[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE OF MARK TULCHINSKY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 28, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Mark 
Tulchinsky, a leader in the South Bend Community School Corporation, a 
mentor, father, educator, and beloved member of the community. Mr. 
Tulchinsky passed away while working in his office at Tarkington 
Traditional School on January 22, 2008.
  Tulchinsky's peers describe him as ``a good friend and an excellent 
principal.'' He was the perfect example of an empathetic and 
kindhearted principal as well as a tremendous friend and mentor. 
Whether it was taking part in school sports or activities or dealing 
with serious situations and discipline issues within his school, 
Tulchinsky was able to handle his position as a leader with poise and 
compassion.
  Former students and colleagues said he had an uncanny ability to 
remember the names and faces of students, even decades after he taught 
them. We should all return this favor, by remembering and thanking him 
for his service to the young people of his community. There is no doubt 
that he positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. 
Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to bettering the community 
through volunteering and mentoring.
  After graduating from Adams High school in South Bend, Tulchinsky 
attended the University of Chicago where he earned a bachelor's degree 
in history. He then returned to his hometown and began his lifelong 
career in education. Through the South Bend Community School 
Corporation, Tulchinsky began teaching at Perley Elementary in 1968. He 
taught for a few years as a fourth grade teacher, and in the process 
furthered his education by earning a master's degree in 1974 from the 
University of Notre Dame. Later, Tulchinsky gave back to the Notre Dame 
community by operating the shot clock for Notre Dame men's and women's 
basketball teams as well as timekeeping at Notre Dame home football 
games.
  In 1979, Tulchinsky began his lengthy career in administration, first 
serving as assistant principal for Jefferson School. He went on to 
serve as a principal for McKinley, Perley, Jefferson, Monroe, and 
Tarkington Schools. Throughout his 39-year career in education, 
students called him by the affectionate nickname of Mr. T. In addition 
to his service in education, Tulchinsky was a big supporter of local 
athletic teams. He officiated for both basketball and football games, 
including the IHSAA Class 2A football championship in 1983. His 
dedication to both athletics and education was evident in 1994 when he 
suffered a heart attack while officiating for basketball; he returned 
to teaching after his recovery.
  Tulchinsky is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nan; three grown 
children, Peter, Daniel, and Sarah; four grandchildren, Abbey, Emma, 
Payton, and Jacob; as well as a myriad of students whose lives he 
touched. He will be greatly missed for his dedication to teaching, his 
devotion to the community, and his warm love for all those around him.

                          ____________________