Library renovation includes two new classrooms

By Jameson Datoc ’23

Archbishop Riordan High School, one of the fastest growing high schools in San Francisco, is focusing on renovations that will enhance student life and learning.

From plans for new and improved urban resting areas and updated restrooms, to newly furnished classrooms and a new coat of paint on the cafeteria, the Riordan administration is in full throttle to push for an improvement of student life, and with that comes the renovation of the school library.

“The growth of the student body and the desperate need for more classroom space came with heavy decisions for the school,” said Simon Chiu, Vice President of Advancement at Riordan. “This includes the need to remodel and modernize the current library to

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“Not seeing my friends during Covid was the most difficult part. The connections I built during freshman year were cut off,” commented Marko Kesler ’23.

Despite the hurdles, the seniors were present during an eventful era at Riordan, with the field opening, the weight room being renovated, and sports clinching WCAL and CCS titles.

Cross country runner Mason McKee ’23 recalled, “Seeing other teams succeed really fired us up. When we got to state for the first time, I felt like it was huge not only for the team but also for the school as well. [Being at school] after the race was amazing. It felt like everyone knew and was excited about it.” use the space more efficiently.”

Half of the space in the current library will turn into two more classrooms: one for the growing digital arts program and the other as an extra classroom. Furthermore, the library will transform to a study space/library hybrid that includes movable and comfortable furniture, charging stations, and a section for library books with a special portion of the library being filled with Riordan and Mercy High School history and memorabilia.

“It sounds like it would create a very comfortable atmosphere for us students,” said Nicolas Gawle ’24. “I am really excited and looking forward to this next year.”

At press time, the library is now closed and the contractors are beginning the renovation.

Countless plays, sports games, rallies, dances, Band events, Masses, retreats, and laughs in the halls, and more throughout these past four years proved that the motto “Strength in Brotherhood” was still vividly alive at Riordan, even if it was no longer an all-boys school.

“The connections we made prior to the transition allowed us to bond a lot easier. My closest friends are the ones who were there with me right from the start,” Chris Enriquez ’23 stated.

As the young men of the Class of 2023 depart, it symbolizes the end of a historic 70 plus year era, but ushers in a new era of Crusaders–staring with the Class of 2024–who will continue to foster the pride, purpose, and performance synonymous with Riordan.

Shelves are being emptied, books donated or stored for next year, and the era of the current library that was used by generations of students has come to an end.

Jeffrey Ramirez,

Assistant

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She added, “It’s a bittersweet feeling being part of the last class of Mercy. It’s crazy to think that there’s no more Mercy classes after us.”

Jaylene Villar ’23 feels surreal graduating. She said, “Honestly, it hasn’t hit me yet that I’m a part of the last class of Mercy girls graduating Riordan. Time has gone by so fast and it feels like just yesterday when I had my freshmen orientation.”

Areeshah Farooq ’23 said, “When Mercy first announced their doors would be closing, I remember the strong sisterhood we grew to be a part of. We all knew each other and that tight knit community we had built allowed us to seek closure and move on.”

Carly Breitbarth ’23 thinks back

Director of Facilities, said, “Riordan is constantly upgrading and always trying to improve the high school year after year. I guess it’s our drive for constant never ending improvement.” to a special moment, “Being with friends on the day of acceptance emails to Riordan was memorable. We were all together, freaking out if we’d get in.”

Aliyah Diaz ’23 described her contributions to Riordan as a part of the Mercy legacy. She said, “I left a legacy that no one can replace. It’s also been an honor to score the first two points in Riordan’s women’s basketball history. I am proud because not only me, but the rest of the Mercy class left a mark at Riordan. With it now time for these girls to graduate, they leave behind a legacy and the start of something incredible for the future of Riordan. Though Riordan will continue to change and grow, this last class of Mercy transfers, the Class of 2023, will always hold a crucial part in Riordan’s growth.