Congressional Record: Tribute to Astronaut Barbara Morgan
TRIBUTE TO ASTRONAUT BARBARA MORGAN — (Extensions of Remarks – December 04, 2007)
–SPEECH OF HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2007
Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation I rise today to honor an inspiring educator turned astronaut, Barbara Morgan, who has spent her distinguished career ensuring our children have the knowledge and experience to fulfill their dreams. I also rise today, Madam Speaker, to thank Barbara for visiting my district to share her inspiring story and experience with local students.
This past August, Astronaut Barbara Morgan became the first teacher to complete a mission in space. While Barbara had to wait 21 years for her trip on the Endeavour, she completed the legacy of teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was tragically killed in the 1986 explosion of shuttle Challenger, by holding education sessions in orbit for students.
As Christa McAuliffe’s backup for the NASA Teacher in Space Program, Barbara witnessed firsthand the tragic Challenger explosion. After the explosion, Barbara returned to teaching in Idaho, but in 1998 was drawn back to NASA and trained to become an astronaut and an integral part of shuttle missions. She has logged over 305 hours in space and completed her first space flight in August 2007 as a mission specialist on the crew of Endeavour.
Holding the first in-orbit classroom for students aboard Endeavour, Barbara said her 2 careers were very similar, saying in both roles, you “explore, discover and share.” In these roles, Barbara has not only made a significant impact on space exploration, but she also serves as a positive role model for students. Growing up in Fresno, California, Barbara graduated with distinction from Stanford University and started teaching on the Flathead Indian reservation at Arlee Elementary School in Arlee, Montana. Most recently, Barbara taught second, third, and fourth grades at McCall-Donnelly Elementary School in Idaho.
Throughout Barbara’s life, she has set an example for others to follow. Her courage and dedication to education serves as an example for us all, especially our students. It is because of teachers like Barbara that our students have the inspiration to follow their dreams.
Madam Speaker, in recognition of her tremendous service to our children and our Nation as an educator and astronaut, I ask that this honorable body join me in honoring Barbara Morgan.
