WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and

WHEREAS tonight, we wish to honor Victoria Burnside, a freshman at Cherry Hill High School West for placing first in Project Purple’s Voice of Purple video contest; and

WHEREAS Project Purple is one of a number of initiatives undertaken by The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization founded by former pro basketball player Chris Herren, a former addict who now assists others who are struggling with drug addiction; and

WHEREAS Victoria has personally seen how drug addiction can impact one’s life and began doing her part to break the stigma about drug addiction; and

WHEREAS a peer leader at Carusi Middle School last year, Victoria gave presentations to younger students about the initiative and has continued her leadership as a member of student government at Cherry Hill West; and

WHEREAS Victoria’s four-minute video about drug addiction featured school principals speaking on behalf of  Cherry Hill West and what they are doing to raise awareness about substance abuse, and also included appearances by numerous school and community members, and even a former contestant on the CBS show, “Big Brother”; and

WHEREAS Victoria’s efforts continue as she hopes to get her school more involved with the Project Purple’s initiative; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Monday, March 26, 2018, to be

 Victoria Burnside Day

Victoria serves as an example to the youth of our community through her personal achievement, leadership and continued perseverance in her courageous fight against drug addiction and has made the Township of Cherry Hill very proud. We encourage all citizens to celebrate Victoria and wish her continued success.