July 10, 2024

For Immediate Release 

Watertown High School Students Learn on the Job

Watertown Community Foundation Funds High School Internships at Local Non-Profits

Watertown, MA, July 10, 2024 —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 positivechange 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

Media Contact: Tia Tilson                     
Watertown Community Foundation                                                                                                      
tia.tilson@watertownfoundation.org