[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1407-E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING RODNEY ELLIS, CHAMPION OF EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. PRICE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life 
and memory of Rodney Ellis of Mocksville, North Carolina, for his work 
as a committed teacher and an advocate for educational opportunity and 
success for all students. Mr. Ellis passed away prematurely on 
September 10, 2016 at the age of 49. On behalf of my family and staff, 
I wish to extend our sympathy and good wishes to his family.
  Mr. Ellis was raised by a single mother in Mocksville, North Carolina 
and Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to North Carolina to attend Winston-
Salem State University (WSSU), graduating with a degree in teaching. 
While at WSSU, he met his wife Lisa, with whom he raised five children.
  Mr. Ellis began his involvement with the North Carolina Association 
of Educators

[[Page E1408]]

(NCAE) as a student at WSSU, serving as president of the campus 
affiliate of the organization. He later served as president of the 
Forsyth County chapter. In 2008, Mr. Ellis became vice president of 
NCAE, and in 2012 he was elected President.
  As an advocate and a leader, Rodney Ellis was energetic and 
effective, reflecting a passion for ensuring access to education for 
all students. He defended public investments in our schools at a time 
when they were under threat, first from the Great Recession and then 
from hostile political leadership.
  Mr. Ellis stepped down from the NCAE presidency in July after serving 
the maximum two two-year terms. He returned to Winston-Salem to spend 
more time with his family and teach middle school language arts to 
students of low-income families. He continued to be a committed 
educator of students of all socioeconomic backgrounds until the very 
end of his life.
  Rodney Ellis leaves a legacy of dedication and commitment that saw 
North Carolina education through tough times. Both in the classroom and 
in statewide leadership, his work will benefit thousands of students 
for generations to come.

                          ____________________