He Is School’s ‘Secret Weapon’ : Developmentally Disabled Youth Is Corona del Mar’s--and Team’s--Biggest Booster

“I really love Corona del Mar High School . . . the sports, homecoming activities, the teachers . . . everything.”

Just another case of being true to your school? Well, maybe, but in the case of Gerard Fobes, the sentiments couldn’t be more heartfelt.

Fobes is a 19-year-old developmentally disabled student who has attended Corona del Mar for the past three years.

As with most high school students, he has a busy workload. In his first two classes of the day, he studies reading, math, science and history with his special education teachers.

“Academically his language and reading have progressed over the years,” instructor Beth Kimberly said. “Gerard is (becoming) more rational about his possibilities, and others have accepted him in a positive way.

“If you ask anyone on this campus if they know Gerard, they will say how he’s such a loving and caring person. Only the ones who don’t know him--and haven’t taken the time to know him--don’t treat him with respect.”

Academic classes are followed by others in food preparation and student government, and after lunch it’s on to physical education--Fobes won a bronze medal in swimming at the California State Special Olympics--and then to his latest love, his work with the Sea Kings’ varsity football team.

Nicknamed “Secret Weapon,” Fobes knew from the beginning that he couldn’t actually play the sport, so he serves as the team’s water boy. The varsity players consider him their main booster and a necessity for their success.

“Wherever I turn, Gerard is always there, giving encouragement and support to everyone,” said senior David Skinner, the team’s starting free safety. “Working with Gerard is something you can get to like. He just makes you want to go up to him and give him a hug.”

Fobes will again be cheering from the sidelines Friday night, when Corona del Mar (5-4-1) plays host to Brea-Olinda in the first round of the Southern Section Division VI playoffs.

Sea Kings Coach Dave Holland, who had experience working with disabled kids during his time in college, said Fobes and his players have adjusted well to each other. “Everyone on the team watches over Gerard and he has been a good inspiration for all of us,” Holland said.

Fobes is also breaking ground in the field of politics, serving as his school’s first special education student in student government.

According to activities director Allen Waterman, who advises the student council, Fobes runs errands, participates in the meetings, serves on the spirit committee and presents his committee’s reports to his fellow classmates.

Because Fobes can’t participate in every activity, Waterman compensates in a supportive manner. For instance, when the students were recently given a test on parliamentary procedures, it was Fobes’ job to go around to each of his classmates and ask them for the test’s answers.

“Gerard would always come up and talk to me about rallies and activities,” Waterman said. “I felt by putting him in ASB (Associated Student Body) he could contribute a great deal to other students as well as benefit himself.

“Gerard is the most sensitive and caring boy I have ever known. He loves being in this class, and all the students are tolerant and very accepting.”

Before his work with the football team and student council, Fobes played drums for Corona del Mar’s band for three years. He has had piano lessons and plays the guitar, but enjoys playing the drums “because I like to stay with the beat.”

He was also enrolled for three years in auto shop, and Fobes has expressed enthusiasm about becoming a mechanic when he graduates. His work in the class was rewarded when he received the school’s Bank of America achievement award for industrial arts last year.

Fobes’ 16-year-old sister, Berene, is a student at cross-town rival Newport Harbor High School. The two get along well and she often helps him with his studies. His parents, Steve and Jeanne Fobes, are quite proud of their son’s achievements.

Said Jeanne: “He is so full of enthusiasm that whenever he comes home, he just can’t wait to tell me everything that happened that day in school.”