Operation Shadow has officially launched at . The clandestine-sounding title is actually an internship program that gives high school students the opportunity to "shadow" a professional in the community.
Operation Shadow is spearheaded by student Erin Silverman, with help from science teacher Alice Overton and Assistant Principal Kristen Marsilio, who serve as advisers. Erin noted the support she has gotten from the school. "They have been there for me every step of the way," she said.
Erin, a senior, got involved in the program after hearing a recent class discussion in which students were "talking about how schools aren't relevent to real life," she said. She recalled that her sister had participated in a similar program while attending the school. So, with the support of her advisers, Erin took action to get the program reinstated.
"It allows students who don't know what they want to do to branch out and have new experiences,” she said. “It allows them to be passionate about something and excited for real life that comes after education."
The program involves the participating student spending an entire day at a job site to see first-hand what a day-in-the-life is like, she said.
Erin, who said she wants to be a speech and language pathologist, plans to shadow a local professional to learn what skills and classes she will need to take in order to pursue her interest.
The program is open to seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and juniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students can pick up a packet in Room N-1 at the high school.
"We are definitely looking for participants, but students at our school are aware that the program starts Wednesday, and they are prepared to get a packet," Erin said.
There are many local businesses currently participating in the program, including Laurence Private School, , Body Logic Physical Therapy, and others.
“We would love for more businesses to sign on with our program," Erin said.
If you would like to offer an internship opportunity for an interested high school student, contact Erin Silverman at esilverman04@gmail.com.
