Lisa Clark receives the 2023 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year award from superintendent David Kessler. Clark serves at St. Mary School System in Paducah. RACHEL HALL | WKC

Editor’s note: The following nomination was read by superintendent David Kessler at the July 28, 2023 Celebration of Catholic Schools event held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Henderson, Ky.

This educator gives 110% to everything she does. She is always willing to help where needed, and has skill sets that are invaluable to our school community. She has served as a teacher, principal, technology specialist and as the Learning Support Coordinator, working for the students with their parents, faculty, staff, and peers.

This educator is committed to always serving the students, no matter the need. As a religion teacher she understands that students come from different backgrounds and experiences, and she helps them grow in their faith and understanding at their level, even those that are not Catholic. As the Learning Support Coordinator, she advocates for students so that their needs are met. She works with parents and teachers to understand any learning difference a child may have and how all can support the child to be successful. She is compassionate and realistic about how we can serve the student. She does the research and has the knowledge to serve those students with challenges that we as a school system may not otherwise be able to serve. As the technology coordinator she understands the importance of its use in the classroom, the training involved, and the infrastructure to make sure that everything is in working order. She is not above doing the “heavy lifting” as well as the tedious work in getting devices into the hands of over 400 students, faculty, and staff.

As a teacher of religion, she wants the student to know and love our Savior, regardless of their prior knowledge. She sets a wonderful example of how to love and serve. Students will always remember her slogan of, “Have a great day and always be kind.”

This educator, along with her other school duties, helps plan the school and system Masses. She works with students to prepare, as well as the priests when needed. She is an active member of her parish, St. John the Evangelist, where her husband is also a deacon.

She herself is an active member of her church community. She works at church picnics, Knights of Columbus events, and retreats.  She stays involved with local organizations including the Special Olympics and Easter Seals. She is an advocate within these programs, and I am sure many others are not mentioned here.

Finally, this educator is well respected by her colleagues, parents, and students. She is always professional and willing to help where needed. Teachers know that she has a wealth of knowledge regarding children with special needs and she is a resource to them both in and out of the classroom. She has a calm demeanor when working with parents, especially when it comes to situations where there is denial or reluctance of a child’s differences or needs.

Everyone please help me in congratulating Ms. Lisa Clark of St. Mary School System in Paducah as the 2023 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year.

David Kessler, superintendent of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Catholic Schools Office, hugs Lisa Clark as she receives the 2023 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year award on July 28. RACHEL HALL | WKC

Originally printed in the September 2023 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.