2010 Saint Julie Award Presented to Kelly Clarke '84  The Saint Julie Award is presented each year to an alumna of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur whose life contributes to the recognition of the goodness of God in all creation, and who commits herself to the service of others. This woman is chosen by her peers as a model of faith, optimism, integrity, and unselfish dedication.
The 2010 Saint Julie Award was presented to Kelly Clarke '84 by Alumnae Association President Tricia Labor Dougherty '74 on February 2, 2010, following the feast day liturgy during which our Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Sister Mary Anne Broughton and Sister Nancy Bonshock renewed their vows.
After graduating from Notre Dame in 1984, Kelly received her bachelors degree from Lynchburg College. She later earned her MSW from Fordham University. She has served as Clinical Director for various non-profit organizations. At C.A.R.E. for Carson Valley School in Philadelphia, she was responsible for designing and implementing a school-based behavioral initiative for inner city children. She gained valuable experience at Henry Street Settlement and Safe Space in New York City. She is now the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons, providing low-income and homeless children throughout the five-county Delaware Valley region with everyday essentials they need to be safe, warm and ready to learn. Kelly also serves on the Board of Directors of the Christopher Robert Clarke Foundation, established in memory of her brother who died on 9/11 in the World Trade Center. The CRC Foundation’s goal is to provide underprivileged children with a quality education and a better life.
Upon receiving the Saint Julie Award, Kelly made the following remarks, addressing the entire student body, faculty and staff, administration and guests.
I am thrilled to be here with all of you today and honored to be recognized for following a career path that truly inspires and uplifts me every day. My sisters, Katie, Tricia, and Tracey, and wonderful friends are here with me today and I am extremely grateful for their love, support, and loyalty. The years that each of my sisters and I spent here at the Academy of Notre Dame helped shape a solid value system, a strong moral compass, enormous capacity to think of others before ourselves, and to expand our vision beyond our own community.
My parents believed strongly in a Catholic education for all six of their children beginning at Rosemont School of the Holy Child which was a stabilizing force in my life. Like Saint Julie Billiart who this award honors and acknowledges, I strongly believe in empowering those who are disenfranchised, to value and support those in times of darkness, and to be a guiding light for those who have lost their way.
I learned early in life that we can’t take the all the stuff we collect with us when we pass on, but we can leave a lasting impact on the lives of others and encourage and support them in attaining their goals, in becoming self sufficient, happy and whole.
In looking back over the years of exciting careers in PR, Media and Marketing in Los Angeles and New York City, I am most proud of the 13-plus years as a social worker and director in the nonprofit sector, especially as Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons. It makes me believe in the human spirit, the capacity to give back, and the courage to be who you were meant to be.
To the student body I say find your passion- it is what you will do well. Think outside of yourself and develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others. You wear a myriad of hats in life: daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and leader, among others. Always be cognizant of inspiring others by sharing your true gift -- YOU!!!!
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