[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MIDSHIPMAN 1ST CLASS SYDNEY BARBER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2020

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber, the first Black female to be 
selected as Brigade Commander at the United States Naval Academy, the 
highest leadership position within the student body.
  A native of Lake Forest, Illinois, Midshipman Barber graduated from 
Lake Forest High School in 2017. As a mechanical engineering major at 
the Naval Academy who has been selected to commission into the U.S. 
Marine Corps, Midshipman Barber has been on the Superintendent's list. 
She completed a 7-week internship with the Department of Energy's 
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she was instrumental in 
breakthrough research on bio-electrochernical uses for carbon 
nanotubes.
  Midshipman Barber was named a 2020 Truman Scholar National Finalist, 
focusing her research on developing legislative strategies to address 
education disparities in minority communities. She has created a STEM 
outreach program that leveraged mentoring, literature, and service 
lessons to benefit middle-school aged girls of color. She also helped 
create the Midshipman Diversity Team, made up of more than 180 
midshipmen, faculty, and alumni, to promote diversity, inclusion and 
equality within the brigade.
  Amid these efforts, Midshipman Barber served as the plebe summer 13th 
Company Executive Officer and currently serves as the brigade's 1st 
Regimental Executive Officer. She is the co-President of the Navy 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club and the Secretary for the 
National Society of Black Engineers Club. She belongs to the gospel 
choir and the Midshipman Black Studies Club.
  A walk-on sprinter and hurdler on the Academy's varsity track and 
field team, Midshipman Barber currently holds the record for the 
outdoor 4x400 meter relay.
  As Brigade Commander, Midshipman Barber will head the Academy's day-
to-day activities and train approximately 4,500 midshipmen. Midshipman 
Barber will be just the 16th woman selected for this position in the 44 
years that women have been attending the Naval Academy.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today in honoring the 
achievement of Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber. Her service to our 
country is deserving of the utmost gratitude. On behalf of my 
colleagues on the Board of Visitors, I offer her our sincerest 
congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure as Brigade 
Commander.

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