[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ASTRONAUT BARBARA MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        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.

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