On March 14th, the Elks Westminster Lodge, along with Interim Chief of Police Haubert, will be recognizing School Resource Officer Pat Clarke as this year’s recipient of the Elks Officer of the Year award. The Elks mission is, “To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.”
In Officer Clarke’s nomination, there are several examples to highlight how he demonstrated the Elks philosophy to care and share, in addition to our principles of SPIRIT. A co-worker through Silver Hills Middle School shared, “…He is amazing, he is compassionate, caring, stern, logical, professional and competent. Oh my gosh, he rocks it.” She goes on to share her concern from years ago when he, a Marine, arrived to be their new SRO. She, having been a teacher for 32-years, was unsure how he could lead students through their time in middle school. Her opinion now, “…he is absolutely the best one I’ve ever worked for and with and I just cannot tell you enough how impressed I am with as well as how much I learned from him on how he deals with kids..”
Officer Clarke’s nomination is summarized with a highlight noting he is a role model to students, other officers, the community and he reflects what others should strive to mirror.
Please join us in congratulating Pat as the 2023 Elks Officer of the Year!