Ms. Frances Davis Shaw: The Spirit of Northside High School
What does it feel like to meet a living legend? Frances Davis Shaw—affectionately known as "Mama Shaw"—is more than an educator, mentor, and friend; she’s a transformative force who has shaped the lives of countless students, families, and an entire community.
“A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where her influence stops.”
This quote by Henry B. Adams perfectly encapsulates Ms. Shaw’s legacy. She began her remarkable teaching career over 50 years ago, stepping into Northside High School in 1972 as one of its first Black educators. For 41 of those years, she taught in the same classroom at Northside, molding young minds and inspiring generations. Today, she has come full circle, returning in 2024 to continue shaping lives as part of what she fondly calls the “dream team.”
A Legacy Beyond the Classroom
Ms. Shaw isn’t just a teacher; she’s a bridge between generations. She’s taught siblings, cousins, parents, and now even grandparents. Many of her former students attribute their careers in science and other fields to the inspiration they found in her classroom. Some of her students have even returned to Northside as faculty members, carrying forward her spirit of excellence.
Her teaching style is one of tough love—firm but fueled by a deep compassion. “She was hard on us, but she loved us even harder,” said a former student. That love resonates long after graduation, creating bonds that have spanned decades.
Her commitment to education is matched only by her joy in being part of the Northside community. For Ms. Shaw, retirement was never truly an option. “It’s like I’m married to Northside, and I’ll never divorce it,” she says. Even after she is gone, she insists, her spirit will remain in the hallways and classrooms of the school she loves.
A Celebration of Excellence
On November 14, Ms. Shaw’s unparalleled contributions were celebrated in spectacular fashion. CBS News contributor David Begnaud, a Lafayette native, hosted a surprise pep rally honoring her decades of service. In the midst of a jubilant crowd of students, alumni, and state and local leaders, Begnaud presented Shaw with several monumental gifts.
First, she was handed a $25,000 check from Canva with one simple directive: “This is just for you. Take a cruise.” But the surprises didn’t stop there. Canva also announced a $75,000 contribution to establish the Frances Davis Shaw Community Impact Fund, a resource to support the causes closest to her heart.
Then came the final announcement: Love Our Schools pledged $100,000 to Northside High School in her honor, ensuring that her influence will extend far beyond her own classroom.
Among those celebrating were Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet, State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, and Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, who presented Ms. Shaw with a plaque naming her a "Louisiana Treasure." Boulet declared November 14, 2024, "Frances Davis Shaw Day," cementing her place in local history.
The festivities culminated with Ms. Shaw dancing the Cupid Shuffle alongside her school family and community leaders. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose joy and energy are as contagious as her passion for teaching.
In response to the grand gestures and the outpouring of love, Ms. Shaw expressed her gratitude with heartfelt words:
"Thank you is not enough. We play together and we pray together. And sometimes we think our prayers are not answered because we pray really hard for so many things and they don’t seem to happen. But as I've always told you, in its own time, in its own way, prayers get answered. And this, over many years of praying, it’s been answered and it’s beautiful. It’s sweet. Thank you."
A Life Well-Lived
Ms. Shaw’s days are filled with purpose: teaching, going to church, exercising, and living out her mission to transform students into scholars. Her faith in their potential is unshakable, and she often tells parents, “You give us students, and we’ll turn them into scholars.”
As Sen. Gerald Boudreaux eloquently put it:
"Thank you for the impact you have made—not just on my seven siblings, my children, and my nieces and nephews—but on all of us. Your life of leadership and faith has made our state better."
Frances Davis Shaw is more than a teacher—she is a living legacy, a force of nature, and the enduring spirit of Northside High School. Her story, much like the countless lives she has touched, will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Ms. Shaw, these flowers are for you—just a small way to say thank you for everything. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
The full CBS News special celebrating Ms. Shaw’s incredible career and impact will air in January 2024, offering a broader audience the chance to witness her remarkable journey.
