Y.E.S.

No. This is not the "all about Jessica" blog. But I do want to share the kids' highlights and accomplishments, and since she is the oldest, she seems to have more of those at the moment. That said, here is the press release I submitted to our local newspaper. Unfortunately, they cut it down to about 3 sentences.

Jessica Esplin, a junior at Billings West High School, was selected to participate in the national Rifle Association's annual national Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). Y.E.S. is a seven-day, expense paid educational experience in Washington, D.C. for outstanding high school sophomores and juniors. While in the nation's capital, Jessica will learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of government and the importance of actively participating in it.

Jessica was selected from numerous qualified applicants from across the country. Jessica was required to complete an extensive application, which included the submission of transcripts, an essay about the Second Amendment, a personal statement, and three personal recommendations.

Jessica is co-president of the creative writing club at West High School. She is a Red Cross certified life guard and works summers for the Billings Department of Parks and Recreation as a life guard and swim instructor. Jessica also works part time during the school year at Hobby Lobby while maintaining a 3.73 grade point average. She is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in which she serves as secretary of the stake youth committee and also as 1st counselor in the Central Ward Laurels class. Jessica enjoys cooking, archery and outdoor activities. Jessica hopes to attend college upon graduation to study forensic science and eventually wants to work in a crime lab.

The National Rifle Association launched Y.E.S. in 1996 in an effort to encourage America's youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens at both national and local levels.