All About Me (Mary Gregorini)

Mary GregoriniAnyone who knows me can tell you that where I come from is the essence of who I am. I am from Western Pennsylvania...a true Pittsburgh Steelers Fan! Born and raised in a small town along the Monongahela River under the surname of "Saroglia," I am one of 3 siblings who all just happen to be girls. My poor father was forever accusing us of doing everything like girls. He just didn't get it! My parents were two of the kindest people to ever live. They are gone now, but they left me with many great memories and examples of what it is like to live a good life. Service and concern for the well being of others was at the cornerstone of my upbringing and is always with me. I strive to serve as the same kind of example to my own children and students as my parents were to me.

My initial education seems to span the country, within Pennsylvania itself.  After graduating from Ringgold High School (our claim to fame being Joe Montana), I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I received a degree in Elementary Education. Following that, I attended California University of Pennsylvania, where I received my Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I've been to many states without leaving PA...it is a wonderful life!

I was married in 1985 to my wonderfully enthusiastic and creative husband Tom who has his own contracting business, but deep inside longs to study the fine art of beer making. We have been blessed with 4 very beautifully unique children: Tommy who is 25 and working at a restaurant in Seattle ; Sarah who is 23, a barista in Barnes and Noble, looking for a job in anthropology or religious studies; my very creative and dramatic daughter Domenica who is 12 and such a joy; Francis who is 10, all boy, and an avid hockey fan...Go Penguins...and a member of the Howard Huskies silver squirt travel team. As you can see, life at home is very fulfilling.

Aside from serving as a taxi driver, a chef, a maid, a teacher, a friend, a fan, etc., I personally have very few hobbies.  My husband's goal for me is to become more active in exercise...I'm not as good at following his wishes as he'd like. I enjoy reading when I can, mostly about the newest innovations in education. After my trip to Italy a few summers ago, I find the thought of traveling to be quite appealing and definitely in my future plans. After visiting New Hampshire a few moons ago, I have found the place I will retire as a Wal-Mart greeter. It is my faith and teaching ,however,that truly inspires me. I am blessed to be able to bring the two together in my career.

The 2005-2006 school year was my first at OLPH, the best school in the world! I knew I was blessed to find such a great working situation, but it wasn't until I was involved with the day-to-day routine that I knew I had hit the jackpot. The administration, staff, students, and parents of OLPH are the best. I thank God every day for the opportunity that I have been given to serve my community as a teacher at our school.

Currently I serve as the fourth grade teacher and the intermediate grades Language Arts instructor for a group of very talented and inspiring young minds. We are as busy as proverbial bees, working to unlock the secrets of the written word, while also composing poetry, prose, and various paragraphs and responses to the world around us. We love: expanding our vocabulary; sharing information orally; using the internet to research topics; and reading morning, noon, and night!

I love serving God and the community at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, where each child is cherished and celebrated.