Lancaster County Public Schools is committed to ensuring all students develop a comprehensive career plan to prepare them for college, employment, or military service after high school. Internships serve as a valuable way to support students' initial steps toward their future careers, made possible through strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.
This summer, students from Lancaster High School participated in work-based learning experiences with several community business partners, including Chesapeake Bank, Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Lancaster County Wetlands Board, and the Town of Kilmarnock.
These internship opportunities provided students with a supportive and engaging environment to gain insights into professional expectations, workplace etiquette, and potential career pathways. In addition to practical experience, students developed essential “soft skills” such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability—competencies highly valued by employers.
During Lancaster County Public Schools’ Opening Session on August 4, 2025, for all employees, two of the summer interns spoke to staff and shared their own personal experiences. In addition, students from the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, First Lieutenant, Selena Carter, and Band Drummer, Angelina Smith shared how Lancaster High School programs have developed their leadership skills and confidence. These are qualities that will later benefit them in employment, enlistment, or when furthering their education.
Nathan Meberg, intern with the Lancaster Wetlands Board, shared his thoughts and the impact internships can have on students and Lancaster County as a whole. He noted that many students graduate high school, move, and do not return to Lancaster County. He said, “I feel like this is a big problem. I think we should have more Lancaster students come back and serve their community that helped raise them and be in the job force.”
Tre’Niya Green, an intern with the Town of Kilmarnock, delivered a heartfelt message to teachers and staff, saying, what they do matters. She told teachers students are their future and encouraged teachers to “Put your soul into every lesson...” because of the daily impact teachers can have on students. She noted that her internship experience combined with her education at Lancaster High School taught her “priceless life lessons,” and she had found her “loving work family”.
That evening, interns also presented their experiences at the Lancaster County School Board meeting. Bailey Lease, who interned with Lancaster By the Bay Chamber, also shared her experiences, citing her personal growth and the significance of the program. She mirrored Nathan Meberg’s message earlier in the day about developing a workforce for Lancaster County. Bailey wants to attend college, but return to Lancaster to give back to her community, and her internship experience has shown her career opportunities that can make this possible.
Lancaster County Public Schools extends our sincere appreciation to our community partners: Chesapeake Bank, Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster County Wetlands Board, and the Town of Kilmarnock for their ongoing support and dedication to youth development.
If you are a business interested in contributing to this initiative, Lancaster High School is actively seeking additional partners to expand internship opportunities for students to help grow our workforce and help students develop a clear career pathway before graduation. To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact Mary Catherine Jones, Director of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Development, at 804-462-5100 (extension 5010) or via email at mcjones@lcs.k12.va.us.
