Huntington Internship Program Attracts 43 Students
The student internship program at Huntington High School is thriving. This year, 43 teenagers are participating, with 26 working inside the building with staff members and another 17 at community placements.
Marcy Rhodes, who is an internship program facilitator along with librarian Camille DeCanio and guidance counselor Bernadette Walsh, said “students in school are working with mentors in every discipline, including social studies, English, reading, physical education, music, science, foreign language, business and theatre arts.”
The interns are assigned to mentors and the pairs work closely together every school day. Some students are interested in becoming teachers and others are considering other career possibilities in fields such as business or even acting. The school interns frequently prepare lesson plans and even “teach” parts of classes.
“Sometimes the mentors have them introduce a new subject or project by modeling it, as many interns have taken the very class they are assigned to,” Mrs. Rhodes said. The students also assist in taking attendance, keeping records, leading discussions and similar activities.
“The students in outside placements work with a professional mentor in a setting that relates to their career interest,” Mrs. Rhodes said. The interns in these placements work in the field for at least three hours each week.
This year’s field placements include:
• Huntington Hospital - learning about the general nursing profession.
• Huntington Physical Therapy - working with a Huntington High School graduate who owns the clinic.
• Park Avenue Physical Therapy - learning about being a physical therapist.
• Huntington Pediatrics - learning about being a pediatric nurse.
• Woodhull School – working with art teacher Todd Hiscox.
• J. Taylor Finley Middle School – working with special education teacher Jennifer
Rodgers, guidance counselor Cathy Cain and art teacher Aliyah Jeddah
• Harborfields Veterinary Hospital - learning about the work of a veterinarian.
• Elite Dance Competitions - learning how to market a new business.
• Jefferson School – working with art teacher Maria Mazzola.
• Platinum Dance Studio - learning how to manage a small business.
• Huntington Community First Aid Squad – learning first aid, rescue and nursing skills.
• Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery - learning about marine ecology.
• HUB International – working in a large, multi-faceted insurance company, learning about marketing and wholesale sales.
• Southdown School – working with teacher Christine DePetris.
• Suffolk Legislator Jon Cooper’s office - learning about local government and politics
“All students complete a final project that creatively reflects on their experience,” explained Mrs. Rhodes. “They keep a journal and must attend bi-monthly workshops the program facilitators.”
The periodic workshops focus on career preparedness, including resume writing, interviews, job etiquette, career exploration, etc. A recent roundtable discussion included Dr. Kenneth Card, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Josh Kaufman of Kaufman Enterprises, high school assistant principal Angelo Noce and Joanne Krush, a local CPA.
The program recently hosted its annual intern/mentor luncheon, letting the teenagers and adults enjoy some time together outside of the regular work routine.
The student internship program is a full-year, pass/fail elective course open to seniors. Interested juniors should see their guidance counselors about registering for the 2010/11 program.
For more information contact Mrs. Rhodes at mrhodes@hufsd.edu.
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