Diocesan Council of Catholic Women presents award recognizing young woman’s leadership
TOOELE — Kerisma Intuitia Clarke, a 19-year-old St. Marguerite parishioner, was named the Golden Rose Award recipient at the Diocese of Salt Lake City Council of Catholic Women’s 2025 annual convention, celebrated April 26-27 in Salt Lake City.
The Golden Rose Award recognizes a young woman for her outstanding skills in leadership, spirituality and service. It is a relatively new award, having first been given in 2023. As the local winner, Clarke will have her nomination submitted for the national award. Last year’s national winner, Leylahni Munguia Ayon, is a parishioner of Saint James the Greater in Vernal.
At her parish, Clarke is an altar server, takes part in the annual parish Fall Festival, and “is an active and devoted member of the church community, participating in various spiritual and social events,” according to her nomination.
An active member of the parish’s Council of Catholic Women, she engages “in faith-based discussions and community-building activities,” and prays the rosary with hospice residents, says the nomination. Through her school, she was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA), was an advocate for suicide prevention, and was a peer tutor. She is currently pursuing a cosmetology license.
“Kerisma serves her parish and community with a generous heart, offering care and support in countless ways,” the nomination form states. “As a dedicated caregiver, she tends to those in need, donates to the homeless, and provides free haircuts and coloring for those who can’t afford salon services. … Through her selfless acts of kindness, she embodies the true spirit of service and compassion.”
Receiving the award “means so much to me because it reflects the journey I’ve taken in my faith and the dedication I’ve put into growing spiritually,” Clarke said. “There was a time when I struggled with my relationship with God, especially during high school, when judgment and pressure made it hard to stay grounded. But through prayer and honest conversations with God, I found clarity, strength and purpose.”
The award is also “a testament to how even a small effort, just 1 percent of the time, can lead to transformation,” she said. “It proves that when you trust in Jesus and stay faithful, miracles truly can happen.”
Being involved at her parish is a way to honor Jesus and give back for all the blessings she has received, she said.
“I decided to serve at St. Marguerite shortly after receiving my First Holy Communion,” she said. “I was inspired by seeing other kids my age altar serving, and I wanted to be part of something meaningful and fun, while also giving my time to the Church. Serving quickly became more than just an activity, it became a way for me to honor the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for me. Every time I serve, I’m reminded that this is my way of giving back, not only to God but also to the people who have guided and supported me in my faith journey. This service is a way for me to show gratitude and continue growing closer to God.”
As a young person, putting her time, talents and treasure in service to the Church is important because “it helps build strong values, healthy habits and a meaningful lifestyle early on,” she said. “Serving in the Church allows us to use our unique gifts and creativity in a way that makes a difference, while also keeping us connected to our faith and community. … I truly believe every youth should be involved in some way. It’s a powerful way to give back for all that God has done for us and to grow spiritually while supporting others.”
Before beginning cosmetology school, “I worked as a caregiver, helping patients on hospice, which was one of the most humbling and meaningful experiences of my life,” she said. “Being there for people during such a difficult time helped deepen my relationship with God and taught me the value of compassion, patience and faith. These experiences both in caregiving and now in cosmetology have shaped who I am and continue to guide me in my journey of service, faith and personal growth.”
The other nominees for the 2025 diocesan Golden Rose Award were Sofia Arriaga, St. Joseph the Worker Parish; Estephani Bruno, St. George Parish; Rebecca Hill, Christ the King Parish; Marcile Jumonville, Holy Family Parish; Vanessa Mancilla, St. Mary Parish (West Haven) and Xipatly Palormo, St. Peter Parish.
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