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WHEREAS, on May 1st, 2007, the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania will honor its Scholarship Competition winners with a reception; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania provides advocacy, support, guidance, education and work/life counseling for eligible service members, veterans, and their families; and
WHEREAS, this organization was founded in 1982 as the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program to provide job placement and training for displaced veterans in the changing economy; and
WHEREAS, this year's Scholarship Competition contestants were instructed to write a 500-word essay in which they took a position on universal military service for 18-21 years, both male and female; and
WHEREAS, the seven-member Scholarship Committee reviewed the large number of submissions, and chose the following winners to receive a $1,500 college scholarship to be used in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree:
Courtney Cameron, Penn-Trafford High School; and
Jessica Buehner, Shaler Area High School; and
WHEREAS, the two winners will briefly debate the position taken in their essays at the ceremony, as Ms. Cameron advocated for the policy, while Ms. Buehner opposed it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh thanks the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania for its service to the veteran community and congratulates this year's Scholarship Competition awardees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares May 1, 2007, "Veterans Leadership Program Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.