The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING SAMANTHA AND ALEXANDER EDWARDS' ACHIEVEMENTS
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HON. ADAM SMITH
of washington
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, one of the great honors that I have as a United States Congressman is to nominate young adults from my District for admission to our Nation's service academies, and during my time in Congress I have become acquainted with many fine young persons who have sought a nomination to one of the service academies. Today, I rise to give recognition to two such young persons who are my constituents, Samantha Scott Edwards and Alexander Thompson Edwards, from Mercer Island, Washington.
In 2018, I nominated Samantha to the United States Military Academy Class of 2022, and this spring I nominated Samantha's brother Alex to the United States Military Academy Class of 2025. This coming academic year Samantha will be a senior at West Point, while Alex will be a freshman plebe, and both Alex and Samantha will be competing on the West Point varsity swim team. While it is not unusual for West Point cadets to have relatives who have attended West Point, it is uncommon for a brother and sister to attend West Point at the same time, let alone compete on the same athletic team.
Samantha and Alex are incredibly talented in the pool and classroom and both have been named as Academic All Americans by USA Swimming.
Samantha now holds two West Point records in relay events and is in the all-time Academy top 10 rankings for her individual times in the 100 yard and 200 yard freestyle events. For her Senior year at West Point, Samantha has been appointed as a Team Academic Mentor, which is a recognition of Samantha's own scholarship as well as her ability to provide scholastic mentorship to other team members.
In addition to earning Academic All-American status from USA Swimming for his scholastic achievements, Alex served as Captain of his high school swim team and received his high school's 2020 ``Excellence in Elective Studies in History'' Award. In recognition of his accomplishments in the pool, the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association has twice designated Alex as an All-American swimmer.
As their Congressman and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased that Alex and Samantha have each chosen to attend West Point to become officers in the United States Army. Given their academic achievements, as well as their athletic talents, these outstanding young adults could have gone to any number of fine universities--that they have chosen to attend West Point and serve our Nation's Armed Forces speaks volumes about their character and commitment.
Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Samantha and Alex. I am proud they are my constituents, look forward to great things from them, and wish them the very best in the future.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 105
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