On Saturday, Sept. 27, Archbishop Riordan High School welcomed nearly 500 aspiring journalism students and advisers from 44 different schools as it hosted the 2025 NorCal Media Day.

Riordan was the first San Francisco school to host NorCal Media Day, as it was previously at Palo Alto High School.

The event brought together students from across Northern California who share a love for journalism and the media to partake in several learning sessions focused on media: newspaper, yearbook, photography, podcasting, and broadcasting, which were led by teachers, pros, and students.

The day began with an introduction in Lindland Theatre by Riordan journalism adviser Susan Sutton, MJE, JEANC President Julia Satterthwaite, MJE of Monta Vista High School, 95.7 The Game’s host Joe Shasky ’01, and NBC Sports Bay Area’s Golden State Warriors Pre/Postgame Live host Bonta Hill.

They presented the schedule for the day and encouraged the excited students to learn before sending them off to the sessions.

Sutton said, “It was an honor to host NorCal Media Day. We had students from Rocklin to Santa Barbara, and they all came to Riordan to celebrate journalism. The campus was the ideal stage for the event, the weather was perfect, and as always, the students shined.”

Of the many guest speakers, Shasky taught a session focusing on being your authentic self in the world of journalism.

National and World Editor of The Crusader Rachel Gerke ’27 said, “My favorite part of this year was Joe Shasky’s session… I learned that being authentic is an essential part in distinguishing yourself within journalism, as there are so many people just following what they see others doing instead of creating their own unique style.”

Shasky dove into the importance of being yourself, especially in this industry. He explained that it is difficult to reach goals without continuing to persevere and see things through. He did, however, expand on the consequences that may come with always being your authentic self.

“I think it goes both ways. I mean at times you want to be real, you want to be authentic, but you also have to be careful with how you say it because people take things very, very personally even if that’s not your intention to be personal,” he explained.

Other guest speakers included Jabriel Andrade ’18 and JC Canicosa ’16 from KPIX, and Steven Risotto ’20 from 95.7 The Game.

Andrade taught a session about broadcasting and behind the scenes of being an Assignment Editor for a news station.

Managing Editor of The Crusader Ishaan Gupta ’26 said, “The session that Jabriel gave was very informative and insightful. I really got to learn a lot about the behind the scenes of a news organization that you wouldn’t be able to learn otherwise.”

Andrade explained the level of importance an assignment editor holds. They work in a constantly moving environment and are responsible for countless tasks such as assigning reporters and photographers, managing breaking news, and handling every day logistics.

As Riordan hosted NorCal Media Day for the first time, it turned out to be a success.

Students from different schools were able to come together as a community based on a mutual love for journalism, where they learned skills and gained inspiration.

“Be willing to outwork everyone else in the room, for a long time,” Shasky advised. “Hard work truly pays off…You have to see it through, you can’t expect immediate results.”