Archbishop Shaw High School - Shaw History

Shaw History

On August 19, 1962, the acting Archbishop of New Orleans, Joseph F. Rummel, dedicated Archbishop Shaw High School to former Archbishop of New Orleans John W. Shaw's memory and service in the community. The school was named after John W. Shaw, who was appointed Archbishop of New Orleans in 1918, due to his interest in the development of the Catholic community of the West Bank (the side of the Mississippi River opposite New Orleans). From 1918-1934 Archbishop Shaw remained in charge of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. During that time, 29 schools and 33 churches were established. In 1924, Archbishop Shaw appointed the first pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Marrero. Six years later, he dedicated the buildings for Hope Haven Institute, an orphanage and foster home. On that same property, a school in Archbishop Shaw’s name opened 32 years later.

The school's founding principal was Rev. Paul P. Avallone, S.D.B. In 1962, the first freshman class of the all-male high school consisted of 95 students. Monthly tuition was $15. The staff included six Salesian priests and brothers. In 1963, a sophomore class was added, and the school colors (green and white), crest, and uniforms were adopted. In February 1966, the completion of the main building brought a new addition to the school. The school established a four-year program boosting the number of enrollment to 436, with 74 seniors in its first graduating class. By 1967, the gymnasium was complete, and three years later, Shaw competed in interscholastic athletics with an AAAA status.

From 1968 to the present, Archbishop Shaw continues its growth. In the early 1970's a baseball stadium, track, swimming pool and soccer field was added. In 1975, the new St. Francis de Sales chapel in the main building was dedicated. An eighth grade was added for the 1984-85 school year, as well as a new cafeteria with seating for over 500. That same year, the old cafeteria became a chapel and meeting complex known as Don Bosco Hall, named after St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian order that oversees the school.

After years of capital campaigning, discussions, and planning, the 2004-2005 school year finally saw the opening of the All Saints Hall, a newly constructed 20-classroom building with an elevator and second floor access walkway to the administrative building and the science/math/fine-arts wing.

Archbishop Shaw High School's crest includes the three principles of the Salesians' preventive system: Reason, Religion, and Kindness. The school motto is "Excelsior: Ever Striving, Ever Achieving".