meredith garofalo

THS Tradition

Posted on 09/04/2019

No matter what kind of weather might be in the forecast for Cleveland, or anywhere in the United States and the Caribbean for that matter, one of Trinity’s alum is always keeping an eye on the sky! Meredith Garofalo, a 2004 graduate, is an anchor for the national morning show on WeatherNation, a dream career she’s had since she was three and a goal well-known to her fellow students and staff during her time at Trinity.

Meredith was very involved as an athlete, honors student, and musician during high school, but also was very focused on pursuing a job in broadcast meteorology. She was the first woman to do the weather on the THS Morning announcements, and considers herself very blessed to have had the support along the way. “Looking back, I remember how friends and even fellow classmates nicknamed me “Meteorologist Mere” and joked about seeing me on a weather channel someday,” she said. “But it was because of that encouragement and my faith that kept my excitement and passion in something I wanted to do since childhood. Trinity High School will always be a part of me, and it played such a crucial role in my life…I thank God for that every day.”

Meredith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University, and began her career as an intern for Tom Skilling at WGN-TV in Chicago, IL. She then worked at TV stations in Rapid City, South Dakota, Sarasota, Florida and Santa Barbara, California, before accepting her current job in Denver, CO. “I have loved living and working all over the country, but don’t worry…I will never forget where I came from. Cleveland will always have a special place in my heart, and so will the sports teams that I still cheer for to this day!” Her love of athletics and performing has also allowed Meredith to sing the National Anthem at over 100 sporting events, including this Denver Broncos game.

Meredith stays very involved in the communities she works for, dedicating time and support to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Girl Scouts, and Make-A-Wish to name a few. Meredith was named Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties “Community Partner of the Year” in 2017, and was awarded the inaugural Valparaiso University First Decade Achievement Award in 2018, which honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, community service, and/or service to the University during their first decade following the completion of their undergraduate degree. “I learned so much at Trinity about giving selflessly to others and always striving to leave places better than we find them, and so I vow to always make a positive difference in the lives of people I meet, whether it be on-camera or just out and about daily.” She continues to support STEM education and serves as a role model to young girls and women, helping build self esteem and encouragement. “Being a broadcast meteorologist is a privilege, and it’s as important for me to keep people informed about what’s happening with the weather as it is my duty to inspire and motivate others,” Meredith said. “No matter what storms we have to go through in life, there’s always sunshine that will follow. Let’s continue to add a little extra sunshine to the lives of everyone we meet!”

Meredith loves networking and connecting with her fellow Trojans, past and present! You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.