OLSH Science Department Chair, Meredith “R-T” Rieseck-Terracio always had a passion for science and knew that she wanted to become a teacher. She graduated from Gannon University in 1986 with a BS in Chemistry and certification in Chemistry and General Sciences.
After working at a quality control lab in a scrap yard in Neville Island and at an environmental testing lab for 10 years, Meredith decided to return to school at Geneva College to update her teaching and science certifications.
In the summer of 1997, Meredith received a call from the principal of OLSH at the time, Sr. Francine, asking her to come in for an interview for a full time science teacher position.
“Sr. Francine called me on a Tuesday at 3pm and asked me to come in at 7pm that night for my interview,” Meredith said. “We didn’t finish talking until after 9:30pm! Let’s just say it was a good interview and I started working at OLSH that Friday. The rest is history.”
Meredith’s first year at OLSH was the 1998-1999 school year. Throughout her time at OLSH, Meredith has taught a variety of science classes including Basic Geometry, Physics, Pre-Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Earth Science.
Meredith currently teaches Honors and College Prep Chemistry.
“Chemistry is definitely my favorite subject,” Meredith said. “But if I could combine Earth Science and Environmental Science (without the ‘boring’ biology stuff in it), that would be the coolest class I could teach. I think it is really important for people to be able to identify the natural things around them and understand the weather affecting them.”
As with many teachers at OLSH, Meredith is very involved with student and faculty activities. She is Chair of the Science Department, a member of the Safety Committee, and is on the Student Assistance Program Team. Meredith is currently the Director of Pep who works closely with Mr. Brian Molka, Director of Student Government. The pair collaborate to organize OLSH traditions such as Homecoming, the Powder Puff Football Game, Intramurals, Penny Wars, Catholic Schools Week activities, and pep rallies.
Meredith and her husband Greg have been married for 31 years this November and have one daughter, Amanda. Amanda and her husband have a 1 and a half year old daughter named Madilynn and are expecting a boy this July. Meredith loves spending time with her family and babysitting her granddaughter. She and her husband also enjoy camping as a hobby and have traveled around the country on various trips. Their favorite place to camp is Pymatuning on the PA-OH border.
A member of the OLSH family for 23 years, some of Meredith’s favorite aspects of OLSH come from long-standing traditions such as the Senior Walk Through, The Giving Tree, and the Ham/Turkey Bingo events.
“One of my favorite traditions is after the senior blessing service when the whole class gets up and leaves the chapel. It is very eye-opening and shocking to see that empty part of the chapel where the class was. It puts in perspective the fact that while things change, life still goes on,” Meredith said.
Meredith reflected on other OLSH traditions that have since gone such as the Coffee House Cabaret and having student liturgical dancers and the band at all-school masses.
She is most inspired by the way the OLSH community is committed to giving back.
“I really like that OLSH always pitches in for different causes,” Meredith said. “I love our Lady’s Food Pantry, doing the Giving Tree donations every Christmas, donating to soldiers overseas, and also helping fellow teachers in need. It really means a lot.”
Meredith is grateful for her colleagues and the closeness of the OLSH community over the past 23 years.
“There is a true sense of caring and concern from all of the faculty here, especially about what is the best for the kids,” Meredith said. “It is good to work with people that are all in the same boat. Everybody here can understand what’s going on through the good and the bad times. Someone will always help you get through it.”