Distinguished Graduates
This award honors graduates of Catholic elementary schools who have made a significant contribution to the Catholic Church and American life. The National Catholic Education Association provides criteria and a framework to help with the nomination process.
2012 St. Benedict Catholic School
Distinguished Graduate: Audrey Threlkeld
Pictured left to right: Principal Brian Anderson, Distinguished Graduate Audrey Threlkeld, Father Steve Sallis.
We are pleased to announce that St. Benedict Catholic School’s Distinguished Graduate for 2012 is Audrey Threlkeld (60”). After graduating from St. Benedict, Audrey went on to Holy Names Academy for High School and Seattle University for both her Bachelors and Masters in Education. She has worked at Forest Ridge School since 1979 as both a Middle School and High School teacher, Dean of Studies, Academic Dean and College Counselor at different times. Audrey has always found time to give back. She began her association with St. Martin de Porres in 1986 as a Sunday night volunteer after visiting the shelter. In 1994 Audrey was asked by the volunteer coordinator at St. Martin de Porres if the students of Forest Ridge would be able to serve a meal for one Sunday a month as she felt it was important for the residents to have a nice meal on Sundays. Thus began the monthly dinners served by the students and staff of Forest Ridge that continue today for the 250+ men at this shelter. At one point they were able to serve these dinners year round because Audrey also headed up a Summer Service Project. Besides St. Martin de Porres, Audrey is involved in other volunteer opportunities such as Northwest Harvest, Congregation for the Homeless and the Crossroads Feeding Program. However, Audrey continues to be passionate about her continued work for St. Martin de Porres. She and her students have truly learned that the experience of interacting with the men at this shelter gave a face to the “homeless” which has affected all who are involved in a very profound way.
Audrey lives in Bellevue and is a member of St. Madeleine Sophie Parish. She has a grown son and daughter as well as two adorable granddaughters. She augments her global perspective whenever possible through travel abroad, often visiting other schools in the Sacred Heart Network to facilitate exchange opportunities. Next on her travel itinerary is a safari in Kenya during February. Audrey also enjoys Volkswalking, gardening, theater, reading, and baking.
For Audrey, Catholic Education provided a backbone for her faith development and acted as her internal moral compass for the last 60 years and she treasures the foundation that St. Benedict Catholic School offered her.