Shawn received his bachelor’s degree in 1979 and master’s degree in 1982 in instrumental/vocal music from the University of Idaho, and has taught in the Asotin School District for 32 years. Asotin musicians consistently receive superior ratings at festivals and have performed in the US, Canada and Europe. Shawn received the Beatrice Taplin Excellence in Education Award and the Southeast Washington Music Educator of the Year Award. He served two terms on the WMEA board as Small Schools Officer, and also served on the WMEA Southeast Region board.