Meet Everlene Davis, a wonderful educator from Columbus County, North Carolina, who has taught for over seven decades. Furthermore, she has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
Davis, who is currently a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at South Columbus High School in Tabor City, began teaching in 1956. She hasn’t slowed down since.
“I have touched the lives of many many students,” Davis told WWAYTV3.
Davis has taught a wide spectrum of pupils in a variety of settings over the years. What’s more, she’s spent her whole teaching career in Tabor City, where she frequently teaches many generations of families.
“I’m familiar most of the time with the parents, their grandparents, and sometimes the great-grandparents,” she said.
During the time of segregation, Davis began her teaching career at Douglass High School. She continued her love when schools integrated, first at Tabor City High School and now at South Columbus High School. She has always found fulfillment in fostering young brains in order to help them grow into successful adults.
“I am so happy to know that I taught something in my class, you learned something in my class, that has contributed to the success of your job. That means a lot to me. Very much so, very much so,” she said.
Davis is noted for establishing high expectations for her students and reminding them that hard effort is the key to success. While the years have passed, her ability to command a classroom has not.
“I am using the phrase that I am a very seasoned senior citizen in education as well as other areas,” she said.
Davis hopes to pursue her passion for teaching as long as her health allows. Her dedication has earned her hundreds of awards, and she is regarded as one of the state’s longest-serving educators.