semerson@cityacademyschool.org
Shalawn received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a master’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne University. Prior to joining the team at City Academy in 2002, she served as a data entry clerk at Regions Bank for ten years. She has also participated in numerous community service organizations such as Mentor for St. Louis, Project Success, and the GEAR UP Program, in addition to being a church volunteer. She is an avid reader, and enjoys journaling, working with crafts, and walking.
Larry Hill, Mathematics (Grades Four – Six)
After earning a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Larry’s twenty-year aviation career was cleared for takeoff. He flew around the world as a pilot in the Air Force and with FedEx Express. While serving as an Air Force flight and aerodynamics instructor, he discovered his love for teaching. His educational goals continued to climb—he earned a master of arts degree in religion and a master of divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary, then served in full-time ministry for several years. When his passion for teaching was reignited, he enrolled in the Career Transition Certification Program for teachers at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, where he is currently completing a master of education degree. Most recently, Larry taught seventh grade math in the St. Louis Public School District, where his school named him “Teacher of the Year.” Now he has landed at City Academy doing what he loves—teaching students how to fly high in math and in life. Larry and his wife Chrystal enjoy music, and they have two sons who live in Nashville, TN.