This year’s Convocation at Whitehall City Schools was particularly special for longtime employee Anna Telerski Shultz and her daughter, Lily McClung. It marked a significant milestone for both—Anna’s 30th convocation and Lily’s first.
Anna has been a dedicated member of the Whitehall City Schools community for three decades. She began her journey as an intervention specialist and has since become Director of Special Services. Over the years, Anna has significantly impacted countless students and their families, helping to shape the district’s special education programs.
This year, Anna’s celebration was made even more meaningful by the presence of her daughter, Lily McClung, who is starting her career as a speech therapist at Kae Avenue Elementary and Rosemore Middle School. Lily recently graduated from Cleveland State University and is excited to join the WCS team and follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Growing up in Whitehall, Lily has always felt deeply connected to the community. Volunteering with the Special Olympics as a child sparked her interest in working with special needs students. During high school, she shadowed occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers. While shadowing speech therapists, Lily was introduced to alternative augmented communication (AAC) systems. “It’s very inspiring,” Lily shared, reflecting on her experience with AAC. She is now eager to work with students who use AAC this year and to make a positive impact on their lives.
Anna couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s decision to pursue a career in special education and join the WCS team. “Our therapists are the best of the best out there. Lily will learn a lot from this great team,” Anna said. She expressed her joy in seeing Lily launch her career, especially in a field so close to both their hearts. “It makes me really happy that this is the field she wanted to pursue, and these were the kids she wanted to work with.”
As the new school year begins, Anna and Lily are excited about what lies ahead. For Anna, it’s the continuation of a long and fulfilling career. For Lily, it’s the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the community that has always been home. Together, they represent the enduring commitment of Whitehall City Schools to provide exceptional support and education to all its students.