Student in the Spotlight: Landon Davies

Senior Landon Davies is a versatile and accomplished CHS student-athlete and treasured member of the greater community. 

A snapshot that captures Davies so well is recalled by Leavenworth Summer Theater’s Executive Director Phil Lacy: “It was minutes before our seven young actors, aged from six to nineteen, playing the von Trapp kids in the season premiere of The Sound of Music on a warm July evening at Ski Hill Amphitheater, had to literally march on stage in front of an audience of six hundred. Backstage, the kids were all so nervous and quiet, with one exception. Landon was whirring between all of them and whispering into their ears silly little jokes to ease their fears.”

The confidence that comes with preparation and the joy from living life well are both characteristics of this CHS senior, who wears his heart on his sleeve. Whether he is chasing down the CHS distance running records of four-time United States Olympian Torin Koos or singing and acting, Davies leaves it all on the track and stage. Yet, even someone so relentlessly determined, optimistic, kind, and funny as Landon has found the coronavirus pandemic a challenge.

Coming into senior year having to forgo most of the trappings and celebrations of that time in life is dispiriting for all, particularly after having had to finish junior year under the same physical distancing precautions.  While these measures have been no fun for anyone, it could be argued to be particularly difficult for extroverts like Landon, who readily describes himself as “a people person” who is “friends with everyone” and “thrives on social contact.”

Davies’s social ease and comfort within his own skin, which even the pandemic has not affected, derives, in part, from his deep ties to the Cascade School District. His mother, Shelley Vandel, is a Leavenworth High School, a predecessor to CHS, graduate and a well-loved teacher at Alpine Lakes Elementary School.  Bill Davies, Landon’s father, is a long-time CHS math teacher and admired head track coach.  Having teachers for parents certainly has influenced Landon, an honors student and Key Club member, in his decision to pursue teaching, “probably music,” as a career either at “a big high school or a college.”       

Right now, Davies is hoping for a return to in-person school and a resumption of school musicals, choir, cross-country, and track – his passions.  Landon has been a perennial all-state chorister and a key member of the cross-country team, the latter of which was the 2018 Caribou Trail League champion and went on to place second at that year’s state meet.  

On the track, under his father’s charge, he was the two-mile state champion as a sophomore, has run some of the fastest times in CHS history, holds the all-time record in the 3,000 meters, and by now – based on his progression - would almost surely also hold the school records in the 1,600 meters (still held by Koos) and the 3,200 meters (held by Todd Smith).  In addition, Landon’s times are close enough that he would possibly also hold the 1,500 (Koos) and 800 (Koos) meter records as well, making him, perhaps, the greatest and most versatile distance runner in school history. Mr. Davies recounts how Landon “even as a freshman would wake up early three or four days a week to run extra miles in addition to those required at practice.  He’s a self-starter and one of our hardest workers.” Whether pandemic restrictions afford Landon the opportunity this spring to take that school distance “crown” or not, he will still end up being one of the greatest student-athletes to walk CHS halls. Yet, he may be remembered just as much for being an ever-enthusiastic team leader and role model.  As junior Derek Richardson put it: “Landon is a natural at building camaraderie on the teams he is a part of and always leads by example.”

As the CHS class of 2021 navigates its last year of high school in a time of stress, Landon is both reflective of his thirteen years in the district and expectant of his coming post-CHS life. These days, Landon is remembering “being absolutely terrified while walking in with Zoe McDevitt to Mr. Massey’s class”, his first class at CHS, and excitedly making college application preparations: “maybe PLU, maybe Western, maybe even San Diego State!”  When asked for a few words of wisdom he might impart to CHS underclassmen before he leaves them, Davies hesitated to consider the last six months before encouraging them: “Not wait to do the things you want to do, befriend as many people as you can, and try always to see the good in everyone, which in turn will make you happy.”  These are wise words from which all CHS Kodiaks can benefit, especially amidst these trying days.

Meet Incoming Staffer Isabel Menna