Sharon Davis is the new counselor for the students of Italy High School and has been in education for 19 years. Previously employed at Grand Prairie High School as their counselor for 2 years, she has made the switch to a 2-AA school.

Davis has a degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a graduate degree from Dallas Baptist University. She lives in Midlothian but makes the 30 minute trek to Italy with a plan to help the students of IHS. Mrs. Davis is very enthusiastic to work in Italy, “The students are amazing and so appreciative; Mr. Joffre is a great administrator to work for and supports all of my efforts to bring College and Career Readiness to Italy ISD. Mr. Basset is also very supportive of what I am trying to bring to Italy ISD. The people in the community are so welcoming and friendly.”

Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Davis’ parents were missionaries. They moved to a small town in Kenya and later moved to Tanzania. “I had to go to a missionary boarding school for my education, which was in another country from my parents. I saw my parents usually once every three months. It was not easy as a 12 year old going away but my parents had to do what was right for my education. Every four years when my parents would come home (U.S.), we would stop in different countries along the way back the United States (Holland, Belgium, England, Brazil and Denmark).” When asked what was the thing she missed the most about Africa, she said, “I miss the beautiful sunsets and the beauty of the land.”

Mrs. Davis moved to Texas when she went to college at the age of 17 and has been here 24 years. Her sister was already a HSU Cowgirl and that seemed like a good move too. Davis played volleyball for Hardin-Simmons.

Helping the students is Davis’ number one goal, “My plan for all of the students at Italy Jr. High and High School is to give them the tools to be successful, as a student at Italy ISD, a high school graduate and to pursue either a college education or some vocational school or skills.”

As far as the seniors go, Mrs. Davis has their best interest at heart, “It is important that at this point they have every class they need to graduate. I want to help the seniors with applying for college, financial aid, scholarships and registering for the ACT and SAT. I want to tell the seniors to enjoy their last year in high school BUT also don’t forget the important deadlines for college and scholarships and if they need any help, let me know.”

 Davis has implemented certain tools for the seniors as well. They now have a “College & Career Cafe,” it is a room where they can congregate and search the internet for information they need to move ahead with their careers. Davis also has newsletter that is printed every six weeks that is chocked full of interesting points for the parents to read and keep up to date. “I have put up a marker board with deadlines of scholarships and tests the seniors can read on a daily basis.”

In January, Mrs. Davis will have a one-on-one conversation with the graduating class and discuss their future plans, “I will go over their transcripts, courses and complete an individual ‘Senior Guidance’ sheet. This will help with their decisions after graduation.”

Mrs. Davis has scheduled a Junior/Senior Parent Night on Tuesday, November 1, “I will share important information pertaining to college readiness.” Juniors are scheduled at 6:00pm and seniors will meet at 7:00pm.

Sharon Davis is passionate about her job and is the contributor to new ideas in the Italy ISD. The students will benefit from her help and so will the school. “Mrs. Davis works toward helping all of the students prepare for an education after high school. Her college room and scholarship calendar has been a great addition to the high school,” according to principal Lee Joffre.

Sharon has been married to Dustin Davis for 17 years. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired from the Texas Air National Guard after 16 years. The Davis’ three children are enrolled in Midlothian ISD. Ethan is a sophomore, Trent is a sixth grader and Camryn, the only daughter, is a second grader.

If you haven’t met Mrs. Davis yet, please go by the high school, shake her hand and welcome her to our fair city. She is a wonderful teacher and counselor and will help educate all of our students for the choices ahead. She is looking forward and helping our children do the same.