St. Bede School student is this week’s All-Star

With the voice of an angel and a smile that lights up the room, 13-year-old Abby Davitt’s enthusiasm is contagious, her teachers and mentors say.

Davitt, 13, was nominated as this week’s Valley Sun All Star by Barbara Kuhl, Davitt’s eighth-grade teacher and vice principal at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School.

Davitt’s dedication to her school work and friendly, cooperative behavior will help her go far in life, Kuhl said, adding, “You have a lot of faith in the future of America when you see kids like this.”

Kuhl acknowledged that Davitt comes from a wonderful family.

“But Abby doesn’t just rely on her famous family, she’s a great kid on her own. She’s always smiling and that smile makes you want to smile too — Abby just makes you want to smile,” Kuhl said.

Abby Davitt is the daughter of Michael and Alison Davitt. Michael Davitt is a member of the city of La Cañada Flintridge’s planning commission. Abby’s grandparents also are well known in the Foothill community. Her grandfather, John Davitt, recently retired after 21 years as president of Glendale Community College. Her grandmother, Gael Davitt, was a teacher at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School for more than 30 years.

Abby has three brothers: Patrick, 15, a student at St. Francis High School; Sean, 10, a fourth grader at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School; and Brendan, 5, who plans to attend the school next year.

“I’m very privileged to have supportive family and friends,” Davitt said. “I think it’s good in a lot of ways to have the family I have. But, I want people to know me for who I am, not just as a granddaughter or daughter,” she added.

Davitt has found several ways to make her mark on the community. She uses her charming voice to sing with the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, and for church services at her school.

“Abby is a dedicated chorister and really brings a lot to the group,” said Mandy Brigham, conductor of the intermediate choir of Los Angeles Children’s Choir.

“She’s a lovely, fun person with such contagious enthusiasm,” Brigham said.

Davitt loves music and in addition to previously taking voice lessons, she has played the piano for two years.

She also is a Girl Scout and is currently working on her silver award. Her project for that award is to loom hats for children who are battling cancer. That’s a particular concern for Davitt who last year donated more than 10 inches of her hair for Locks of Love, an organization that creates wigs of human hair for cancer victims.

Sports also are a part of her life. She plays basketball, volleyball, and enjoys playing golf at the Oakmont Country Club.

Her other hobbies include acting, watching movies, hanging out with her friends and attending UCLA games.

Davitt found out last weekend that she has been accepted to attend Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in the fall.

That was the fulfillment of a dream for the youth. She also plans to attend a good college and eventually find a job that incorporates her skills and passion for music.

Davitt hopes her friends and other people find her to be a “caring, lovable and funny person,” who is “reliable, caring and supportive,” because, she said, “That’s what I look for in other people.”

To nominate a school-age youth as a Valley Sun All Star, call (818) 790-8774 or e-mail at lcnews@valleysun.net.