WYRK personality Clay Moden named first Distinguished Alumni of Immaculate Conception School

WYRK morning man Clay Moden returned to his East Aurora roots to accept Immaculate Conception School’s first Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Moden, a 1991 graduate of Immaculate Conception and 1995 graduate of East Aurora High School, began his radio career while studying at Canisius College in Buffalo.

“It’s very emotional for me to be back here today,” Moden told the student body following a morning Mass on Feb. 11. “This particular building, this church, this school has so many great meanings for me. This is the church where both my parents’ funerals were. This is the church I graduated from. And it’s the church I think about most when I think about family.”

He told the students that, due to their Catholic education, they too can be called distinguished. “Having a Catholic education is not only a great award, but it’s a great foundation,” he said. “I don’t brag about it because it was something we were taught as kids; we don’t brag, you stay humble, and you learn. That’s why I encourage each and every one of you today. When you look back, the foundations that you have here today distinguishes you and sets you apart from everybody else. I’ll never talk bad about public schools or the kids and the families there, but I will talk proudly about the Catholic education my families, the families here in East Aurora, the families that I have been a part of throughout this school and great people who paved the way for what I was able to do to move on with my career and my family as well.”

Finally, he thanked Principal Mary Pauly for presenting him with the award.

“I appreciate this award,” he said. “The distinguished part is something all of you kids are a part of as well. I hope someday you can look back and say, I am so thankful that my parents sent me here and I had this great community around me.”

Along with the award, Moden received an Immaculate Conception sweatshirt and a copy of his permanent record. 

The award, along with a newsletter, was created to increase alumni involvement. “Clay Moden talks about our school online, so we said he would be the perfect choice,” said Pauly.

Moden returns to his alma mater every March for the St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser. He also led a Ride for Roswell team for cancer research, worked with Special Olympics, and supported local businesses during Covid with Buffalo Open for Business through Townsquare Media Buffalo. He often shares memories of Immaculate Conception on air.