Sometimes, the best stories don’t just unfold—they’re built piece by piece, fueled by heart, grit, and a little help from the people who care most. That’s exactly what happened last year when Lafayette native David Begnaud returned home with a story up his sleeve and a mission to honor a local hero, Frances Shaw. Watching it all come to life was nothing short of magic, but the 48 hours leading up to Ms. Shaw’s big surprise were nothing short of a rollercoaster.

It Started with a Wave

It was late last year when Ms. Shaw was honored at The Current’s Wavemakers event. CBS News Contributor David Begnaud, who was hosting, introduced her to the crowd as someone who had dedicated her life to “igniting” students. That night, Ms. Shaw had no idea she’d already sparked something in David. She thought it was just another honor, but David had been quietly scheming, inspired by her story, to create a moment she would never forget.

You see, David had recently teamed up with Canva, the world’s leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. With a bright idea in mind, he started gathering an all-star lineup of supporters: local dignitaries, students, faculty, and community leaders. The plan was to surprise Ms. Shaw at a pep rally at Northside High School with $25,000 and a whole lot of love on top of the honors that she had received at The Undercurrent Awards.

Simple, right? But this is Louisiana—where a plan is just a suggestion when the weather rolls in.

The Rainstorm That Changed Everything

The big day arrived, and so did the rain. A lot of rain. So much rain that school was canceled. Just like that, the surprise was derailed.

Now, if you know David Begnaud, you know he doesn’t do “derailed.” By the time I got the call, he was already figuring out how to make the magic happen the very next day. And here’s the thing: every single person he had lined up—dignitaries, musicians, community leaders—said, “I’ll be there.” No hesitation. No excuses. Just a testament to how much people love and respect Ms. Shaw.

A Last-Minute Boost

With an extra day in Lafayette, David had time to think. He started worrying that Ms. Shaw, selfless as ever, might just give her $25,000 check right back to the school or her students. That’s when he called Missy Bienvenu Andrade at the Community Foundation of Acadiana, and in true Louisiana fashion, she found a way to rally more support. Within just a few minutes of their pitch, there was enough to take the surprise to a whole new level.

I personally asked Missy about what she pulled off with David that night, and she told me that moments like these were why she signed up for the gig in the first place.

When I interviewed for this job, the selection committee was laser focused on how to use the Foundation as a collaborator, connector, and convener, as opposed to a (respected and beloved) transactional donor bank. And I’ve spent the last almost 2 years actively working through how to do that. This story is that in action so I am really excited for people to see that community foundations can be a very unique and adaptable tool or partner to do good things. It ties it all together.

The next day, David had a smile on his face and an even bigger story to tell. He was ready to present not just the $25,000 from Canva but also announce $75,000 for a fund in Ms. Shaw’s name and $100,000 for Northside High School from Love Our Schools.

The Big Reveal

The gym was packed with students, teachers, and alumni. The air buzzed with excitement as music filled the room. Then, Ms. Shaw walked in, and the place erupted. I’ll never forget the look on her face—equal parts shock, joy, and disbelief. She stood there, overwhelmed, as David stepped up to the mic to present her with the first check. But he wasn’t done.

He announced the Frances Davis Shaw Community Impact Fund, handing her the power to give back to her community in ways that mattered most to her. And then came the Love Our Schools contribution—$100,000 for Northside High. The students went wild. Ms. Shaw, with tears streaming down her face, danced right along with them.

A Legacy of Love

The moment was capped off with the Cupid Shuffle, a song written and performed by former Northside High School graduate Bryson Bernard, also known as Cupid himself, one of Ms. Shaw’s former students.

I asked Cupid what this moment meant to him and he told me Ms. Shaw was "an icon."

She is the Pride of Northside and has had a greater impact than just the kids she taught. She impacts every person she meets.

Watching her laugh, dance, and soak it all in, I realized this wasn’t just about the money. It was about the love. Ms. Shaw’s life has been one long prayer answered for so many students, and now, finally, her prayers were being answered, too.

Why It Matters

David Begnaud worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen, but he’d be the first to tell you that Ms. Shaw is the real star. She’s the one who spent 52 years lighting fires in her students, showing them what they were capable of, and creating a legacy that spans generations.

That moment wasn’t just a surprise—it was a celebration of everything Ms. Shaw stands for: love, resilience, and the power of one person to change lives. And as we all shuffled together in that historic Northside gym, I felt lucky to have witnessed it firsthand.

Here’s to you, Ms. Shaw. You’re a legend, and now the world knows it, too.

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