Ashlynn enjoys experience of a lifetime
The purpose of the Conference is to honor and inspire the most exceptional middle school students in the nation, distinguished by their academic excellence, leadership potential and maturity, and to reinforce the virtues of leadership, citizenship and democracy using Washington, D.C. as their classroom.
During the six day program, Ashlynn took part in many educational activities and presentations and explored relevant sites, such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.'s museums and memorials. In addition, Ashlynn examined notable U.S. leaders and historic figures and studied the impact of leadership throughout critical periods of American history including the Civil War, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement.
Ashlynn has gained a greater sense of the role of the individual in American democracy, as well as the responsibilities of being a leader.
Ashlynn Rushing is the daughter of Ronnie and Bobbi Jo Rushing of Moyie Springs, Idaho. She has one sister, Alaina. Ashlynn is in the seventh grade at Boundary County Middle School. She is a cheerleader and maintains a 4.0 GPA.
Upon her arrival back home she was met by her family at SeaTac International Airport with a surprise visit by her grandfather, John Frayne, who was waiting with Mariner baseball tickets and a trip to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo.
"I used fundraising in order to attend the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference," Ashlynn said. "With the help of my parents, we held garage sales, sold lemonade, asked for donations, had a plant sale, and reached out to family, friends and businesses.
Ashlynn extends a heartfelt "thank you" to the following people who contributed to and sponsored her trip:
Tina Moody, Irina Bazavan, Jan and Louie Loveland, Candy and Dawson Carriere,
Kathy and Brad Stalcup, Patti and Vern Burlingame, Lora Fedak, Rich Knight, Barbara Castellan, Joanne Cady, Louise and Scott Plew, Fred Wampler, Eric and Leeanne Hummel, Gary Lawrence, Mary Rutherford, Brandi Scholtz, Tim and Ayla Jackson, Jeff and Renae Bennett, Mike McGinnis - 3 Mile Antique Mall, Northwest Handmade Furniture, Jerry Yates - Art Works Gallery, Steve Moyer - North Star Surveying, Mary Berges – Tamarack Cove, Ward Tollbom - Hen's Tooth Studio, Ray and Marj Hittle - Hittle Trucking/Rose Colored Attic,
and a very special thank you to Mr. Chuck Quillen - 3 Mile Store & Cafe.
"A special thank you goes to Mr. Jaak Sanders for nominating me,"Ashlynn said. "Again, I'm very thankful to these people and businesses for their generosity. It was only due to your support that I was able to have an incredible experience.