Before All Saints Catholic Schools as we know it today came to be in fall of 1968, the ASC campus housed St. James Catholic High School. Despite the different names, Scott Davidson, St. James class of 1968, feels a close connection to All Saints. This honorary Cougar identifies the memorable, solid foundation that Catholic education provided him as integral to his future faith and success.
Scott, who now resides on the Oregon coast, was born and raised in Bay City where he and his siblings attended St. James and All Saints Catholic schools for all twelve years of their schooling. He credits the Catholic approach to learning for the formation of his personal faith, moral compass, and strength to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Growing up, Scott and his family were St. James parishioners. He calls his family’s involvement in both the parish and school “a family affair.” His grandparents were active in parish activities and initiatives, and his aunt and grandmother both worked in the school cafeteria. His mother (class of ’40) and grandmother (class of ’22) were both St. James graduates as well. One of his older brothers, Michael Davidson, class of ‘66, gave his life in the Vietnam War in 1969, and is soon to have a memorial brick in his honor as part of the St. James Parish Memorial Walkway.
When asked about his school days at St. James, Scott highlights the value of Catholic education, recalling the “unequaled academics and dedicated, inspiring teachers, both lay and religious.” He named athletics as an area of particular personal success. Scott played football all four years of high school and in his Senior year was named to the All-State 1st team. Scott also received the Golden Helmet Award, and was named Best Lineman in 1967.
After graduating, Scott joined the Air Force and was stationed in Seattle. During and after his time serving his country, he studied finance, banking, and business administration at the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Anticipated by his duties as Class Treasurer in high school, Scott went on to have a 47-year career in financial advising. Recently retired, he is now enjoying his free time and plans to research his family genealogy and travel, including to Bay City where many friends and family members reside. He is happy to have a large family including his wife, seven children and step-children, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one on the way.
Scott now gives back to the community by volunteering locally, including serving on his local public school board. He feels incredibly blessed to have had the school experience he had. When asked for words of wisdom for current students, he said, “Pay attention, and have gratitude.”