[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7213]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     2013 PRIDE FOUNDATION SCHOLARS

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 2013 
Pride Foundation Scholars--a remarkable group of 89 students who share 
incredible perseverance, a strong desire to give back, and a focus on 
how education can improve their lives and their communities.
  Pride Foundation plays a crucial role in encouraging and supporting 
the next generation of leaders in the LGBT community. Students who have 
been stigmatized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity 
sometimes do not receive the support they need from their families and 
communities, and too often, individuals of great promise give up on 
their dreams because they do not believe success is possible.
  Over the past 20 years, Pride Foundation has worked to lift up future 
leaders by giving over $3 million in educational scholarships to LGBT 
and allied students in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. 
They have provided these students with financial support, mentorship 
opportunities, and a community that focuses on generosity, 
encouragement, and acceptance. As Pride Foundation marks the 20th 
anniversary of their scholarship program and honors these students at 
the 2013 Scholarship Celebration Reception, I wish to congratulate this 
year's scholars on all their achievements.
  Pride Foundation's longstanding determination to help students 
succeed mirrors the LGBT community's tireless efforts in the fight for 
equality. And as we commemorate this year's Pride Month, we should look 
back and celebrate the tremendous strides that we have made toward 
equality in Washington State and across the Northwest.
  I join with many in Washington State in congratulating this year's 
Pride Foundation Scholars on all they have achieved so far. I look 
forward to seeing all they will accomplish as leaders in their 
communities. Although we have a long way to go to move our country in 
the right direction, working together we have accomplished so much. I 
am proud to stand up and fight for the LGBT community, and I will 
continue to make sure that your stories are heard in the Senate. Again, 
congratulations to the 2013 Pride Foundation Scholars. I look forward 
to seeing all you will accomplish in the years to come.

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