Учительница из Колумбус-Каунти отметила 70-летнюю педагогическую карьеру

‘I love it’: Columbus County teacher celebrates 70 years in the classroom TABOR CITY, N.C. (WECT) - Everlene Davis has been teaching in Columbus County for 70 years. She said she has no plans to slow down and intends to keep teaching as long as God allows. South Columbus High School held a celebration for Davis on Tuesday, honoring her career in education. Davis was surprised with an auditorium full of applause and cheers at the school. Several people shared speeches about the impact Davis has had, saying she has taught students, their parents, their grandparents and, in some cases, their great-grandparents. “Whether you had her for a teacher or not, you realized the kind of woman she was. Even as a 14-, 15- or 16-year-old kid, you understood the respect and the abilities that she carried for everybody to see and what a difference she could make,” said Chris Worley, chairman of the Columbus County Board of Education. Davis first stepped into the classroom in Tabor City 70 years ago. She has also witnessed the integration of Columbus County Schools. She has seen classrooms change from typewriters to cellphones and laptops. “I’m thankful to God that I’ve been able to adjust and to learn,” Davis said. She noted that she only needs to be shown how to use a piece of new tech one or two times before getting the hang of it. Davis teaches the Career and Technical Education course Family and Consumer Science. She also keeps score at nearly every basketball game. She said she never expected to teach this long, but every summer, while at home, she said she thinks about how much she misses her students. She calls herself a “teacher/parent” to all students. She said it’s ultimately the kids that keep her coming back year after year. “I love it. I love it, and I work hard, but I love it. I love working with people, and I love working with the children, and I get a chance to work with more than one. If I got 35 in a class and I got 35 different personalities, I can work with all of them,” Davis said. “The faculty is like my family; whatever we need, we help one another. That’s been very rewarding to be,” she added. Eddie Beck, superintendent of Columbus County Schools and a former principal, spoke about Davis’ career. “She’s a remarkable lady, and if anyone loves students, it’s Ms. Davis, and if anyone has had an impact in the community, it’s Ms. Davis. She has touched thousands of lives, and she is the epitome of a great teacher,” Beck said. State Rep. Brenden Jones attended the celebration and said he is working to create an “Everlene Davis Day.” Davis was also presented with a letter of recognition from the governor. Copyright 2026 WECT. All rights reserved.