[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12209]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO ROBERT PORCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2000

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to Robert Porcher III, for being honored ``Father 
of the Year'' at The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Annual Awards 
Banquet held on June 2, 2000. The National Fatherhood Initiative was 
founded to stimulate a national movement while confronting the growing 
dilemma of father absentia. NFI is dedicated to improving the lives of 
children by increasing the number who have involved, committed, and 
responsible fathers.
  In a league that has been shrouded with negative media coverage on 
irresponsible fatherhood, Robert Porcher was one of the first athletes 
to take a stand for responsible parenting. He has been a humanitarian, 
actively participating in Detroit's United Way as the official 
spokesman; a philanthropist, making a lifelong commitment to provide 
funds enhancing public awareness, increased educational opportunities, 
and aid to economically disadvantaged individuals; and a mentor, 
providing deserving youth with scholarship assistance and recreational 
activities through the Robert Porcher Scholarship Award and Top of the 
Line Football Camp.
  Always committed to his educational endeavors, Robert graduated from 
Cainhoy High School in Wando, South Carolina. In 1992, he matriculated 
at South Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor of 
Science degree in criminal justice. During his outstanding collegiate 
career, Robert was named 1991 Walter Camp All-American and 1991 MEAC 
Defensive Player of the Year. He entered the National Football League 
as a first-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions.
  Mr. Porcher is a spectacular athlete, devoted father, advocate, 
humanitarian, and philanthropist. He is a man of extraordinary kindness 
and courage, intellect and eloquence. Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
honoring Robert Porcher, III, for his outstanding work as an exemplary 
father, athlete, and role model.

                          ____________________