Darnelle Clark, a first-grade Liberty teacher who during the COVID-19 pandemic became known for her Youtube channel, Clark's Cozy Corner, as an entertaining way to encourage students to read.

Clark, an alumni of Westminster College, was honored by her college with the 2022 Westminster College Alumni Citation Award at the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Clark is a 2009 Westminster grad, earned her a degree in psychology, completed a post-graduate degree in early childhood education, and earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Youngstown State University.
 
Clark was stricken with a severe case of COVID in August of 2021 - so severe she was paralyzed from the waist down - and finally returned to her Liberty classroom in August.
 
"When I was informed, I was enthralled and moved to tears; honestly, it came at a perfect time after my most recent surgeries and helped me find my place again," Clark said. "For my alma mater to deem me worthy of this recognition meant so much to me, knowing that in my lowest times, my value was recognized at Westminster, Liberty Schools, and the Liberty community.
 
Each year alumni submit names of who they feel deserve the honor, voted on by the Alumni Council. Winners of the award "reflect the Westminster mission and those who have distinguished themselves through personal achievements, professional achievements, and/or have made significant contributions to society."
 
"Seeing Darnelle as not only a member of our Liberty staff but a friend go through the highs and lows of the past two years gives me great pride to see someone of her wonderful character and spirit be honored with such a great award. I could not think of a more deserving individual to represent not only Liberty Schools but our community," said Liberty PK-2 Principal Jessica Kohler.

Clark spoke to two classes on Friday while back on campus and was honored at the football game on Saturday and hopes to resume doing Clark's Cozy Corner videos again.