By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A children's book inspired by family, perseverance and chasing your dreams is finding a permanent home in every North Platte Public Schools elementary library thanks to a partnership between PEO Chapter EB and local author Calie Troyer.
On Thursday, members of PEO presented copies of Troyer's book, Chase the Dream 'Til You Can't, to district media specialists at the McKinley Education Center. The donation ensures students across the district will have access to the story, which carries a message of resilience and making the most of life's opportunities.
For Troyer, the book began as a personal project inspired by her late grandmother, Karen Troyer, who introduced her to rodeo queening when she was just 13 years old.
"My grandma was involved in everything—rodeo, horses—and she really inspired this book," Troyer said. "She got me involved in rodeo queening, and that eventually gave me the opportunity to visit schools across Nebraska."
As a former Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska, Troyer regularly read to elementary students during school visits. Initially, she only planned to print a few copies of the book to share during those visits.
"My idea was just to print one or two copies and take them to schools to read as a rodeo queen," she said. "I didn't think it would go any further than that."
Instead, encouragement from family and friends led her to publish the book in January. Since then, Chase the Dream 'Til You Can't has sold more than 300 copies in over 15 states.
While the story follows a young boy pursuing his dreams through the world of rodeo, Troyer says its message reaches far beyond the arena.
"The message behind the book is truly to cherish those small moments because tomorrow is not a guarantee," she said. "The boy experiences failure, but he picks himself back up and keeps chasing his dream."
The partnership with PEO came naturally. Chapter EB President Marilyn McGahan said Troyer's grandmother was a longtime member of the organization, and the chapter later got to know Troyer after nominating her for the PEO STAR Scholarship during her senior year at Hershey High School.
"She received that scholarship, and we've stayed connected," McGahan said. "When we learned she had written a children's book, everyone got excited. We thought, 'Let's get it into the hands of the kids in our area.'"
McGahan says the project reflects PEO's mission of supporting women through education. The international organization offers scholarships, grants and educational loans while encouraging lifelong learning and leadership.
"We celebrate women and encourage them to grow," McGahan said. "Whether someone is just starting college or returning to school later in life, there are opportunities available."
She hopes Troyer's story encourages young readers to believe their own dreams are possible.
"Sometimes we all think, 'I should write a book someday,'" McGahan said. "Calie is a young woman who actually did it. It shows kids that they can do it, too."
McGahan also believes it's important for students to read books written by people from Nebraska.
"When they're written by someone from our part of the country, they reflect our values and our way of life," she said. "Our communities, our experiences and even the places we know become part of those stories."
Both women hope the book encourages children to stay curious, embrace new opportunities and keep moving forward when life presents challenges.
Now, thanks to the donation, that message will be available to thousands of North Platte elementary students for years to come. Troyer's book has also been placed in elementary school libraries in Hershey and Burwell, with hopes of reaching even more young readers in the future.