[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO CHERICE YVONNE JAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          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 Cherice Yvonne 
James and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.
  Cherice Yvonne James was born in Jamaica, Queens, NY and was very 
active as a youth. She attended Gloria Jackson's School of Dance from 
age 5 to 18 studying ballet, jazz, African and tap. She was a girl 
scout and a member of her school's volleyball and basketball teams. At 
the age of 9, Cherice joined the Prince Hall Shriner's, Abu-Bekr Court 
#74 Isiserettes Drill Team, where she rose up the ranks to eventually 
become team captain. She also represented Abu-Bekr Temple and Court by 
winning their ``Miss AbuBekr'' Talent and Scholarship pageant.
  Cherice is a graduate of Jamaica High School's Gateway to Higher 
Learning Honors program. During high school, she received numerous 
awards including being named in the National Dean's List and being a 
winner of the NYC Board of Education's Queens borough-wide High School 
Desktop Publishing Contest. New Jerusalem Baptist of Jamaica, NY, 
recognized her during their graduates' banquet.
  Cherice decided to pursue a career in hospitality and continued her 
education in Washington, DC at Howard University. During her college 
career, she was selected for the ultimate hospitality internship . . . 
Disney, where she spent a summer working and learning in Anaheim, CA. 
She received a Bachelor of Business Administration/Hospitality 
Management degree. After graduation, Cherice was chosen as a manager-
in-training for the Grand Hyatt Washington, which led to her becoming a 
food and beverage manager.
  She later joined the New York Marriott Marquis, Marriott's 2000 room, 
flagship hotel in Times Square. For the past eight years, Cherice has 
held various management positions in the company including the 
housekeeping and catering sales departments. Just this past September, 
she was promoted to Director of Services, at the newly constructed, 
Upper Eastside Courtyard by Marriott.
  In her spare time, Cherice enjoys traveling, reading, television and 
real estate. She currently owns two properties and has aspirations of 
obtaining many more. She also enjoys talking to others about the 
possibilities and joys of home ownership. Cherice eventually plans to 
enjoy an early retirement due to real estate investment. She has 
volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Aids Walk, NY Cares and 
coordinated clothing drives at work.
  Cherice is thankful for the support of her family and friends, 
especially her mother, Phyllis Johnson, who has always supported her in 
all her endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Cherice Yvonne James as she offers her talents 
for the betterment of our local and national communities.

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