Alumni Spotlight: Herman Shaw

Herman Shaw likes to “give back.” That’s why he and some fellow Lincoln School Alumni started the historic Lincoln School Alumni Foundation. Lincoln School was the first state-funded free public school for African American children in Edwardsville. Since 1986, the Foundation has generously provided scholarships for deserving students and the funding for a part time home-school liaison for District 7. Annually, they award 20 plus students with $1000 scholarships for continuing their education after high school.

After moving to Edwardsville as a young boy, Shaw began to show his athletic prowess in the area. In 1950 Lincoln School became a part of District 7 and Shaw starred in 4 sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. In 2023 he was inducted into the EHS Sports Hall of Fame.

Upon graduation, Shaw attended Illinois State University for two years and played three sports. He then joined the U.S. Army and served for two years. After serving his country he spent the next ten years doing counseling work at the Alton State Hospital. He was then offered a job with University City High School where he spent 32 years as a Counselor/Assistant Principal. During this time, he completed his degree from Webster University in Psychology and Education.

Shaw and other alumni graduates from Lincoln School decided to form a charitable foundation after a Lincoln School reunion. They wanted to “enhance the educational opportunities of the youth of Edwardsville School District.” With $400 left over, they used it as seed money to get started. The foundation hosted a golf tournament and then a bowling tournament. Since that time, they have given hundreds of thousands of dollars in student scholarships and over $100,000 to District 7 for the school liaison position.

Shaw’s advice is to treat others the way you want to be treated and give back to the education institutions that prepared you for a successful future. His hobbies include fishing, golfing, and working for the historic Lincoln School Foundation. He wants to remind everyone to play in or sponsor the Harry A. Pendleton Golf Scramble which supports the Foundation. The location is Oakbrook Golf course on September 14, 2024. More information can be found at hlsaf.org.