Alabama representative Cristyn James, at left, and a delegate from Japan appeared at the lantern lighting ceremony at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison native Cristyn James is representing Alabama this week at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

Each year, each U.S. state and territory selects a delegate for the festival, which celebrates spring and Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the nation’s capital.

James traveled to Washington during the week of April 6 to participate in daily events, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, fireworks, children’s programs, outdoor concerts, a Congressional dinner and Grand Ball.

Born in Huntsville, James graduated from Bob Jones High School. Throughout high school, she was a member of National Honor Society and cheerleading squad. In a national competition, she was selected to work for NASA as a summer intern and studied advanced propulsion and chemical engineering with aerospace mentors.

At Auburn University, James majored in electrical engineering, with a minor in business administration. In Sigma Kappa sorority, she held several leadership positions, such as slots on the new member educator team, standards board and philanthropic events.

James now works as an electrical engineer at Baron Services Inc. research firm in Huntsville. She designs and tests advanced technology for weather radar systems that are sold globally to provide vital forecasting for communities. Her parents live in Madison and both work for NASA.

“Cristyn is having an amazing time in D.C. as she meets ambassadors, state congressional leaders and representatives from the other states and territories,” her mother Bonnie James said.

Affiliated with the festival, the Alabama State Society selected James in voting last December.

For more information, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.