For Immediate Release: July 17, 2009

Contact: Annette Barnette
Public Relations & Marketing Director
Glenville State College
Glenville, WV
(304) 462-4115

Glenville, WV – Glenville State College sophomore Matthew Thompson of Kanawha County traveled to Washington, D.C. on July 6th to serve as a chaperone at the National Rifle Association Youth Education Summit (YES). Thompson is a 2006 YES Alum where he represented Saint Albans High School in Saint Albans, West Virginia. His performance that week resulted in an invitation to be a chaperone at this year’s Youth Education Summit July 6-12th. “YES changed my life. I gained a deeper respect for our government and our nations fight for freedom. It gave me a chance to meet the future leaders of America that share the same values as I do. I was excited to return and help a new generation of students get the most out of their Youth Education Summit experience,” Thompson said.

Forty-five students from across the nation attended this event including Theodore Zaras of Sutton in Braxton County, West Virginia who plans to attend Glenville State College to study Land Resources. This seven-day expense-paid educational opportunity provides a select group of rising high school juniors and seniors with a hands-on learning experience through Washington, D.C. Students gain eye opening perspectives on American history and government while observing the political process at work.

The National Rifle Association launched YES in an effort to encourage America's youth to become more active and knowledgeable citizens. Funding for YES comes from local donations and Friends of NRA event fundraisers as well as through grants provided by the NRA Foundation.

YES activities include discussing the Constitution and Bill of Rights with scholars and experts, meeting members of Congress and staff, touring the U.S. Capitol and other National landmarks, public speaking activities, taking part in teamed debates, meeting NRA leadership, a guided tour of the National Firearms Museum at the National Rifle Association Headquarters, and much more. Each student has an opportunity to be awarded scholarship money based on their performance during the week along with what they take back with them to their community.