GROTON, Conn. – Friday, Feb. 7, a ceremony honoring alumni Mike Ellis, was held in the Fitch High School gymnasium, newly named the “Mike Ellis Gymnasium”, ahead of the Lady Falcons’ basketball game against Woodstock Academy.
The ceremony began with an introduction of the administrators, colleagues, and friends who are close to Ellis. This included Fitch principal, Matt Browne, Fitch athletic director, Marc Romano, Groton Public Schools superintendent, Susan Austin, and Fitch Physical Education teacher, Mike Porter.
Speeches were given by Romano and Porter, followed by Ellis.
“For over three decades Mike [Ellis] served as an educator instilling learning and self-discipline into his students,” said Romano. “His mentorship shaped generations of athletes”.
Mike Porter followed, further detailing Ellis’ legacy.
“I consider myself to be lucky and fortunate to have been coached and mentored by him,” said Porter. “Mike has been a long time supporter of girl’s and boy’s athletics, as he coached football, baseball, and gymnastics.”
After Porter concluded, it was time for Ellis to offer his remarks, offering thanks to those who proposed the renaming of the gym in his honor, as well as Superintendent Susan Austin and the Groton Board of Education for approving it. He also thanked Romano, Brown, and Porter for their efforts in putting the event together.
He then shared a sweet moment with his granddaughter, who is a member of the Girl’s basketball team and a senior at Fitch High School.
“This timing could not be more perfect,” Ellis said. “Not only because I’m here to witness it, but because
my granddaughter, Ada Ellis, is playing her final basketball season in the gymnasium named for her grandpa Mike.” Ellis pointed and waved to Ada, smiling.
After reflecting on memories and the impact that Ellis had on the Fitch community, the commemoration concluded with a picture and plaque of the honor being awarded to him.
Directly following the ceremony, Ellis gathered with his family, to pose under the new sign outside the gym entrance that reads “Mike Ellis Gymnasium.”
