[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING JESSE SCHOTT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to a young 
man who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer. Jesse Schott, 
a 17-year-old student at North Bullitt High School near Shepherdsville, 
KY, became a local hero and will be dearly missed by all those who knew 
and loved him.
  Although first diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 3, Jesse 
spent his life chasing his dreams. In fact, it was often during the 
darkest moments of his fight that Jesse accomplished his most 
impressive feats. As a first sergeant in his Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps, JROTC, Jesse commanded the color guard under the bright 
lights at the football stadium. Last December, after learning his 
cancer had spread, Jesse surprised many when he competed in a drill 
meet. When he was too ill to complete his Eagle Scout project to build 
a receptacle for old or damaged flags to be properly retired, his 
fellow scouts helped finish the task.
  Whatever the hardship that confronted him, Jesse didn't complain. 
Reassured by his faith and his loving family, he persevered and kept 
fighting. Jesse encouraged those around him with bravery beyond his 
years. A fellow member of the JROTC said, ``He was going through the 
battle of his life and he never gave up so why should I give up on 
anything?''
  His life may have been cut short, but Jesse clearly left a lasting 
impact on those he met. His community honored his life and his example. 
The Zoneton Fire Department named him an honorary firefighter. Jesse 
was named the honorary mayor of Hillview. The Kentucky National Guard 
made him an honorary member earlier this year. Jesse's life will 
continue to inspire those who knew him and those who will hear his 
story for many years to come.
  I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in extending our condolences 
to Jesse's family. I hope that their happy memories of Jesse will ease 
their grief during this difficult time.

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