[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO MR. ELLIS A. MERCER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Ellis A. 
Mercer and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of this outstanding member of the Brooklyn community.
  Ellis A. Mercer was born on March 8, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. He 
is the son of Mr. Mercer and Mamie Mercer, and the oldest sibling of 
Eva Maria Mercer-Andrews.
  He received his education in the New York City public schools, 
graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School with a Regents Diploma 
in Mathematics and Electronics. Mr. Mercer then attended Johnson & 
Wales University in Providence, R.I., where he received an A.S. degree 
in Data Processing, A.S. degree in Accounting, and a B.S. degree in 
Computer Systems Management.
  After receiving his A.S. degree in Data Processing, Mr. Mercer was 
hired as the University's Assistant Athletic Director. As the Assistant 
Athletic Director, he managed the University's Sports Complex and 
oversaw the University's Intramural Sports Program in which over 1,500 
students participated. This is where his passion for youth involvement 
in education and sports began. In 1990 he returned to New York and was 
hired as the City of New York Parks & Recreation's Brooklyn Sports 
Coordinator, where he coordinated and supervised various citywide 
programs, including Reebok's Coup de Hoop and the Junior Knicks 
Basketball clinics and tournaments. Mr. Mercer volunteered to recruit 
and coach the New York's National Youth Game Volleyball Team in 
Atlanta, GA. He implemented and supervised the Pro-Am NAACP's (3 on 3) 
and Midnight Basketball tournaments in Brooklyn. He also umpired 
softball games for the New York City Housing Authority. At the 
Brownsville Recreation Center he was employed as the After-school 
Director. After only three years as director, his program was 
recommended for use as the model program for all City of New York Parks 
& Recreation After-school programs. Mr. Mercer's program included 
extensive homework: help and tutoring that helped students sustain the 
academic standards set by the Board of Education. He also conducted 
workshops for SAT and ACT testing. He promoted local and overnight 
college and university tours, including tours to Howard University and 
Johnson & Wales University. Mr. Mercer also conducted free workshops 
for over 500 adult participants seeking postal employment.
  Mr. Mercer is now a manager at the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center 
located in Harlem, New York. He also served as Chairman of the DC37, 
Local 299-2005 election committee.
  As Worshipful Master of African 459 Lodge #63 for the past 2 years, 
Mr. Mercer continues to see that his lodge serves its community by 
sending 5 children to Camp Eureka in Upstate N.Y., issuing 3 
scholarships to students enrolling in, or attending college, and 
continuing the lodge's annual feeding program and Christmas toy drive.
  Mr. Mercer is a deacon at The Friendship Baptist Church. He also 
serves as the President of the Brotherhood Men's Committee at 
Friendship.
  Mr. Mercer is married to Sandra Elaine Gibson-Mercer and they are the 
proud parents of one daughter, Britney Elise Mercer.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Ellis A. Mercer, as he offers his talents for 
the betterment of our local and national communities.

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