Summer Internship Program Comes to a Close

Kaitlin Smith , LLC Intern

On Wednesday, August 5, the Summer Internship Program came to a close with a recognition ceremony. After 10 weeks of learning, networking and experiencing the many assets Lorain County has to offer, the interns, their agencies, family members, LLC board members and individuals from the Nord Family Foundation convened for an evening of celebration.

As guests arrived, the 11 interns showcased their organizations and some of the materials they created and projects they worked on throughout their summer internships. “The layout of the evening was very different this year but I think beneficial. It allowed the interns to showcase their organizations and guests were able to truly see the quality of work these students were able to accomplish in just 10 weeks,” said Clare Cygan Young, Community Outreach Director.

Each intern gave a five minute presentation on some of the highlights of their summer and what they gained from their experience both professionally and personally. “You wouldn’t think that working at a summer camp would change your life, but it truly did for me. I’ve been through a lot in just 10 short weeks and appreciate the experience and know that I’ve gained so much from it,” said Allison Dakos, intern at Common Ground.

”Our interns represent the brightest and finest. They are intelligent, dedicated people with a true sense of community. They have brought value not only to the agencies that they worked for but the community as a whole through their service project. Lorain County has a bright future if these young leaders return to the area after graduation,” said Gail Stumphauzer, Executive Director.

The evening concluded with the handing out of certificates and “fun” awards to each intern.

Below is the list of interns in the 2009 program and where they will be heading back to school as well as the organization they interned for.

Jennifer Jackson – Kent State University, Ohio State Extension Office
Sarah Ignatz-Hoover – Ohio State University, Neighborhood House Association
Alexandra Holomuzki-Zgonc – Ohio State University, Oberlin Heritage Center
Nick McGreevy - Baldwin-Wallace College, Inland Seas Maritime Museum/Main Street Vermilion
Tommy Mahall – Baldwin-Wallace College, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ashley Hand – Baldwin-Wallace College, Elyria City Health District
Allison Dakos – Heidelberg College, Common Ground Center
Orlando Jones – College of Wooster, Save Our Children
Matt Kilbane – Oberlin College, Visit Lorain County/Sacred Landmarks Initiative
Kaitlin Smith – Otterbein College, Leadership Lorain County
Whitney Ryba – University of Toledo, FAVA