GoodHeart | Samuel Clarke wins Father of the Year Award
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A father of five, Samuel Clarke says being a good father starts with love. Here, he shares a celebratory photo with his wife Norma (left) and daughter Lennovia.
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Lennovia Clarke is all smiles with her father, Samuel Clarke, whom she nominated for Father of the Year at this year’s Eternal Father Awards held at the Audi Showroom in St Andrew on Sunday. He went on to win both the Parish Champion Father title representing St Ann and the overall Father of the Year award.
What does it take to be an exceptional father? For Lennovia Clarke, it meant seeing the man she has looked up to all her life in dual roles as both provider and nurturer, from combing her hair to putting her to bed at night. Because her father is ever-present, ever-patient, and always practical and purposeful, she did not hesitate to nominate him for an Eternal Father Award. On Sunday, Samuel Clarke won not only the Parish Champion Father title representing St Ann but also the overall award for Father of the Year.
GoodHeart spoke with Clarke after his win about securing the grand prize and what inspired him to work so diligently in a society that sometimes overlooks the contribution men make to the betterment and stability of their families.
“You have to be consistent, and you have to love what you do because if you love it, then it is not a burden but a blessing to raise your children and see them blossom in their own right,” he said.
Clarke readily admitted he did not know much about what his daughter, who is a teacher, had signed him up for, but he trusted her judgement, went along for the ride, and is ecstatic about the results. “I [felt] so great and excited when they called my name as the overall winner. At first, I didn’t know what it was about, and even going there on Sunday, I didn’t really know much until I got there. I just knew I was nominated for an award.”
The 59-year-old from Knapdale in Brown’s Town is a carpenter at Westwood High School, where he has worked for the past 36 years. “When I went to work [earlier this week], everyone came to me to congratulate me. It really felt good to be recognised.”
The father of five does extensive voluntary work in his community, at his church and in surrounding areas. He is well known as the go-to person when people need help cutting trees, carrying out roadworks or making repairs to their homes.
“Especially after the hurricane, I would go around helping others with projects. In Stewart Town as well as at my church, Calvary Faith Tabernacle Church, I am always there when they need me,” he added.
What makes a good father, he emphasised, is love. “It’s that simple. You have to show love both in the home and in your community... You cannot be selfish and say you’re a good father because it requires frequent sacrifice. We have to take care of each other and show love and respect and always set a good example.”
Clarke, who has been married to his wife Norma for 35 years, stepped up when they decided she would work overseas to improve the family’s financial situation. “She worked on the housekeeping programme for a good while, so by the time each child was two, she’d go back up again, and I did the rest. I had the day-to-day responsibility for the children, so that’s why my daughters stick to me more. I combed their hair, carried them to clinic, school, everywhere, so they have that connection to me that can’t be broken.”