“ Innovative teacher , compassionate advocate , inspiring mentor , thoughtful leader ; Kim happily worked / loved through whatever came her way .”
her mind , it was the adults who needed to find the answer to help the student and she was always open to working with parents , teachers , and outside professionals to figure out a solution to any issue .
As a mentor and leader of educators , she was unequaled . In her role as Head of Lower School , she set the bar incredibly high for her faculty and staff . She had an innate radar for finding like-minded , talented , highly principled people to work at Saint David ’ s . An unapologetic optimist , she always saw the greatness in her people and worked tirelessly to create an environment where they felt valued and supported . She was generous with her praise and willingly shared with them her years of experience . She inspired her teachers to go the extra mile for the students .
For me though , it was so much fun to come to work each morning , be with the boys , and help Kim . We laughed all the time … not just giggled but deep belly laughs as we shared our experiences with the students . There are so many stories ! Once a little boy asked to be excused from my lunch table . After about 10 minutes , he had not returned so I went looking for him . Kim was supervising that lunch and she too was missing a little friend . She and I got to the lunchroom bathroom at the same time from which gales of laughter and splashing , and obviously two voices could be heard . Kim knocked on the locked door and with her most authoritarian voice told the boys to come out ASAP ! There was silence for a few seconds and then a little voice said , “ There is no one in here !” How do you keep a straight face in light of that answer ? Silly yes , but joyful . Kim , who was all about her love of her students , was there for the fun too !
No one in the history of Saint David ’ s was a more enthusiastic audience for the boys . Christmas plays , Neighborhood Shows , Huzzah , Huzzah ! Rotten Ralph , third graders singing “ Don ’ t Stop Believing ” by Journey … she loved it all . Moreover , as the boys graciously accepted her praise after their performance , they knew in their hearts that they had done a wonderful job because Ms . Davidson had told them so . They believed every word she said because she always meant every line of adulation . She loved the boys and cheered their success in all forms .
Far and away , the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing .
– Theodore Roosevelt
Ms . Davidson has decided to step away from her worthwhile work as Lower School Head . She leaves a legacy of love in her wake . Love of her job , love of her students , love of her colleagues , love of learning , love of teaching , and love for the institution of Saint David ’ s . For many years , she has been a guiding light for parents , faculty and students . Spending 38 years working hard at work she loved was indeed the best prize and all who have had the privilege of being in her presence have been the beneficiary of her indomitable spirit . •
Christine Moran Guba is an alumni parent . She served as Assistant to Lower School Head Kim Davidson for 15 years .
10 • Saint David ’ s Magazine