Principal of Student Affairs Ms. Karen Davis has loved every moment here at the Academy and enjoys reminiscing about her time here.

Although she did not attend the Academy as a student, Ms. Davis considers herself as an Angel in and out. Her time and hard work here is admired as we send her off into a new chapter of her life. Ms. Davis is beloved throughout the halls by the faculty, staff, and students. Ms. Anna Hotop, currently the Director of Campus Ministry, will fill in her shoes as the Principle of Student Affairs in the upcoming school year.

Ms. Davis entered the doors of the Academy in 1984. She began her career here as a Physical Education teacher, cheerleading coach, track coach, and volleyball coach. Ms. Davis won state eight times in her 17 years of coaching volleyball.

When the question was asked, “What is your favorite memory at the Academy” it was difficult for her to answer because she enjoyed every moment, but landed on the story of how she became principal.

“Sister Joan Lampton called me into the office where she asked me to be the principal, which followed by putting her hand on her desk, and said, ‘I don’t think you understand you WILL be principal at St. Joseph’s Academy,’” Ms. Davis said.

Mission Week is Ms. Davis’ favorite tradition, especially the faculty shows. The Saturday Night Live skits were what she especially enjoyed. The Hanz and Franz skit is a memory she likes to keep close to her heart as she reminisces on all of the mission weeks she has experienced.

As time moved on Ms. Davis watched the Angels turn into sophisticated women. She also watched the trends change through the years. From hair, to cars, to skirt length. Everything changed in front of her eyes and now the Academy will have to develop and change without her.

There are so many reasons why the school is special to Davis but one thing stands out.

“The sense of community. You can’t put your finger on it but it’s there. There is drama but at the end of the day everyone has each other’s backs,” she said.

This is the perfect way to describe the Academy, love flooding through the halls and a sense of belonging. It will be an adaptation, not having Ms. Davis in the halls but the Academy is excited to cheer her on for her next life journey.