Mark was a student of mine as a 10th grader in my English class at Choctaw High School in Ft. Walton Beach. He was a joy to have in class. He was on the varsity football team, which is not the case for all sophomores. It was great fun watching him play football each week. As he went on to his junior and senior years, he would still come by my class and visit with me. He invited me to his signing ceremony when he signed with the U of Kentucky.
We kept in touch off and on after he graduated. I knew that he had joined Elliott Racing. The spring of 2011 he contacted me because he drove the Target car to Ft. Walton Beach for an exhibition. He came by class at Choctaw and spoke to one of my classes. I had some football players who knew who he was and they were thrilled to get to meet him in person. He brought me a Target car hat and shirt.
Like a lot of big, athletic guys Mark could look intimidating, but once he smiled, you could tell he was a teddy bear. My heart is broken to hear of his passing. My condolences to his parents, his brother and his children. Rest In Peace, Mark. I am grateful I was your teacher and your friend. I'll have those memories in my heart forever. -Linda Evanchyk "Ms. E" Go Big Green!
