On April 15th, Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton gave this tribute Jessica.
JESSICA JERKE TRIBUTE -- HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON (Extensions of Remarks - April 15, 2011)
HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON
OF COLORADO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Friday, April 15, 2011
· Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is an unmatched honor for me to stand and pay tribute to the short, yet remarkable, life of Jessica Jerke of La Salle, Colorado. She was a young woman who accomplished more in her 21 years than most people can achieve in a lifetime. Jessica truly devoted herself to a life of selflessness and compassion to everyone she interacted with.
· Ms. Jessica Jerke was born in Greeley, Colorado, and was an inspiration to her friends and family throughout her life. She was a member of the Greeley Children's Chorale, as well as a member of the Continental Singers. Jessica had even written and recorded some of her own music. Jessica graduated from University High School in 2008 where she was a member of the choir, the dance team, and the tennis team. She was also a devout Christian who possessed a deep faith, and had a strong relationship with God. Jessica was so committed to her faith that she went on two mission trips to Costa Rica and India to try to help those that were less fortunate than her.
· Jessica attended Colorado Christian University where she studied music education, and in her 2nd semester of college she began to show symptoms of the unknown disease that she would fiercely battle for the next two years. Physicians from around the nation could not diagnose what was wrong with her. As her conditioned worsened, Jessica continued to flash her beautiful smile, never losing her winning attitude, and grew closer to her Lord. Jessica wanted no gifts as she celebrated her 21st birthday from a wheel chair, but asked that people make donations to the Christian mission in India instead. Jessica was a true embodiment of the Christian ideals that she held so closely.
· Jessica Jerke demonstrated true grace in the face of misfortune, and our nation has lost a great citizen of the world. Mr. Speaker it has been a privilege to stand before you and pay tribute to the life of this extraordinary young lady.
