Nancy arrived at Trinity in 1998, in the midst of a building program. The school had previously built the elementary building and had just finished the admin/sanctuary building. Nancy secured funds to continue the construction work for the preschool through the Castle Foundation and the Weinberg Foundation.
After the construction, Nancy began on the professional process of accreditation. We received the highest level of accreditation possible—a six year term with a midterm visit. After our six year accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), she led us through accreditation with Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and HAIS, once again, receiving the longest term of accreditation.
In 2006, the School Board decided to pursue the vision of a secondary school. A team comprised of Nancy, Sandy Kalama, Pastor Todd, and Jason Wood visited classical Christian schools on the mainland and were convinced that this model was perfect for Trinity. In 2008, Trinity opened the secondary school with the 7th and 8th grade classes. This year, the original 8th grade class will be graduating.
The before mentioned events are just a brief glimpse of Nancy’s professional leadership. But when I speak to parents, students, and staff about Nancy, they do not usually recall these “highlights.” Instead, they speak of her warmth, her caring attitude, her smile, her energy, her love for God and her love for the school. I would have to agree with them.
I met Nancy in 1996 while she was at Le Jardin Academy. She was the Admissions Director there and I was in an interview for a teaching position. After the interview, I was introduced to her. I remember how warm and friendly she was and thought, “She must be a Christian.” I did not accept the teaching position at LJA but instead started at Trinity. Two years later, Bobbi Colby, Trinity’s principal, suggested Nancy Shaw as her replacement. Nancy had been offered a lucrative position at another private school but felt God’s calling to come to Trinity. I remember meeting Nancy when she began her job here as principal and remembered she was the “nice lady” from Le Jardin.
I am thankful that she heeded God’s call to Trinity and I will miss my principal, mentor, and friend as she moves into the next season in her life. Nancy, know that God will welcome you home someday saying, “You have touched so many lives, my good and faithful servant.” I love you and I’ll miss you.
Linda Kawakami
Director of Educational Services