Asking the Right Questions | Steven Clarke

I learned early on, while on the debate team in high school, that there are many sides to a lot of the controversial issues of our times. As people mature, they develop a world-view that governs the knowledge they receive and the way in which they receive it. We all should strive to be inquisitive, reflective, empathetic, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, and balanced. We should be thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. My talk focuses on these aspirations.

Dr. Steven Clarke is a native of Burke County. His early ventures into the deeper pools of knowledge began with participation on the debate team in high school. It was there that he began to learn that many problems common to the human race are fraught with layers of complexity. Finding the best solution to these challenges often involves a careful analysis of competing values. Perfect solutions are, at times, hard to come by. Steve pursued music as a career and has spent nearly 30 years teaching at the collegiate level, working full-time in church music, and now, teaching high school choral music. In addition, he teaches the IB course called, Theory of Knowledge at Hickory High School. The primary focus of this class is to help students become more empathetic toward opposing viewpoints and open to nuanced perspectives. A quick scan of your Facebook wall will remind you how important this is for future generations. Steve is married to Debbie. They have six children ranging in age from 21 to 11. They enjoy making Hickory their home. Steve is also the Musical Director at Hickory Community Theatre and Minister of Music at First Baptist – Hickory.