Lincoln County veteran named Oregon Small Schools Teacher of the Year

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — Patrick Clarke, a client of Lincoln County Veteran Services who was featured locally last year as part of Operation Green Light, has been named the Oregon Small Schools Association's Teacher of the Year.

The Oregon Small Schools Association recognizes one teacher each year who excels in their leadership position. Clark, who leads a highly interactive culinary program at Siletz Valley Charter School, was selected for his professional qualities including integrity, leadership, commitment to community, scholarship and student achievement.

"This award highlights the critical role veterans play in our community, outside of their military service," Lincoln County Veteran Services Officer Keith Barnes said. "Our office is proud to help provide support to this remarkable educator so that he can support our youth."

Barnes featured Clarke's self-designed culinary program as part of 2024's Operation Green Light, a nationwide, annual campaign to show support for and raise awareness of issued faced by local veterans. The campaign encourages businesses and residents to replace at least one light with a green bulb to show their support for those who served in the military.

“Patrick Clarke has taken his experiences as an army cook and turned them into culinary school, and then decided to create his own food programs that were focused on building kids’ appreciation for food as a community gift,” said Siletz Valley Superintendent Ginger Redlinger. She added that Clarke “understands the value of school, of community, of food, of caring for children, of caring for our natural resources and loving each other. I can’t think of anyone more worthy for Oregon Small Schools Teacher of the Year.”

Clarke will receive his 2025 Teacher of the Year award at the Oregon Small Schools Association spring conference on April 18 at the Salishan Resort.