Sachem East alumnus returns to inspire journalism students through mock press conference
The event gave students a chance to interview a professional athlete in a setting designed to mirror a real media availability.
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Sachem East High School journalism students got the opportunity to put their reporting skills to the test when alumnus and Cleveland Guardians Double-A pitcher Rafe Schlesinger returned to his alma mater for a mock press conference.
The event gave students a chance to interview a professional athlete in a setting designed to mirror a real media availability. Students prepared questions in advance and then put Schlesinger on the spot as they sought insight into his baseball career, experiences in professional sports and his Sachem roots.
Schlesinger said returning to the school was meaningful because he once sat in the same seats as the students who were asking questions.
“If I had the opportunity to talk to a professional athlete, I would have loved to take it,” Schlesinger said. “Now I’m fortunate enough to be that professional athlete, so just give these kids something back.”
WSHR general manager Chris Vaccaro said the event was designed to provide students with a real-world educational experience that combines journalism, storytelling and professional sports.
“These journalism students had the opportunity to speak to him in a professional way,” Vaccaro said. “Our goal is to create real-world experiences for these students to learn and eventually be able to do this on a professional level.”
Vaccaro says students spend time learning video production, multiplatform storytelling and journalism ethics. He says bringing in a successful alumnus helped connect classroom lessons with practical experience.
Schlesinger praised the students for their preparation and engagement, noting that they continued asking thoughtful questions throughout the session.
“They kept firing them off,” he said. “I got some first-time questions in there as well and got to express who I am now.”
Junior Mael Jerez, who also plays baseball, said interviewing Schlesinger was one of the most memorable experiences of his young reporting career.
“Not a lot of kids get to do this,” Jerez said. “Getting that knowledge before most people even get to know, or even never will know, is just amazing.”
Junior Kylie Marcus said the event provided valuable insight for students interested in broadcasting and journalism.
“It was great,” Marcus said. “I get to interview such a guy who’s made a difference in our communities, and he’s going places.”
After the session, students produced video, photo, audio and written coverage of the event, turning the experience into a full journalism project.
For the students and staff, the day represented a full-circle moment, showcasing how former Sachem students can find success while inspiring the next generation.
For Schlesinger, it was another opportunity to give back.
“Hopefully not the last,” he said. “Maybe get some even bigger crowds here one day. And maybe some of these kids are in those seats as well.”
