A Golden Teaching Moment: RIT Students Published in Sports Illustrated

As an educator at RIT, I experienced a truly proud and inspiring moment guiding my talented students—Ariana Shchuka, Vincent Alban, and Abby Curtis—on a professional assignment that culminated in their work being published in Sports Illustrated. Their Dec. 11 tailgate coverage outside Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium showcased their dedication, skill, and the rigorous mentorship I provided.

This assignment wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a real-world opportunity that enabled these students to collaborate closely, tell compelling stories about Bill’s Mafia, and produce award-winning images despite harsh winter conditions. Their remarkable photos, capturing everything from iconic fans to unseen community stories, were selected to appear in the magazine’s pages and are slated to headline a photo essay in the February print edition.

The project was made possible by the keen vision of Marguerite Lucarelli, the director of photography at Sports Illustrated, whose insight and experience inspired the magazine’s dedication to showcasing authentic fan stories. Her commitment to capturing the game’s spirit and her innovative approach to storytelling were integral in bringing these images to life.

Seeing my students’ work published in such a historic and prestigious magazine was a career highlight—proof that our collective effort at RIT is preparing them for impactful careers. It was a proud moment to bring my teaching onto a global stage and witness my students succeed in their professional journeys.