Senior Spotlight: John Riordan

Posted: May 17, 2022

There are many things that make a Brother Rice student who he is. None of which are average. We encourage our students to develop their interests and pursuits through experiential learning opportunities, helping them discover hidden talents and passions. Every student’s path is different and we believe that is a good thing. We also believe that only when you are 100% YOU, are you 100% Brother Rice!

In this Senior Spotlight, get to know John Riordan!

Activities, Awards, and Achievements:

National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar, Captain of the Brother Rice-Marian Sailing Club, Latin Honor Society, Edmund Rice Service Corps, Kairos leader, Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, Cellist for Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony, AOD Timothy Award for Christian Service in 2021 and 2019, National Junior Classical League, U.S. Sailing-certified small-boat sailing instructor

What Band are you a member of?

St. Leo

When you think of Brother Rice, what three words come to mind first?

Respect, Integrity, Character

What are your next steps after graduation and what is your dream job?

I will be attending Marquette University, pursuing a degree in civil engineering. I will participate in a musical ensemble, playing cello, on campus and will try to continue to sail in college. I also hope to pursue an art minor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and continue my education in Latin as well. I don’t really have a “dream job,” but I would enjoy being a structural engineer and love my summer job of teaching sailing.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. DeMarco is my favorite teacher because he has always found ways to make Latin class fun and continues to help everyone in class. He also lets me design the sweatshirts for Latin Honor Society which is pretty cool.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The Center for Learning & Achievement is pretty nice for hanging out or doing homework. Achieve Plus has also been a good place to study or help with tutoring.

What’s your favorite thing about Brother Rice?

My favorite thing about Brother Rice is the willingness of the faculty to help students as much as needed to succeed. Even if it is just an insignificant question from one student, they are always willing to assist you with whatever you may require help with.

What are some of the ways you have grown during your time at Brother Rice?

I have become a more outgoing person and I enjoy helping people around me, especially in extracurriculars and academics.

Describe an experience that you have had at Brother Rice that you could not have had anywhere else:

My Kairos experience was great, both as a candidate on the retreat and returning as a leader.

Find out how you can be 100% Brother Rice by contacting our Enrollment Team for more information.

Brother Rice High School is a National Blue Ribbon School and ranked the #1 Catholic High School in Michigan for three consecutive years. A proud private educational institution located in Bloomfield Hills.