EMMERT, Jessica Rachel

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, April 26, 2003 Jessica Rachel, 21, was born on September 4th, 1981 in Washington, DC. Jessica lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her parents Kevin and Leslie Emmert where she enjoyed being the only child of two loving parents. Jessica grew up at the beach playing in the sand and enjoying the surf. She joined a Tae Kwon Do studio at the age of 5 and earned the status of black belt along the way while also being featured in two karate commercials. Jessica was a beautiful baby with rosy cheeks and a fast smile. She particularly loved her Nanny, Papa, and Uncle Steve. They doted on her and took her on many vacations over the years including England, Scotland, and France. When Jessica was 11 years old her family to moved to Gilbert Arizona. It was in Gilbert that Jessica became a student of Michael Reading and learned to love the sport of chess. She participated in many chess tournaments during that time making many close friends that spanned her short life. Jessica also became part of cheer, tennis, and soccer. While in high school at Gilbert High Jessica participated in the sport of soccer and also continued maturing in her chess game. She became the first female at Gilbert High to play on the top five boards and played successfully in both state and national championships. She was the first female at Gilbert High School to earn a varsity letter in chess! After high school Jessica enjoyed two years at Chandler Gilbert Community College where she participated in the student government and became interested in persuing the "law" for her career. She served as Phi Theta Kappa President and graduated with an AA in General Studies before attending Arizona State University. During her junior year at Arizona State University Jessica was hired by Gilbert Public Schools where she has been working as the Head Coach in chess at both Highland Junior High School and Gilbert Elementary School. She is also serving as the Assistant Coach for both Val Vista Lakes Elementary School and Sonoma Ranch Elementary School. Throughout the school year of 2002/2003 Jessica volunteered on a steady basis in her mother's classroom at Sonoma Ranch Elementary school. She formed close relationships with the kindergarten students in her mom's classroom and their parents. Jessica will be loved and missed forever by her parents and sorely missed by her friends, classmates, and the chess community. Her goal of becoming an attorney was cut short in one split moment and her puppy Molly cries for her daily. But she will always be remembered! Private services were held Friday evening, April 25, 2003 at Falconer Funeral Home in Gilbert, Arizona. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilbert High School Chess Club, 1101 East Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ. 85234 attention John Theile. Courtesy of Pat Wilson. -------------------- Jessica Rachel [Emmert], 21, was born on September 4th, 1981 in Washington, DC. Jessica lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her parents Kevin and Leslie Emmert where she enjoyed being the only child of two loving parents. Jessica grew up at the beach playing in the sand and enjoying the surf. She joined a Tae Kwon Do studio at the age of 5 and earned the status of black belt along the way while also being featured in two karate commercials. Jessica was a beautiful baby with rosy cheeks and a fast smile. She particularly loved her Nanny, Papa, and Uncle Steve. They doted on her and took her on many vacations over the years including England, Scotland, and France. When Jessica was 11 years old her family to moved to Gilbert Arizona. It was in Gilbert that Jessica became a student of Michael Reading and learned to love the sport of chess. She participated in many chess tournaments during that time making many close friends that spanned her short life. Jessica also became part of cheer, tennis, and soccer. While in high school at Gilbert High Jessica participated in the sport of soccer and also continued maturing in her chess game. She became the first female at Gilbert High to play on the top five boards and played successfully in both state and national championships. She was the first female at Gilbert High School to earn a varsity letter in chess! After high school Jessica enjoyed two years at Chandler Gilbert Community College where she participated in the student government and became interested in persuing the "law" for her career. She served as Phi Theta Kappa President and graduated with an AA in General Studies before attending Arizona State University. During her junior year at Arizona State University Jessica was hired by Gilbert Public Schools where she has been working as the Head Coach in chess at both Highland Junior High School and Gilbert Elementary School. She is also serving as the Assistant Coach for both Val Vista Lakes Elementary School and Sonoma Ranch Elementary School. Throughout the school year of 2002/2003 Jessica volunteered on a steady basis in her mother's classroom at Sonoma Ranch Elementary school. She formed close relationships with the kindergarten students in her mom's classroom, and their parents, Jessica will be loved and missed forever by her parents and sorely missed by her friends, classmates, and the chess community. Her goal of becoming an attorney was cut short in one split moment and her puppy Molly cries for her daily. But she will always be remembered! Private services were held Friday evening, April 25, 2003 at Falconer Funeral Home in Gilbert, Arizona. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilbert High School Chess Club, 1101 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ. 85234 attention John Theile. Submitted on (04/26/2003)From East Valley Tribune