Archbishop Riordan High School recently hosted its open house for accepted incoming freshmen, giving future students and their families a chance to explore the campus, meet teachers, and learn more about life as a Riordan Crusader.
During the event, multiple members of Knights of Riordan, a school volunteer group, were stationed around campus, directing and assisting families as they made their way through classrooms and activities. The event showcased the school’s academics, athletics, and strong sense of community.
Admissions Associate Sally O’Connell explained what makes a strong student guide. A good guide is “knowledgeable and enthusiastic,” she said, as well as “friendly, warm, and present.”
She added that the most important message for guides to share is that Riordan is “a warm, supportive community.” O’Connell wants visitors to see that students feel supported while “having fun while learning and succeeding.”
Riordan’s Accepted Students Night took place on March 24, showcasing Riordan’s features while welcoming incoming freshmen to the community.
Student guide Kestrel Ueber ’27 said he enjoys volunteering because he likes giving back to the school. “I’ve always loved helping out at school, and the student acceptance day was just another way to show my thanks to Riordan,” he said.
During the event, Ueber showed visitors the chemistry lab and highlighted the interactive labs students perform in class. “I just love being able to show my Riordan pride,” he added.
Danny Curtin ’08, Vice President of Enrollment, shared what he hopes families take away from the open house. Curtin wishes for students to have “a better understanding of who our community is” and to experience what it’s like to be a Riordan student or family.
He said, “Students love coming to school. They’re happy to be here every day.”
He also emphasized that Riordan allows students to grow in areas they excel at while also feeling comfortable taking risks in new challenges.
For students considering Riordan, Curtin advised, “Take risks, meet people, and enjoy high school. This is a place where you can be yourself, find success, and really explore all the different things the school has to offer.”
The event gave incoming freshmen and their families a chance to experience Riordan’s academic and social environment firsthand. From interactive classrooms to student guides proudly showing off their school, the event highlighted what makes Riordan a supportive and exciting place to learn.
