The Tribune

THE Ballroom at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort was filled to capacity on Saturday night as patrons of the annual Heart Ball were treated to a spectacular evening of music and dancing in support of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award to Marjorie WT Davis, OBE, a well know educator, Girl Guides supporter and Zonta Club member. Chairman of the foundation RE Barnes said the award committee was faced with a number of worthy contenders this year, but the nomination of Miss Davis "stood out as a reflection of what we look for in a Golden Heart Award winner. "The award is presented to a person who gives of themselves, selflessly for the betterment of their fellow man." Marjorie Winton Theresa Davis was born the second of 12 children to Sir Cyrus Ulysses Davis and Hilda Davis. She began her career in education as a teacher at Government High School, where she had been a student. Following her high school career, she attended the University of Toronto, obtaining a bachelor of arts degree in general studies. In 1950 she obtained a Teacher's Certificate from the Ontario College of Education. She proceeded to teach Latin as well as Spanish, mathematics, accounts/ bookkeeping, commerce and religious studies. Miss Davis worked at Government High School for 19 years and was also the Girl Guides leader of the 3rd Nassau Company. In 1970 she was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Girl Guides Central District and eventually Chief Commissioner in 1993. In 1965 Miss Davis received an Advanced Diploma in Education from the University of Hull in England and in 1969, a Master of Education Degree with a major in guidance and counselling from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In 1970 Marjorie Davis returned home and joined the Public Service as a senior education officer in charge of guidance and counselling. She was later promoted to assistant director in charge of pupil personnel services, then became the newly created senior assistant director with responsibility for all support services. In 1977, she was appointed the first female director of education. In 1988, Miss Davis accepted a contract to co-ordinate the introduction of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exam. Miss Davis has been the ministry's representative to countless groups and boards through the years. These include, the College of the Bahamas Council, the Bahamas National Trust, the Advisory Committee on Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, the Bahamas Association for the Mentally Retarded and the Council for the Handicapped. She has also served on St Augustine College board of directors and as a member of the Catholic School Board. Miss Davis expressed gratitude for the award. "I hope to do all I can, for as many as I can, for as long as I can," she said."