Melania Trump Receives 2020 ‘Woman of Distinction’ Award From Florida University

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First lady Melania Trump on Feb. 19 accepted a “Woman of Distinction” award from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), where she spoke about her “Be Best” program and the Trump administration’s battle against the opioid crisis.

The first lady said she was “grateful” to attend the “Women of Distinction” annual awards luncheon, which typically recognizes two women for their “exceptional contributions to the community,” the university website states. Proceeds from the event go toward a scholarship fund for female students.

First Lady Melania Trump speaks from the lectern after receiving the “Women of Distinction” award at the Women of Distinction Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2020. (Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP via Getty Images)

The luncheon’s co-chairwoman previously described sole honoree Trump as “an exquisite human being, a magnificent wife and life partner, a superb mother, and an outstanding first lady.”

“Melania is a perfect example of a Woman of Distinction and we are most proud to honor her,” she told USA Today.

Addressing the event’s 550 attendees, the first lady made reference to her anti-cyber bullying and anti-drug abuse initiative which she launched in 2017. The program’s three pillars are well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.

The program “has been shining a light on programs across the country and overseas that help our youth understand what it means to Be Best,” she said.

First Lady Melania Trump addresses the audience after receiving the “Women of Distinction” award from Palm Beach Atlantic University President Bill Fleming (out of frame) at the Women of Distinction Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2020. (Michelae Eve Sandberg/AFP via Getty Images)

“Be Best can mean performing a simple act of kindness, providing care for someone in need, or teaching a life-enriching lesson,” she said wearing a white dress and standing in front of a two-story American flag. “It is my hope that by promoting Be Best values, we will give a voice to the concerns and struggles of our children, and help them overcome the challenges they face.”

She said that she has met with tech companies such as Microsoft who are working towards creating a safer experience online for children.

“I’m convinced now more than ever that teaching healthy online behavior is crucial to securing a safer future for our children,” Trump said.

The first lady added that the United States experienced its first drop in opioid deaths in three decades last year, giving credit to her husband’s programs.

“Opioids have affected the lives of more than 2 million children in the United States,” Trump said, including the children of addicts. “I’ve seen firsthand how opioid abuse affects families who struggling with addiction. I have traveled to children’s hospitals and treatment facilities who support those affected by opioids.”

Palm Beach Atlantic President William Fleming said the 2,500-student university honored the first lady for her compassion and kindness, calling her a worldwide role model.

First Lady Melania Trump receives the “Women of Distinction” award from Palm Beach Atlantic University President Bill Fleming at the Women of Distinction Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2020. (Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP via Getty Images)

First Lady Melania Trump and Palm Beach Atlantic University President Bill Fleming at the Women of Distinction Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 19, 2020. (Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP via Getty Images)

Previous women recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community include Barbara Nicklaus, the wife of golf great Jack Nicklaus; Candy Carson, the wife of Housing Secretary Ben Carson; fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer; and Helen DeVos, whose husband Rich co-founded Amway.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Shaking Hands With Bad State Actors Not Smart ‘Chess’

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