The San Marino Schools Foundation has selected several San Marino High School students to be added to the 2023-24 Class of Student-Leader Interns.
Students Freshman Harvey Chang, sophomore Kyle Huang, junior Alice Tang, junior Ellie Vitan, and junior Valeri Zhu join returning interns sophomore Ryan Ke, junior Kenzie Chu, and senior Bryce Huang to serve in a semester-long foundation internship, focusing on leadership development and nonprofit business operations.
“The foundation is thrilled to again welcome such outstanding student-leaders to our program this year. They are passionate about making a difference in their community and bring a wealth of skills and talents to the foundation,” said SMSF President Alison Moller.
Last year’s team of five interns collectively worked 145 hours to support foundation programs and events, positively impacting a new alumni engagement campaign, social media and marketing efforts, a fundraising Phone-athon, Yard-Sign Distribution and the annual Donor Recognition Party. Interns also participated in multiple outreach events, serving as foundation ambassadors to their fellow students and the San Marino community.
“The internship experience presented opportunities to network with families and community members” Bryce Huang said. “It also exposed me to the intricacies of the San Marino School District as I learned more about the operations and steps taken to achieve community goals and projects. Most importantly, it made me realize how beneficial the foundation’s work is for not only the district’s students but for the overall community.”
The goal of the program is to provide mutually beneficial experiences for both students and the foundation. In return for the positive contributions they make to foundation programs and events, student interns will hopefully gain valuable workplace skills, grow as leaders, and take advantage of opportunities to move their critical thinking skills and creativity from the classroom into the community.
Volunteer hours, worked by interns under the supervision of staff and trustees, qualify toward fulfilling the students’ community service graduation requirements.
“I’m really excited to see what the intern team and staff can accomplish this year to move the foundation’s goals forward. Their direct perspective on the schools brings a fresh approach to our work,” foundation manager Kathryn Oliveros said.
In addition to supporting the work of the foundation, student-leader interns will participate in a leadership development curriculum that provides an understanding of becoming a leader in the community and what it takes to achieve leadership goals. Throughout the program, the students will learn about their strengths and areas of growth, and how to use their strengths and a range of leadership skills, strategies and techniques to work efficiently and delegate effectively.
“San Marino High School is extremely grateful for not only the foundation’s fundraising support but for providing our students with such high quality and marketable experiences such as this wonderful internship,” SMHS Principal Benjamin Wolf said.
First published in the Dec. 14 issue of the San Marino Tribune
