Sen. Rezin introduced twelve Grundy County high school students that will have an opportunity to gain professional work experience with local employers on Monday morning. Sen. Rezin spearheaded the idea of a summer internship program in response to a mutual desire expressed by leaders in education and industry to identify and retain local talent that will serve as a pipeline for future workforce.
In December 2012, Sen. Rezin contacted the Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC) to request assistance in implementing the program and established a goal of placing students by the summer of 2013. From there a core committee was created that included the four area high schools: Coal City, Gardner South Wilmington, Minooka and Morris. The Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) also played a major role in collaborating with the districts as part of the initiative. Aux Sable Liquid Products, Grainger and Morris Hospital stepped forward as the industry partners to participate in the program’s inaugural year.
To provide the students with an authentic experience, job descriptions were posted at the beginning of the year that outlined the skills and criteria required for each position. Students then applied by submitting a portfolio of their qualifications including school transcripts and a resume. The selection process was competitive with approximately sixty applications being filed for the twelve available positions.
On June 10, Senator Rezin held a press conference to formally recognize and congratulate the students selected for the program. Dr. Kent Bugg, Superintendent of Coal City Unit District 1, and Bill McAdam, President and CEO of Aux Sable also addressed the students and emphasized the benefits and opportunities that will be afforded to them as part of this program.
The following students represent the initial class of Grundy County Summer Interns:
Aux Sable LP
James Briscoe/Minooka HS – Information Technology
Daniel Ruettiger/Minooka HS – Accounting
Maggie Roth/Morris HS – Engineering
Samantha Schultz/Gardner South Wilmington HS – Legal
Grainger
Zach Feeney/Minooka HS – Maintenance Utility
Morris Hospital
Ashlyn Hanson/Coal City HS – Health Information
Harmony Alford/Morris HS – Information Technology
Erinne Smith/Morris HS – Public Relations
Sylvia Salinas/Morris HS – Human Resources
Jessica Shellhom/Minooka HS – Wellness
Austin Bolker/Coal City HS – Risk Management
Rachel Neuhalfen/Morris HS – Immediate Care