A private Christian school in Palm Beach, Florida plans to honor Melania Trump as its 2020 Woman of Distinction. That’s according to a spokesperson for Palm Beach Atlantic University who said that the award honors select women for their “charitable leadership of organizations that support the arts, education, healthcare, and other community initiatives,” The Hill reports.
This is the first time a First Lady has been selected by the steering committee to receive the award, the spokesperson said. Melania Trump will also be honored with a Women of Distinction luncheon next month, a function the school has been holding for more than 20 years.
“As a Christ-first independent university, Palm Beach Atlantic emphasizes learning, leadership, and service with its excellent academics and character-strengthening initiatives such as its nationally recognized community service program called Workship,” the spokesperson said.
“In fact, Workship, a coined term combining work and worship dates back to the university’s founding in 1968. To date, students have provided more than 3.5 million hours of volunteer service to non-profits, schools, and churches. Palm Beach Atlantic’s emphasis on encouraging the potential of each person aligns with Mrs. Trump’s platform as First Lady.”
The Palm Beach Post reports the event will take place on February 16. Proceeds from the event will go towards a scholarship fund for women.
In an interview with the newspaper, Eileen Burns, a chairwoman for the event, said: “Melania is a perfect example of a Woman of Distinction and we are most proud to honor her.”
“Our first lady is an exquisite human being, a magnificent wife and life partner, a superb mother and an outstanding first lady, who represents us brilliantly in the United States and worldwide,” Burns said.
As first lady, Trump established the “Be Best” campaign but it’s an effort that has sparked controversy due to her husband’s continual attacks on his opponents via social media. The campaign has sought to promote well-being for children and to prevent bullying.
