Once upon a time, Staples High School 12th graders marked the month before graduation with boredom, pranks and trouble-making.
Now they build homes and websites. They help bakers make cakes, and bankers make money. They work in corporate offices, on sustainable farms, in recording studios and dance studios.
They use the math, writing, analytical, computer and common sense skills they’ve honed during a dozen years of school. For perhaps the first time in their lives they solve real-world problems with bosses, colleagues and clients.
They learn how to communicate — and how to commute.
On Friday, over 400 Staples seniors completed their 5-week internships. They work hard, at real work. They learn a lot, met new people, and (for the most part) had fun. Many call the program one of the most valuable experiences in their entire school careers.
On Thursday, they graduate.
Thanks to their teachers, administrators, coaches, club advisors and counselors — and their Staples Senior Internship — they’re as ready for the real world as they can be.
Colin McKechnie and Hallie Lavin capped their internship at the Weiser Kitchen by preparing and hosting a delicious party.
Claudia Lagnese does environmental work at Harbor Watch.
Alice Sardarian with a young patient at Village Pediatrics.
During their internship at Oliving Experience — a builder of energy-efficient luxury homes — Josh Berman and Teddy Lawrence worked on spreadsheets and handled social media. They also did lots of manual labor.
Faiza Qureshi gets into position at Kaia Yoga.
Becky Hoving and Jillian Stefani get into the mood for the Long Lots School field day.
Grace Wynne at Whittingham Cancer Center.