Mary Davis named ‘Theatre Educator of the Year’ only days before retirement at Bob Jones

MADISON – After 20-plus years at Bob Jones High School, Mary Davis is retiring but received an impressive award before she exited stage left.

In 2001, Davis started teaching theatre at Bob Jones after working at Buckhorn High School for four years. During her career, she has taught public speaking; beginning, intermediate and advanced drama; advanced production; and musical theatre.

In addition, Davis has developed and directed a spring musical at Bob Jones during most years (Bob Jones and James Clemens now alternate years for a musical.). The 2026 production of “42nd Street” was her last musical but its notoriety kept the show alive for recent honors at The Tallulah Awards.

Affiliated with Alabama High School Musical Theatre, The Tallulah Awards recognize student achievement and spotlight the importance of arts education. Broadway Theatre League of Huntsville has worked for three years to implement The Tallulah Awards, the regional track for The Jimmy Awards in New York City in June.

At The Tallulah Awards, Bob Jones received awards in all eligible categories:

• “Educator of the Year” Mary Davis.

• “Production of the Year” Ranked in top five finalists. Bob Jones performed “We’re in the Money” at the awards.

• “Outstanding Stage Manager” — Meg Magonigal.

• “Outstanding Leading Actor/ Actress” — James Cairns, Haley Clark, Jaxon McClanathan and Brynn Patterson.

• “Outstanding Supporting Actresses/Actor” — Julius Bone, Cypress Bryce and Teagan Leo.

• “The Spirit of the Tallulahs” — Julius Bone.

• Additional awards for Bob Jones — “Outstanding Ensemble,” “Outstanding Dance Ensemble” and “Outstanding Stage Crew.”

Only one award did not go to a student. Davis received the “Theatre Educator of the Year 2026” award.

“I felt overwhelmingly humbled because I work with so many peers whom I admire and respect so much,” Davis said. “I don’t know how they choose just one — we ALL strive to bring quality educational theatre to our students, love our students, mentor them and work incredibly hard for and with them!”

Davis has received top awards from Alabama’s three theatre organizations: “2024 Teacher of the Year” from Alabama Conference of Theatre with its Trumbauer festival; “2026 Hall of Fame,” Alabama chapter of the Educational Theatre Association; and “2026 Theatre Educator of the Year,” The Tallulah Awards.

“When I was a brand new teacher just trying to learn the ropes and survive, I never would have dreamed that one day I’d be recipient of any of those much less all three,” she said.

Davis was stunned when Sen. Tom Butler presented a Resolution in her honor. A snippet from the resolution: “With profound appreciation and deepest admiration…we take extreme pleasure in recognizing Mary Davis for unwavering dedication to nurturing creativity, confidence and collaboration among students and fellow educators.”

Even with superlative accolades, Davis cherishes “all the scholarship offers that my students have received for college hundreds of thousands of dollars in my career.”

“I’m most proud of the successes my students have found in life post-high school. Some are lawyers, business managers, corporate executives, in the military and yes . . . even a few professional actors,” Davis said.

“Theatre teaches life skills needed to be successful in ANY profession. The difference between a cubicle and a corner- office-with-a-view is the ability to communicate, work collaboratively, problem-solve, act as well as react appropriately, and have understanding/empathy for others. Theatre kids are the BEST kids, hands down,” Davis said.

Davis feels most fulfilled when students share that being her student or in Bob Jones theatre program has impacted them in meaningful, positive ways. “I’m really thankful to have been placed in the path of students who truly ‘needed’ me — for whatever reason. They needed someone to pour into them and, simply put, to love them. Those are the students who have imprinted on my heart the most.”

Davis graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a bachelor’s degree in English/communications. “My father was in the Army, so I’ve lived in many places, landing in Alabama in 1993 as his last station before retirement and I’ve been here ever since,” she said.

Married for 29 years, she and husband Bill Davis have four children, who all attended Columbia Elementary, Discovery Middle and Bob Jones high schools: Serena Patterson and Lucas; Katie Beth Turney and Graham; Joe; and Bella Rose. “We have one six-month-old grandson, Jettson Turney,” Mary said.

Mary enjoys dancing, reading and spending time with family. To launch retirement this summer, Mary and Bill will take “a ‘Yay! Retirement!’ cruise.”

“Without the need to shuffle-hop-step for an upcoming musical, I finally have time to get my knee replaced,” Mary said jokingly. In fall, she will look for a new career opportunity. “Just as He placed me in the classroom 25 years ago, I trust the Lord will put me exactly where He needs me next.”

In 2005, “The Madison Record” published an introductory article for Davis, entitled “New Bob Jones drama teacher loves ‘magic that is theatre.’” “Well, this retired teacher will forever love the ‘magic that is theatre’ and will continue as a frequent patron,” she said.

“Bob Jones Theatre Department will continue to thrive under Mr. Jesse Tilton’s direction, along with whomever they (hire as) his partner. The Patriot Players can count on me to be their number one fan, always!” Davis said.