Ironically, now that it has happened, the Otago Girls' High School assistant principal is at a loss as to what she will spend it on.
She is the 2017 winner of the annual Otago Girls' High School Highgate Fellowship, which rewards a staff member for their outstanding contribution to the school and provides them with an extended professional development opportunity that will benefit the school and the recipient.
''This came as a real surprise to me. I didn't expect it.
''My head is spinning, trying to work out what to do with the money, because there's so many different things I could do.''
Since beginning at Otago Girls' High School in 1995, Mrs Davidson has taught social studies, English, geography and media studies, and has had a variety of leadership roles within the school, including working as a careers adviser, social sciences department head, and now assistant principal.
During that time, she has also had responsibility for peer support, the school magazine, staff representation on the board of trustees, kapa haka, and education outside the classroom - particularly school camps, rock climbing, futsal and football.
The 49-year-old is looking at spending the fellowship on a five-to-six week trip in July or October next year, attending educational leadership courses and/or Enviroschools education, and combining it with her love of rock climbing and outdoor pursuits in Canada, the United States and Finland.
''It's hard to decide.
''One minute I'm thinking leadership, the next I'm thinking of doing something outdoors.''
She gave assurances a decision would be made long before departure.
''I'm pretty excited,'' she said.
