The following press release was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation

Watertown – Since 2015 the Watertown Community Foundation has made  it possible for high school students in Watertown to gain valuable professional experience by  funding summer internships. Nearly 70 high-schoolers have received stipends from the  Watertown Community Foundation High School Internship Program since it began. This year, four students from Watertown High School will receive internship stipends from the  Watertown Community Foundation to learn more about working in one of Watertown’s non profits.  

Selected from a competitive field of applicants, we congratulate Evelyn Rodriguez, Kostas  Jerome, Arthur Venturim, and Sherri Wu on being chosen to participate in this year’s  Watertown Community Foundation High School Internship Program. These students will have  internships at the City of Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion, the Watertown Free Public  Library and Watertown Cable Access TV.  

Evelyn Rodriguez will help with event planning and research at The Commander’s Mansion this  summer. “I’m excited to learn more about the Commander’s Mansion and I hope to be able to  facilitate tours of the Mansion in the future,” said Evelyn. “Evelyn is eager to dive into helping  with our current projects, as well as some new initiatives. We can’t wait to begin to work with  her,” said Jen Nicholson, Commander’s Mansion Event Coordinator.  

Kostas Jerome and Sherri Wu will gain work experience at the Watertown Free Public Library  with activities that will expose them to the value of libraries. “The Library staff are thrilled that  Kostas and Sherri will join our team this summer. Their projects will include suggesting what  Chinese books we should add to the collection, taking spins on the Bookmobile, and helping  lead Library programs,“ said Carey Conkey-Finn, Supervisor of Teen Services at Watertown Free  Public Library. 

“I am excited to get familiar with the inner workings of the Library as I’ve been going here for  years. I hope to learn the responsibilities of librarians, and how the Library works,” said Kostas.  

Sherri Wu agreed, “I am thrilled to intern at the Watertown Public Library. I am particularly  excited about the opportunity to work on the Farmer’s Market and help with Project Literacy. I  hope to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of realizing my value in my  community.”

Arthur Venturim will be working in all production areas at Watertown Access Cable -TV. “We  are thrilled to have Arthur join us at WCA-TV this summer. He will be assisting WCA-TV’s staff  with filming events and editing videos and receive hands on experience in our studio and  control room,” said Andrea Santopietro, WCA-TV Executive Director. “Working at WCA-TV is a  great honor,” said Arthur. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to grow and develop my skills in  the field of audiovisual production.” 

“We had an amazing group of student applicants this year! At the Watertown Community  Foundation, we believe in the possibility of Watertown’s youth. The Watertown Community  Foundation High School Internship Program is one more way where we make it possible for kids  to follow their passion beyond the classroom,” said Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, Watertown  Community Foundation Co-President and Education Grants Chair. The Watertown Community  Foundation awarded $55,000 in grants to the Watertown Public Schools for the 2023-2024  school year to support learning enrichment activities outside the classroom. 

About Watertown Community Foundation 

The Watertown Community Foundation works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for  future generations. Since 2003, WCF has awarded more than $3,000,000 in grants to address local needs to make positive  change in the lives of people who live and work in Watertown. With financial support from the Watertown community, we  partner with non-profits to help end food insecurity, keep people housed, educate kids, lift-up the arts, and break down barriers  to bring people together.  

WCF Board of Directors: Lauren Coughlin Unsworth and Mary Ann Mulligan, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay;  Ninos Hanna; Eileen Hsü-Balzer; Heather Leary; Jennifer Nicholson, Anthony Paolillo; Leah Pennino, Lora Sabin; Robert Shay;  David Siegel; Felicia Sullivan; and Donna Tuccinardi

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