Local educator recognized

Retired school leader Davis surprised

A longtime Charleston County School District leader has been awarded the state's highest civilian honor for service.

Lynda Davis, who recently retired as associate superintendent for Mount Pleasant and North Charleston schools, was recognized with the Governor's Order of the Palmetto at the June 23 school board meeting.

Before announcing the award, Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston, chairman of the Charleston County legislative delegation, asked Davis to come to the front of the room. Limehouse put his arm around her and told her the purpose of his visit, and the room erupted in cheers. Davis' eyes were wide with surprise as she mouthed the word "wow" and began wiping away tears.

Davis' career spans more than 40 years, during which she's been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent in Charleston County. She was the first female high school principal in Charleston County in 1979 and only the second female high school principal in the state. Davis retired this summer.

"... You have set a standard of excellence that is second to none," Gov. Mark Sanford wrote in a letter to Davis. "... You capture the essence of a lady who considers it an honor and privilege to serve others, and while it is difficult to compress and describe all you have done for your community and our state in a letter, we are grateful for your committed and faithful service."

Sanford cited her service to associations such as the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and Phi Delta Kappa and said those organizations have benefited from her "wisdom, leadership, enthusiasm and strong support."

"You deserve this, you've earned it, and I'm proud to give it to you," Limehouse said after reading Sanford's letter to Davis. Everyone in the packed board room again stood and clapped.

Davis told the board: "I'm not often at a loss for words or overwhelmed, but, absolutely, I am overwhelmed ... This is truly, truly an honor."

She said she was grateful for the time the district had given her to serve students, and she said any success she's had has started with her family's support. She asked board members to keep children at the forefront of every decision they make.

Davis hired Mount Pleasant Academy Principal Jane Davis 20 years ago, but Jane Davis knew her before that, when she was a teacher at Alice Birney Middle and Lynda Davis was principal at Stall High. Jane Davis described her boss as a wonderful person who's supportive, ethical and dependable.

"You can count on her to be there and to have high standards and high expectations," she said. "We all look up to her. I have so much respect for her."

Reach Diette Courrégé at 937-5546 or dcourrege@postandcourier.com.