Mary felt staff was not adequately aware of LGBTQ issues, or how to address them. Because she developed such strong relationships with students as well as staff, and was so passionate about the well being of all students in the school community, Mary felt she needed to act.
The following school year, Mary enlisted my help in starting the district’s first Gay-Straight Alliance. The formation of this club was ground-breaking territory in the community; it was reported in the local media. Mary helped to create a space where all students were welcomed, their voices were heard, and they felt safe -- some for the first time in their high school career. She taught students how to advocate for themselves in appropriate and productive ways.
Mary educated both students and staff on LGBTQ issues, and how to appropriately address homophobic comments so often heard in high schools. She helped increase the student body’s participation in the “Day of Silence,” and she educated students and staff in the Day’s meaning and importance. She worked with administration to recognize the issues that students who are gay, or questioning their sexuality, dealt with on a daily basis, and to educate all who work with these students. Mary never backed down from any challenge when it came to “her kids.”
Even through Mary's intense chemo and radiation treatments for breast cancer during the 2008-2009 school year, then for brain cancer during the 2009-2010 school year, she continued to participate in GSA meetings whenever she could. As recently as this past spring, Mary attended training on how to implement the Safe Spaces program in the High School. No matter what was going on in her life, she continued to hold the needs and safety of the students in the front of her mind.
Mary lost her battle to cancer in May of this year. Although she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on. The work she has done with students, teachers, and administrators has forever changed the climate of Onteora High School; our school community is forever changed for the better because of her advocacy for LGBTQ students, and her education to all.
This year, Mary Shultis was selected for a 2010 Ally Award for her ongoing support of the work of the Gay-Straight Alliance and her dedication to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for the entire Onteora School community.
GLSEN Hudson Valley is the local chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the leading national educational organization creating safe schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Each year, GLSEN Hudson Valley celebrates Ally Week by encouraging GSA’s (Gay-Straight Alliances) to identify and support members of their school who help end anti-LGBT bias and harassment. The chapter recognizes allies in the larger community through the presentation of Ally Awards.
GLSEN Hudson Valley will honor its allies in creating safe schools at the Ally Awards Benefit on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Stonehedge Restaurant, Route 9W, West Park, NY from 6pm to 9pm.
~ Lynn Battista
Special Education Teacher
Onteora High School
