Mercer County Goverment: Stokes Brings A Competitive Edge To The Commissioner Board

Press release from the Mercer County Government:

02/04/2022 12:02 PM

Stokes, who grew up in Trenton, starred as an option-style quarterback for the Trenton Central High School Tornadoes. He led the Tornadoes within one win of a Central New Jersey Group IV Title in 1990.

The Delaware Valley Foundation awarded him a scholar-athlete award, the first-ever for a player from Trenton Central.  Stokes went on to star as a running back for the Ivy League's University of Pennsylvania Quakers. Stokes was part of a Quakers program that won 24 consecutive games.

Stokes's signature game came against a university that makes its home in Mercer County. Stokes set a school record, rushing for 272 yards in a 30-14 victory over Princeton University in a win that set the stage for the Quakers to win the Ivy League Championship.

"Football has taught me valuable lessons that I have been able to translate to my personal and professional lives. It has given me a voice and platform to have positive impacts on people's lives; taught me the value of teamwork and sacrifice; opened doors and entry into spaces once closed," said Commissioner Stokes.

While Stokes may have never made it to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas, his reach and leadership instilled in the youth of Mercer County have been felt in our community for the last 20 plus years.

After graduation, Stokes spent years working in investment banking but quickly returned to Trenton as a history teacher, academic adviser, and outreach specialist. He currently serves as the Manager of School Support for Trenton Public Schools

"I always believed that my experiences were not simply for the advancement of personal career. My community gave so much to me growing up that I felt an obligation to return and utilize my skills and experience to benefit the community that loved and supported me," said Stokes.

Stokes has been married to his wife Fareeda for 22 years. They are the proud parents of three sons and a daughter. Each of their children has and continues to excel as student-athletes at Ewing High School. Two of his children are currently competing as members of the football team and the girl’s basketball, and track teams.

 As his children grew up, Stokes became increasingly more invested in the community as he donated his time to Ewing  Recreation Basketball League, Central Jersey Pop Warner Football, Trenton Youth Football, and is the Founder and President of the non-profit Trenton Youth Development Initiative, whose goal is to empower the youth in the community.  

"Trenton Youth Development Initiative was created to provide positive, structured athletic and youth development programs for young people in Trenton and the surrounding community," he explained.

While this may be Terrance Stokes' first time as an elected official, the lessons he has learned as a child in the City of Trenton, on the gridiron at the University of Pennsylvania, as a father, and now as a community mentor will surely shine through as he begins this journey as County Commissioner.

"One of my focuses is ensuring that resources are available for families and young people who need them," concluded Stokes.

This press release was produced by the Mercer County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.