In Loving Memory

A proud 1966 graduate of L.B. Landry Senior High School, Shan, Sr. earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Plus 30 degrees from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. A trailblazer in education, he became the first African-American Physical Education Teacher and Coach at Edna Karr Junior High School and later served as Head Coach and Assistant Coach in football, baseball, and track and field at L.B. Landry Senior High School. During his distinguished career with the Orleans Parish School Board, Shan, Sr. served as Human Resources Specialist for Certificated Personnel and Interim Athletic Director. As principal, he led with vision and dedication at Thomas Alva Edison Elementary School, Francis T. Nicholls/Frederick A. Douglass Senior High School, Joseph S. Clark Senior High School, L.B. Landry Senior High School (Interim), Oliver Perry Walker Senior High School, and Landry-Walker Senior High School. After retiring from the school system, he returned to L.B. Landry High School as Education Administrator for the Algiers Charter School Association. As President of the Professional Administrators of New Orleans Public Schools, Inc. (PANOPSI), Shan, Sr. was instrumental in affiliating the organization with the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO, Local 17, creating the South’s first organized school administrators’ union. He also devoted his time to mentoring youth through the Gretna Recreation and Instructional Department (GRID), the Gretna Boys and Girls Club, and the LHSAA Executive Committee, where he earned a Lifetime Coaching Card for his dedication to athletics and leadership. A man of deep faith and fellowship, Shan, Sr. was a devoted member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Harvey, LA, where he served faithfully as Chairman of the Deacons’ Ministry and a member of the Male Chorus. A member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club; and O.J. Dunn Lodge #85 F&AM. In 2023, he was deeply honored to serve as Grand Marshal of NOMTOC.