Melania Trump receives university's 'Woman of Distinction' award amid pushback from students

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Source: The Hill

First lady Melania Trump on Wednesday received a “Woman of Distinction” award from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), despite pushback from some students and alumni in Florida over the move.

Melania Trump, who changed her primary residence to Palm Beach along with President Trump last year, said she was "grateful" to accept the award. According to the school’s website, the award is given to women “who cherish community and family and want to preserve these ideals for others.”

“As the first lady of the United States, it is a great honor to serve the people of this incredible country,” she said at the university's annual Women of Distinction luncheon at The Breakers Hotel, where she accepted the award. Trump went on to discuss her Be Best initiative, a campaign she launched two years ago that aims to tackle issues pertaining to children, like cyber bullying and opioid abuse.

The move sparked pushback from some students and alumni who noted that the award is typically given to two women each year who have been involved in charitable efforts in the local community. "This award has historically gone to women whose character and impact in Palm Beach has shaped the culture of our home, and I have not been convinced that the first lady's character or impact here is worthy of that recognition," said Graysen Boehning, a senior studying biology and zoology at the school.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/483621-melania-trump-receives-universitys-woman-of-distinction-award-amid

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