Two local brothers and former graduates, Marian and Colin Jester, paid a return visit to Madison Comprehensive High School earlier this month to share with the current senior class what they can only describe as “a life changing decision.”
The Jesters have two more brothers. The oldest, and a 2007 Madison graduate, Evan Jester, decided to pursue a career in the military and that choice became a family tradition. Evan Jester serves as a Navy helicopter pilot.
“We all understood what he was doing. We could all see and understand the benefits,” said Marian Jester, a Senior at the US Naval Academy. Marian Jester graduated from Madison High School in 2009 and attended the Naval Academy prep school in Newport, Rhode Island before entering the naval academy. He will graduate in 2014 as an Ocean Engineer.
Jester added that his older brother’s decision laid the groundwork that inspired and guided the younger brothers to pursue a path of military service.
“We all wanted to serve our country and were fortunate enough to be accepted to service academies,” stated Marian Jester. “We use each other as motivation. God has blessed us all, but the internal drive to better ourselves and each other has been the foundation of our success.”
Evan Jester chose to enter the US Naval Academy after graduation to pursue a career as a pilot and is currently living in San Diego, CA. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2011 and earned his wings this year. While at the academy Evan Jester studied International Relations and according to his father is interested in possibly pursuing a position related to diplomacy.
According to Mike Jester, the father of the four brothers, Evan first became intrigued with the military, particularly the naval academy when the family was on vacation in Houston and the family attended a ball game. At the game, he saw the officers in uniform and began to explore the advantages and opportunities. A television show called “Inside America’s Academies” further ignited that passion.
“When he expressed his desire to pursue a military path, I made sure he understood what he needed to do to make that happen. I told him he had to maintain good grades, be active in school in both academics and sports,” said Mike Jester.
He added that he then began monitoring each son around seventh grade to make sure they were taking the appropriate classes so that they would have the credits to qualify and pursue whatever it was they chose.
The second Jester brother, Quentin Jester graduated from Madison in 2008 and chose an Army career. He will graduate from West Point as a Civil Engineer and is serving as an infantry officer.
The two brothers spoke to students about their decisions and the opportunities available to them. The presentation rallied around the opportunities and options the students themselves could take advantage of when making future plans for their life.
“Our message today is all about striving to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about drive and giving your life purpose and direction. At the end of the day, it’s about bettering yourself and those around you,” said Marian Jester.
Younger brother Colin Jester graduated from Madison in 2011 and is currently a Junior at the US Naval Academy. Jester is studying Quantitative Economics and entertaining the idea of working on Wall Street.
Colin Jester summed up his decision to follow in the footsteps of his brothers by stating, ”It keeps me busy and on a path that I know is beneficial. That is why we are here today to encourage you [students] to consider all of your options and to know about the opportunities that are available and that one decision could very well change your life for the better.”
Their father stated,”Their mother and I are very proud. We’ve been enjoying the ride so far. Watching the boys grow and mature and achieve so much. We are very grateful for all the help and opportunities they have received throughout the process.”
Mike and Theresa Jester live in the Madison area. He is retired from the Air Force and was in the inactive reserve during the Gulf War. She has been teaching Special Education for the past 26 years for the Columbus City School District.
“Our message today is all about striving to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about drive and giving your life purpose and direction. At the end of the day, it’s about bettering yourself and those around you,” said Marian Jester.
