Mrs. Maureen Steuernagel has such a positive impact on the OLSH community. She has been teaching at OLSH for 30 years! She truly cares about everyone’s safety and well- being. I met with her to discuss her life inside and outside of OLSH.

Q: How long have you been working at OLSH?

A: “Since 1993 when I worked in the admissions office and taught English part time.”

Q: When did you start teaching English full time?

A: “I moved to full time English in 1998.”

Q: Did you attend high school at OLSH?

A: “No, I went to Avonworth.”

Q: What is your advice for the students of OLSH as they move on from high school?

A: “Please remember what you learned here… not just the academics, but the Felician values, too.”

Q: What is your favorite part about OLSH/ teaching at OLSH?

A: “Spending time with my students and my colleagues.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “I love to read and work in my garden.”

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: “Favorite subject was English… reading and discussing novels specifically…Once I started to teach English, I really enjoyed editing student’s papers”.

Q: What was your least favorite subject in school?

A: “My least favorite subject was math above the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.”

Q: What do you hope to see from incoming students at OLSH?

A:  “I always look for the ones who are kind, the ones who have a sense of humor, the ones who are not afraid to ask questions, I also look for the shy ones and try to drive them out of their comfort zone and the “prickly” ones who need someone to champion them”.

Q: Do you have a favorite saint or a favorite prayer?

A: “I am not sure I have a favorite saint but I pray to a variety of saints for different things… Saint Anne to watch over and protect my grandkids, Saint Jude to help my family and friends to get through the hardships of the day, St. Peregrine to assist those battling cancer, St. Christopher to be with those who are traveling, and St. Joseph to help me be a good wife, mom, and Grammy”.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on your students?

A: “I hope I can impact my students by just being present, by helping them matter, by showing them a kind word or gesture can go a long way.”

 Q: Who or what inspires you?

A: “My siblings inspire me… the struggles they have overcome is a testament to true faith”. “My children and my family also inspire me… I don’t know what I did to be so lucky that they like each other, get along with each other and, at the end of the day, enjoy each other’s company… I am truly blessed.”

Mrs. Steuernagel teaches about legacy and what it means to leave an impact on others. Every Friday she says “Stay safe and make smart decisions”. While this is just a small saying it has a lasting impact. This phrase pops in my head at random times and I can’t help but smile and think about the choices I make. Thank you Mrs. Steuernagel for all you do to make OLSH great!