Students at Columbus Bishop Ready High School are encouraged to pursue their God-given talents with courage and commitment. The calling took junior Meg Riter to – literally – new heights.
Riter is a gymnast of more than 12 years. The high school junior has spent countless hours tumbling, turning, flying and swinging on bars, the last of which she considers her favorite gymnastics event.
This year, Riter set a meaningful goal: compete under the Bishop Ready name.
Gymnastics is not offered at Bishop Ready. Ohio High School Athletic Association guidelines, however, provide student-athletes an opportunity to try out and compete through their public school district in sports that are not sponsored by their home school.
Riter was given an opportunity to compete with the Southwestern City Schools district. Due to small participation numbers, gymnasts from the district’s high schools come together to form a single district team.
Joining the team was about more than simply continuing her sport — it was about Riter proudly representing Bishop Ready wherever she competes. Wearing “Ready” attire while performing alongside athletes from various schools reflects her dedication to gymnastics and deep love for her school community.
Riter’s dedication has been years in the making.
Gymnastics demands early mornings, late nights, physical endurance, mental toughness and resilience after setbacks. Riter demonstrates discipline to train consistently, perseverance to overcome challenges and humility to strive for improvement — all qualities that mirror what it means to be a Bishop Ready Knight.
The school’s mascot represents leading with integrity, pursuing excellence and representing the community with pride. Riter embodies the values each time she salutes a judge and begins her gymnastics routine.
Her commitment to the sport, her team and school is an example of faith, determination and school spirit. The three values elevate Riter as an individual and her community.
Riter voiced hopes that competing for Bishop Ready will bring greater awareness to gymnastics, and perhaps, inspire future Knights to consider the sport.
Regardless of where her routines take her, she continues to represent the Catholic high school with grace and strength from the mat, on the bars and beyond.