Anson County Schools’ faculty, former students and friends gathered to reflect on the impact of Director of Secondary Education for ACS Deborah Davis for her retirement after 37 years.
When asked about the influence Davis had on the community, people from all over Anson County flocked to share their experiences.
Jackie Huntly was a part of the very first class Davis taught at PPES.
“She was, and still is, a wonderful example of what a teacher, principal, leader, caregiver and woman should be,” Huntly said.
Davis has been changing lives throughout generations; a positive force in each child.
“She has been a powerful leader in my life and my son Latravious Tyson’s life,” said LaSonya Clark. “She has built so many children lives and shown them things and places that they thought they would never experience or learn in life; small in size, but a giant in leading education.”
Melody Braswell said Davis was an amazing teacher and one if the most influential teachers I have ever had. She added that Davis’ patience, calmness, and positivity were traits that were contagious; and has such a special place in my heart.
“She was such an amazing principal at ACEC; was so loving and caring and made you feel like a family,” said Brooke Phillips. “She always made sure she put us first and made sure we had the best; and made those couple of years at Early College special for me before she left.”
Chanel Johnson said Davis was nice, fun and made Johnson feel like she matters.
Courtney Morton said Davis was a phenomenal principal when during Morton’s years at ACEC; helping to mold Morton into a more confident student. Morton is now an educator and said she uses Davis’ valuable lessons daily.
“She was my favorite teacher; she was kind, helpful and caring to each student she taught,” said Sandy Wright Evans, whom Davis taught at Peachland-Polkton. “At the end of the school year, she wrote a poem for my class that I still have today.”
Another former PPES student, Aushea White, said that Davis always had tough love for all her students. She added that she always worked Davis’ nerves, but Davis continued to stand by her.
“I think it would be safe to say that Mrs. Davis impacted the life of every child and adult that she ever came in contact with, she puts the ‘E’ in exemplary; and when I grow up I want to be just like her,” said Phyllis Janell.
Ryan Fincher said that Davis was one of the sweetest, most caring people at PPES. In the one year she was there after Fincher began, Davis did amazing things for the school, the students, and the faculty.
“It’s so sad to see her retire, but she’s done such amazing things with her time in the Anson County School System,” Fincher said. “We will always remember the amazing, loving, and caring person she is.”
Regina Houston said that Davis will forever be an inspiration and leading lady in her life and the reason Houston is who she is today.
“She always believed in me whenever no one else did; and helped mold me and shape in into a woman,” Houston said. “I am forever grateful and appreciative of her.”
Ashley Tarlton said that Davis is a wonderful person and teacher.
“I will never forget her and what an inspiration she has been to me,” Tarlton said. “She was always so encouraging and positive, and taught me to never give up on my dreams.”
During a retirement gathering, hosted by ACS, several people whose lives Davis impacted affirmed her dedication to changing the lives of everyone she came across.
“Your impact on this community will live beyond your service,” said George Truman, who assigned Davis to her first principal position at Anson Early College High School.
He also said that that Davis’ spirit made her the perfect leader to open that pioneering secondary school that aimed to transform the future of students who may not have otherwise attended college.
“It’s difficult to imagine Anson County Schools without you,” said Anson County Schools’ Superintendent Michael Freeman. He added that he remembered the teacher and eventual assistant principal that he appreciated at Peachland-Polkton School that gave the campus and community spirit-filled life.
“She brings out the best in everyone who works with her and her students, too. She made me a better teacher, a better man, and a better school administrator,” said Kevin Adams, former teacher and principal in Anson County Schools and current principal of Stanly County Early College. “Other than my parents, there is no one who has had a greater impact on my life than Deborah Davis.”
Her baby brother Kenny, current undersecretary of state for North Carolina, told everyone about the precious sister that has held their family together for years. Of course, he also remembered the “terror squad,” he called them, of older sisters who made his life a little uncomfortable when their parents were not close by.
“Based on the words of those who know her best, Mrs. Davis combines love, relationship, service, and unity and lives that life as though it is a Picasso or a modern watercolor in motion,” said Kathy Dutton Carroll, former educator, wrote in a reflection of Davis’ life to date. “That combination represents the legacy that Deborah Davis leaves to education in this county and to community unity, as well.”
In her reflection, Carroll also said she remembered Davis as a teenage Bowman High School cheerleader, when Carroll’s sister, Gail Preslar was the coach.
“She was then what she is now – an incredible leader, humble, smart, hard-working, caring, and passionate about others,” Caroll said. “Through my sister’s eyes I watched Mrs. Davis grow and serve through the decades of her life.”
Carroll said she had the opportunity to work beside Davis professionally, as a consultant during her years with Anson County Early College and, again, with the Youth Career Connect program at Anson High.
“Even more impressive, she loved every student and was devoted to their success and well-being,” she said. “She consistently modeled the principles of character, caring, and competence.”
Carroll added that Davis always has the vision of a student’s potential in her head and heart – and her refusal to give up has saved many students through her nearly four decades in education.
“Deborah Davis chose to make her colleagues, friends, and students ‘family,’” Carroll said. “She has modeled, mothered, nurtured, chastised, re-directed, hugged, supported, and led so many to become better, see more, and believe in possibilities.”