The Katherine Anne Kelly Award recognizes a graduating senior who best exemplifies Kate’s ability to bravely battle very serious medical challenges while still graduating and engaging in UVM student life with passion, energy, and a smile. Katherine Anne Kelly was a member of the Class of 2000. This year’s award is given to Sage N’be Francis White Cloud (he/him pronouns). 

Originally from Thetford, Vermont, Sage sought out experiences and coursework that centered indigeneity, justice, and education, and recognized the intersectionality of his many areas of passion. His academic journey at the University of Vermont ultimately led to an Individually designed major with a Place-Based Education certificate in the College of Education and Social Services, with a curated academic and experiential focus on Fostering Environmental Ecology, Sustainability, and Equity through Place-Based and Social Justice Education.

Sage has demonstrated continued resilience, engagement, and contributions to UVM and the College of Education and Social Services despite many debilitating health and wellness concerns. Through his academic career, Sage has navigated a learning disability, exacerbated by a significant head injury in February 2018 and subsequent post-concussive effects. While these challenges were compounded as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted learning online, Sage’s focus on healing and academics carved a path for him to make a continued difference after graduation. During his time as a student, Sage completed an impressive three internships with the Campus Children’s School, Morgan Horse Farm, and ECHO. Additionally, he is one of the inaugural recipients of the College of Education and Social Services’ First Nations Scholarship.   

Among Sage’s many achievements outside of the classroom, he is the co-founder of the Indigenous Peoples Collective, a student organization that celebrates indigenous peoples, cultural expressions, and advocacy. His desire to create space and support for indigenous community extends to his work to help indigenize the curriculum in CESS through the Teach for Justice Lab as a Justice Advocate. He also co-led the UVM CESS Indigenous Advocacy Project and is currently working to create an indigenous advisory council within the college. Sage has also found success by working on social justice issues with the Burlington community on law enforcement reform, participating in get-out-the-vote initiatives, and involving himself in sustainability work.

Reflecting on his UVM experience, Sage said, “Adjacent to Lake Pitawbagw, UVM provided context for me to explore my commitments to the intersectionality of indigeneity, Nebi (water), ecology, equity, education, and relationships.”