[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         JESSICA JERKE TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          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.

                          ____________________