The Work-Based Learning program is opening up hands-on learning opportunities for Fayette County Public Schools students. Sophie Castellon and Anaya Cherry have been placed into an internship with Country Fried Creative, an award-winning local marketing agency.
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program gives high school students the opportunity to get class credit and gain valuable real-world experiences in various professional fields.
Sophie Castellon, a senior at McIntosh High, will be the first-ever high school-level Data Science & Analytics Intern. She was selected from a competitive field of students based on her academics and knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and Python programming. An accomplished dual-athlete in track & field and tennis, Sophie also enjoys creative projects and problem-solving. She is currently working on a project that uses linear regression and supervised learning models for business forecasting.
Anaya Cherry, a junior at Sandy Creek High, accepted a position as a graphic design intern. She brings a passion for graphic design and coding to her role. With skills in graphic design, web design, and fluency in Spanish, Anaya is eager to contribute her creative talents and enthusiasm to her internship. Anaya’s interests in drawing, music, and video games complement her aspirations of becoming a graphic designer after high school. Anaya has already been working on graphic design assignments as part of real-world client marketing campaigns.
Joe Domaleski, owner of Country Fried Creative, is enthusiastic about continuing the partnership.
“We’ve really enjoyed our participation in the WBL program. All three of my now-grown children attended Fayette County schools, and I think it’s important to invest in the youth of our community,” said Domaleski. “Anaya follows in the footsteps of other graphic design interns we’ve had who have gone on to do very well in college and in their post-collegiate careers. Sophie will be in a brand-new data science internship program, the first of its kind in the school district. She will be working with analytics and machine learning (AI) algorithms as part of data-driven marketing programs. Our team is looking forward to working with both students.”
Melanie Duncan, Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship for the school system, expressed her appreciation for Country Fried Creative’s commitment to student development.
“We are incredibly grateful to Country Fried Creative for their dedication to providing unique and meaningful internships for our students over the past eight years. Their support plays a crucial role in helping students like Anaya and Sophie gain real-world experience and prepare for their future careers,” said Duncan. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this internship will have on both our students. Country Fried Creative continues to be a valuable partner in the WBL program, offering students the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional setting and gain insights into their chosen fields.”
For more information about the Work-Based Learning program, please contact the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department of the Fayette County Board of Education at 770-716-1209.
Posted 8/13/2024
