[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21642]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MARK GERALD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to pay tribute to a 
conscientious constituent, a dedicated educator, and an outstanding 
role model. Mark Gerald is being honored by the town of Mullins, SC, 
for his tremendous service as a coach at Mullins High School. This is a 
job in which he has excelled, never losing focus or dedication even as 
he suffered debilitating treatments for colon cancer.
  Mark Gerald is a 22-year employee of Marion County School District 
#2. He has held coaching positions for the Mullins High School junior 
varsity and varsity football teams and the men's basketball programs. 
He has served as athletic director and head coach of Mullins High 
School men's varsity basketball program. Coach Gerald has dedicated his 
adult life to the very district from which he graduated.
  He left Marion County and enrolled at Fayetteville State University 
in Fayetteville, NC. After graduation he returned to the community and 
the people he loved, and has never left. Coach Gerald never turns his 
back on anyone in need. He reaches into his own pocket when a player 
needs a pair of shoes, or when a student doesn't have the basic 
necessities.
  As a coach, Mark Gerald believes in creating a family atmosphere for 
his players. He spends his summer vacations traveling with his team 
attending summer camps and organizing the annual Mullins High School 
Alumni game and picnic during the month of July. He helps students 
young and old. For the youth, he sponsors the Raymond Felton Basketball 
Camp. He has successfully secured many college scholarships for his 
graduates. His dedication to athletics and his athletes has paid great 
dividends. His teams have won several state division titles and a state 
championship.
  In July 2007, Coach Gerald was preparing for the alumni game when he 
fell seriously ill. He was initially diagnosed with diverticulitis, but 
within months he learned he had colon cancer. This spring, he 
successfully underwent surgery to have the diseased portion of his 
colon removed. Currently he is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
  Despite his health challenges, Coach Gerald rarely misses a day of 
work. He schedules his doctors' appointments in the afternoons and 
never misses any practices or games. He has never let anyone hear him 
complain, and he continues to smile even through the difficult times. 
Last season despite his health crisis, Coach Gerald led his team to a 
21-0 regular season and another division title. The only loss of the 
season came in the state playoffs, and his team lost by only one 
basket.
  Coach Gerald draws strength from his family and his faith. He is 
married to the former Linda Diane Bethea, and they have two children 
and two grandchildren. He is also a deacon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 
where he has been a lifelong member.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in applauding 
the outstanding dedication, leadership and determination demonstrated 
by Mark Gerald. He is an extraordinary example for all of us to follow. 
I wish him Godspeed, and continued success and happiness.

                          ____________________