[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO MS. CERISA HOWARD

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Cerisa 
Howard, a native of New York born to William E. Clark and the late Lela 
F. Clark.
  Ms. Howard has worked with St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation 
Corporation for 13 years in various positions. She started as a Youth 
Coordinator working with at-risk youth in the community where she found 
jobs, scholarships, facilitated college enrollment, initiated 
educational trips and acquired funding resources to aid youth. 
Additionally, Ms. Howard has helped youth with everyday life issues and 
has always been available to lend a listening ear.
  Ms. Howard, also, has worked as a clerical supervisor in the Human 
Support Department of St. Nicholas High School. In this capacity she 
managed clients' files, supervised the clerical staff and assisted the 
nurses with home visit documentation.
  Presently, she is the Senior Property Manager of the St. Nicholas 
Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, now known as the St. Nicks 
Alliance, Where Opportunity Grows. She manages 275 housing units with a 
maintenance crew that administers repairs, upkeep, and security.
  Ms. Howard is a member of Berean Baptist Church, under the Pastor of 
Rev. Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. She is the Vice Servant Leader of the 
Pastoral Support Ministry and serves as the coordinator of the annual 
Thanksgiving Dinner that is served for the homeless and shut-ins on 
Thanksgiving Day.
  Ms. Howard is a loving mother of two sons, William and Raymond, and 
the proud grandmother of twin grandsons, Ryan and Tylan.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Cerisa Howard.

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