Chester students complete internship program with local mentors
On May 11, Chester Academy hosted a Partner Appreciation Breakfast to recognize the business partners and students for their participation in the internship program for the 2021-2022 school year.
| 24 Jun 2022 | 11:23
Chester Academy students celebrate completing their internships at the 2022 Partner Appreciation Breakfast. Left to right: Erica Ramos, Spencer Lewis, Elena Paulino, Mitchell Hazzard, Adriana Bonilla, Esther Tanis, Autumn Tyler, Ashleigh Sharp, Brian Connell, Gino Scifo, Nicole Munoz, Noah Im, Akua D. Osei Kwanin, Ryan Salerno, Carolyn Harvey, Yvelord Saint Vil, Nicholas Dicurcio, Maria Grzelak, Emily Petramale, and Emma Fiore. Photo provided.
Various local businesses, organizations, and professionals partnered with Chester Academy to mentor the students in its internship program. Left to right: Chester Academy Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Rolando Aguilar, Jessie Blitz of Garden State Koi & Waterfall Design, Shirley Brewer of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Chester Police Department’s Bruce Chambers and Norman Vitale, David Wilson and Nan Wilson of Willy Gilly Productions, Bon Secours Medical Group’s Dr. Richard Evans, Chester Academy Math Teacher Danielle Burton, Chester Academy English Teacher Lisa Edwards, and Chester Academy Music Teacher Rachel Scali. Photo provided.
Chester Academy’s internship program started back in 2016 with just two students. Ever since, it has only continued to grow: between 20 and 30 high schoolers sign up annually, and over 50 rising juniors and seniors have already asked to participate next year.
The program partners students with local business members and school district employees to participate in a ten-week internship or job shadowing. Students get the opportunity to gain real-life experience across a multitude of professions, working directly with local doctors, educators, veterinarians, business owners, and more.
On May 11, Chester Academy hosted a Partner Appreciation Breakfast to recognize the business partners and students for their participation in the internship program for the 2021-2022 school year. Students were given a certificate of completion and took time to speak about their experiences. To express their gratitude, each student also presented a plaque to their business mentors.
The following local businesses and professionals partnered with Chester Academy to mentor high school interns this year:
-Dr. Richard Evans (Bon Secours Medical Group)
-Town of Chester Police Department
-Orange County Sheriff’s Office
-VCA Orange County Veterinary Hospital
-Orange County Department of Social Services
-Meadow Blues Coffee
-Willy Gilly Productions
-Garden State Koi Pond & Waterfall Design Center
-Woglom Construction
-Chester Academy Assistant Principal Rolando Aguilar
-Chester Academy Teachers: Mrs. Danielle Burton, Mrs. Lisa Edwards, Mrs. Rachel Scali
