JB Alumni Becomes Manufacturing Engineer

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Julie Billiart Schools have been a driving force in the life of Katherine Clarke. Having attended the Lyndhurst campus from first grade to eighth grade, she has many fond memories of her time at JB that have guided her on her journey to where she is today.

“I have been very fortunate to have had a lot of support in my life from family to friends and mentors, but without the support of the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) and the faculty that I encountered at JB, I would not be where I am today,” said Clarke.

Some of Clarke’s favorite memories at Julie Billiart Schools include being an angel in the Christmas nativity play. She also learned to become an altar server, and recalls serving Mass with Bishop Gries. Clarke has wonderful memories of her grandfather making the time to attend Grandparents’ Day, a play, or any other event that Clarke was participating in at JB.

“I am very grateful to him for being such a strong presence in my life and providing me with the opportunities that I had,” said Clarke. She also has very supportive parents who ensured that Clarke had the support she needed at JB and beyond.

After graduating from Beaumont High School in 2014, Clarke attended the University of Dayton. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2018. Clarke currently resides in Dayton where she is a Manufacturing Engineer at a company that makes medical equipment and surgical implants.

When she looks at her life today, Clarke credits JB for paving the way. “It wasn’t until I attended Julie Billiart that I was able to obtain the ability to learn. Other schools could not provide me with that gift. Learning did not come easily for me, but the teachers and staff helped me to reach the goals I have set. I continue to work on reaching my full potential.”

Clarke grew up in Cleveland Heights. She has two older sisters, Elizabeth and Patricia, and one younger sister, Shannon. For fun, Clarke enjoys hiking with her Golden Retriever, Cash. She also enjoys working on her motorcycle and riding it when the weather is nice.