A West Point cadet is breaking a racial and gender barrier by becoming the first African-American woman to lead the West Point cadets.

Simone Askew of Virginia has been selected First Captain of the U.S. Military Academy’s Corps of Cadets for the 2017-2018 academic year, achieving the highest position in the cadet chain of command.

Askew is the first African-American woman to hold the esteemed position, West Point officials say.

“It’s humbling, but also exciting as I step into this new opportunity to lead the corps to greatness with my teammates with me,” Askew said, according to The Associated Press.

As First Captain, Askew is responsible for the overall performance of around 4,400 cadets. Her duties also include implementing a class agenda and acting as a liaison between the cadets and the administration.

“Simone truly exemplifies our values of Duty, Honor, Country. Her selection is a direct result of her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Corps over the last three years,” Brig. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, commandant of cadets, said in a press release.

Outside of the classroom, the International History major is a member of the Army crew team and developing leaders as the Cadet-in-Charge of the Elevation Initiative.

Here are this week's Top 5 news stories from the Hudson Valley

More From WZAD-WCZX The Wolf