Why did you decide to teach, and is the career what you thought it would be?

My mom was a teacher, and she still is a teacher. I saw how much she had an impact on her students, so her love of bettering her students’ lives ultimately inspired me to go into teaching. I had a really great 7th and 8th grade history teacher who made learning history fun and engaging. It ultimately sparked me to go into social studies. Teaching is a way for me to help young adults achieve their best and ultimately have an impact on their lives.

What is your favorite subject to teach?

My favorite content to teach is definitely American history. I love teaching about the 1960s because a lot happened in that decade. I also love teaching the government aspect of American history. Ultimately the whole Modern American History and Politics curriculum is right up my alley — it’s so fun to teach.

If you could teach another subject, what would it be?

If I could teach another subject it would be English. I actually have my teaching certification in English as well. I started at NAI teaching English before moving to social studies. I love reading and understanding how we can become better writers.

Is there a class you wish you could have taken in high school?

I would have liked to have taken a longer psychology course. My high school only offered it as a semester elective, and it was just skimming the surface. It was one of those subjects that I explored more of in college. 

If you could switch lives with anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you do?

It would be Kate Middleton. I low-key want to be her. I love her style, and I love how she’s a princess. I would love to have her closet, and I would love to have the experiences with travel that she has, as well as the platforms that she serves on. It would just be really neat to take a look inside royal life and see all the crown jewels and British monarchy secrets.

What is your favorite sports team?

The Pittsburgh Penguins. I love my Penguins; I worked for the organization when I was in college. I just fell in love with hockey, and it’s such a great sport to watch. It’s fast, and you’re constantly watching where the puck is going. The Penguins are such a great organization, not only working with them but also seeing what they do for the community.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a teacher?

My biggest pet peeve is when students are walking with their groups of friends down the hall, and then immediately one of them peels off and changes direction. If I’m right behind them, they collide right into me. You guys just flip directions in the hall.

You are involved in the Marching Band. How did you get involved with that?

When I was in high school I was on Butler’s Dance Team, but part of our auxiliary squads had to be trained in twirling as well as dancing and also breaking off to be a flag team. So I had some sort of a basis for it from my high school experience. Being down at NAI and talking to Mr. Baldanzi, a position opened up for the coaching position. I applied and was given the position, and I have loved it ever since. It’s been amazing — my team is phenomenal. They can do more tricks than I ever could. It’s such a great time, and it’s great to see how not only students involved in the Marching Band but students overall come together for football games and such. They bring a lot of school pride and spirit.

What is your favorite food your mom or dad makes?

My mom has mastered pasta sauce, so Sundays are always macaroni and meatball days in the Grecco household. Going home and having her sauce and meatballs is always what I want. It’s something that she has mastered, having it passed down from her mom, and now it’s something I’ll pass down. As Italians, we crave sauce.

What is the first thing you would do with $1,000,000?

If I came across a million dollars, I would pay my parents back for all the experiences they have given me. Between dance and just supporting me throughout life, I would definitely need to give them something to show my appreciation. They still are my biggest supporters. I may just give them all the money, but I’m not sure if my fiancé Mr. Frasca would be too supportive of that.

What is your opinion about pineapple on pizza?

It’s not going to be my first topping of choice, but if I’m at a party and I don’t want to be rude to the host, I’ll eat the pineapple pizza. I wouldn’t necessarily order it, but I would eat it to be respectful.

What is your favorite board game? Video game?

I do like The Game of Life, but I’m always up for a good game of Mario Kart, either on Wii or on the Switch. I’m very competitive when it comes to Mario Kart, so that would be my game of choice.

Who is your teacher best friend?

It’s probably Mrs. Newell. We shared a classroom last year, and she helped me acclimate to NASH from NAI. Ultimately, we share a lot of the same interests, in school as well as outside of school. We are constantly messaging back and forth throughout the day about random things. She’s my teacher bestie.

Do you have any pets?

I wanted a dog so bad! I don’t have any pets, but I wanted a dog on my fifth birthday. My parents promised me a dog, and I got a little brother instead. So I never got a dog, and Mr. Frasca won’t let me get a dog, either. I really want a dog, so somehow we’ll get there.