Whether it is devoting his time to a child in the HOSTS reading program, teaching piano to Kruse Elementary students or volunteering to assist Sam Rayburn High School choir students, Charles Davis is quick to lend his heart and a helping hand to others. It is those qualities that have made
him the Pasadena ISD’s 2006 Distinguished Citizen.

Davis, who is also associate minister at Watters Road Church of Christ, will be officially presented the award at a reception in his honor at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 9 at the Pasadena ISD Administration Building.

The award is given annually to a Pasadena ISD resident or business person who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the cause of education and youth-related activities and organizations in the community. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to the educational, social, spiritual and personal growth and development of the young people of the community through volunteer efforts in Pasadena schools or any youth-related organization. They also must reside or work within the district's boundaries.

Davis has been an active volunteer in the Pasadena schools for many years and has touched many students’ lives. Through his involvement as associate minister of Watters Road Church of Christ, the Neighborhood Centers and the Pasadena South Rotary Club, he gives back to the community in a variety of ways.

This past August, Davis received the HOSTS Champions For Children Award for his work as a mentor in Kruse Elementary’s Helping One Student to Succeed reading mentorship program. In addition, he has volunteered his time as part of the Kruse Helping Others Gain Success program and after-school program. He has served on the site-based decision making teams at Kruse,
Red Bluff Elementary and Sam Rayburn High School and also was a member of the district’s Future Facilities Committee.

“Charles extends his compassion to all, and he influences the lives of  youth and adults city-wide,” said Lynne Hooper, after-school director at Kruse Elementary. “The city, our school district and our youth are blessed by his commitment and compassion for all of us.”

Davis’ volunteer efforts extend to the high school level. He has assisted with choir needs at Sam Rayburn High School for the past 10 years and is involved in other activities such as the National Art Honor Society.

“His demeanor and attitude encourage others to want to model after him,” said Troy McCarley, Sam Rayburn principal. “He makes a positive impact on each live he touches. He puts words into action and does so with a huge smile that lights up a room. Many lives have been deeply enriched by his generosity of time and commitment.”

The donations of Davis’ time and effort are evident in many other areas of the community. Davis is a board member of the Neighborhood Centers and a member of the Pasadena South Rotary Club. He has also been named Rotarian of the Year award twice. Davis also serves as part of the Pasadena Police Department’s Chaplaincy Program.

“Charles is a true friend to the community and the students and staff of Pasadena ISD,” said Troy Harrison, a Rotary Club member and assistant chief of the Pasadena ISD Police Department.

Close to Davis’ heart is his involvement with his church, serving as associate minister at Watters Road Church of Christ for 18 years. In that time, he has been heavily involved in all areas of the church, including the youth and music programs.

Davis has been married to his wife Marilyn for 33 years. Their daughter, Christi Thompson, is a dyslexia specialist at Pasadena High School and their son-in-law, Trey Thompson, is a coach at PHS. Davis’ son, Brad, serves in the United States Navy. Charles and Marilyn also have two
grandchildren, Emma and Elyssa Thompson.

When Davis is recognized at the Distinguished Citizen reception, a bronze plaque will be dedicated and placed on a concrete pedestal located at the front entrance to the Pasadena Independent School District Administration Building. A smaller replica of the plaque will be given to Davis. The plaques of both the Distinguished Citizen Award recipients and the Distinguished Alumnus Award are exhibited in the Walk of Honor just outside the entrance of the district Administration Building.