Imagine a world where one person's generosity can transform the lives of countless others. This is the reality at St. Michael School in Augusta, Maine, thanks to a remarkable gift from the late Brenda Shaw. In a story that's both heartwarming and inspiring, Shaw, remembered by those who knew her as a true 'angel,' left a posthumous donation of $2.9 million to the school. This incredible act of kindness will forever change the educational landscape for children in the community.
Shaw, known for her thoughtful nature and genuine interest in others, was a woman of deep faith. She regularly attended church and, when her health declined, received visits from a priest at her home. Now, her legacy lives on through this generous gift, which will establish an endowment in her name to provide crucial tuition assistance.
Principal Alanna Stevenson, reflecting on Shaw's incredible act, shared, "I did not know her personally, but those who did told me what a lovely human she was. She worked very hard and saved her money up for this purpose. I think that is amazing."
Shaw's connection to the school stems from her own childhood, where she attended St. Mary's, which later merged with St. Augustine School to form St. Michael School in 2007. Currently, St. Michael School serves 188 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, primarily from the central Maine area. The school, being private, relies on tuition to cover essential expenses like teacher salaries, administrative costs, textbooks, and other necessary school supplies. The current tuition for all grades is $6,900. While the exact figures for the next year are still being finalized, the school's marketing director, Jamie Logan, assures that a significant increase is not anticipated.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the school has received donations before, nothing of this magnitude has ever been seen. The M. Brenda Shaw endowment is specifically designated to support families in need of tuition assistance. Principal Stevenson hopes that this generous gift will "open the door for people who thought (St. Michael’s) might not be a possibility."
Shaw's estate attorney and friend of 15 years, Joe O’Donnell, paints a vivid picture of a woman who worked tirelessly throughout her life. She worked as a telephone operator at New England Telephone and AT&T, and supplemented her income with jobs at Damon’s market and Whippers Pizza. She cherished swimming in China Lake and tending to her garden, activities she continued even after losing a leg to cancer.
Shaw never married or had children, but she had a rich life filled with cherished friendships. She lived independently, supported by the visits of her friends, and found solace in her faith. Shaw's desire to help children receive a Catholic education fueled her decision to leave this incredible gift. As O’Donnell explains, "She wanted to make it possible for people who would have liked to have gone, but didn’t have the resources to do it. That’s her purpose of her gift."
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think more people should consider leaving charitable donations in their wills? Share your opinions in the comments below!
