[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOYCE ELLIS

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                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2021

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of 
Joyce Ellis, who passed away on December 16, 2020, at the age of 62. 
Ms. Ellis was a remarkable woman with a steadfast commitment to serving 
her community, and her leadership and advocacy for our region's youth 
will be greatly missed.
  At the age of 17, Ms. Ellis opened her first dance studio, eventually 
expanding her operation to include four studios throughout southwestern 
Pennsylvania. Ms. Ellis' students performed across the Commonwealth, 
from community parades to Steelers and Pirates games. They were also 
nationally recognized at the Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation's 
capital.
  While Ms. Ellis was an accomplished dancer and choreographer, she was 
also deeply dedicated to mentorship. Students and parents remember her 
commitment to ensuring dancers of all skill levels were set up for 
future success. After receiving an Observer-Reponer Person of the Year 
award, Ms. Ellis best summed up her approach, ``I really feel I was put 
on this planet to help people become better, and upon doing so, I 
become better.''
  At the height of her career, Ms. Ellis felt a calling from God to 
leave her studios and reopen the LeMoyne Community Center in 
Washington, Pennsylvania, becoming Executive Director in 2007. Under 
her leadership, the once dilapidated building became a place filled 
with hope and promise.
  Ms. Ellis fiercely believed the LeMoyne Community Center should be a 
source of stability and comfort for local children. She established a 
food program to provide meals for youths across Washington County and 
started Homework and More, a program hosting afterschool activities and 
tutoring. When school was not in session, the center held summer camp 
and Coco's Christmas, which sourced clothing, gifts, and meals for 
families in need.
  Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I recognize the loss 
of Joyce Ellis. Ms. Ellis indelibly advanced and improved her community 
through the LeMoyne Community Center, and her service will leave a 
lasting legacy for children and families in our region.

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