THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 9, 1996 TAG: 9610080143
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: CLOSE-UP
LENGTH: 60 lines
Gerry Clark didn't start his career as a third-grade teacher. First, he spent a few years in the military. Like 20 or so, most of them as a Navy SEAL.
After his retirement, he went to Old Dominion University to get his high school math and science certification. While he was waiting around for a job to open in that field, he did some volunteer work at King's Grant Elementary where his wife, Nancy, teaches.
Hooked on the enthusiasm of small children, he took another trip back to school. This time it was to Norfolk State University for early childhood education courses, a move that led eventually to a faculty position one grade ahead of Nancy at King's Grant.
Full name: Gerald Wayne Clark.
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas.
What brought you to the Beach? U.S. Navy.
Birthdate: Aug. 27, 1946.
Occupation: Third-grade teacher at King's Grant Elementary School.
Nickname: Gerry.
Marital status: Married (for 25 plus years) to Nancy.
Children: One son - Eric.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Scuba diving with my family on a tropical coral reef with 150 feet of visibility.
Last smart thing you did: Decided to get my son his own telephone line.
Last dumb thing you did: Climbed 40 feet up in a tree to cut out dead wood. Spent 28 days in the hospital when the trunk broke and I fell 40 feet.
Favorite meal: A barbecue steak or chicken that I have grilled.
Favorite movies: ``Star Trek'' series, ``Mr. Holland's Opus''
Favorite song: ``Bolero.''
Last book read: 1995 Caldecott winner ``Smoky Night,'' by Eve Bunting.
Hobbies: Scuba diving, backpacking/hiking, sightseeing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Stay in Boy Scouts a little longer as a kid so I could have earned my Eagle rank.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing, she is perfect as she is - that's why I married her.
Secret vice: That's for me to know and you to figure out.
Favorite restaurant: Berns Steakhouse in Tampa, Fla.; Kobe Hibachi at Lynnhaven Mall.
Your favorite night on the town: A quiet dinner and a stroll on the Boardwalk with my wife.
Favorite TV shows: The original ``Star Trek'' series.
Favorite sport: To watch - ice dancing, to participate in - swimming.
Last vacation: A scuba diving trip to Cayman Brac.
Pets: An 11-year-old cockatiel named Pepper, tadpoles and butterflies.
Worst job: Picking cotton during the summers of my college days while working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Being selected as King's Grant Elementary School volunteer of the year for 1991-1992.
What would you like as your epitaph? There are two things in this world - results and excuses. He produced results. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER by CNB