This summer, Liberty Central School District students are turning hard work into meaningful community impact. For students Christian Curry and Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, the Sullivan 180 internship has provided more than a summer job. Through hands-on experiences in community beautification, mentoring younger students, and community engagement, both students are developing professional skills that can support their academic and future career pathways.

From a Liberty Teacher’s Recommendation to a Summer of Learning

Kristiansen, who is entering her junior year at Liberty High School, is completing her first year with Sullivan 180. Her path to the internship began with a recommendation from her seventh-grade teacher, who encouraged her to consider the program once she turned 16. The teacher recognized Kristiansen’s interest in being outdoors and involved in the community. 

Once she turned 16, Kristiansen researched the program, applied, and participated in an interview. She was ultimately selected for the internship.

The experience has given Kristiansen the opportunity to develop new skills while working alongside Curry, who has helped mentor her throughout the summer.

From Intern to Leader

Curry, a 12th-grade student at Liberty High School, is completing his second year with Sullivan 180. His path to the internship began when his mother came across a flyer about the program at her workplace and brought it home. After completing the application and participating in an interview, Curry was selected for the internship.

The opportunity also had a personal connection for Curry. His sister participated in the Sullivan 180 internship approximately three years ago, and her experience encouraged him to consider the program for himself.

“I thought she enjoyed it, and I thought I would enjoy it too,” Curry said.

During his first year, Curry worked at several locations, including Swan Lake, LaPolt Park , and the Parksville Rail Trail. His responsibilities included maintaining public spaces, removing litter and weeds, caring for gardens, and helping keep the areas welcoming for the community.

This year, Curry’s responsibilities have expanded. Working primarily at Laporte, he has taken on a leadership role and has been able to share the knowledge and routines he developed during his first year with Kristiansen.

“I definitely got more of a leadership role,” Curry said. “I’m really mentoring Shea-Leigh about how things are around here.”

Curry has also gained confidence through the experience. He described becoming more comfortable communicating with coworkers and members of the public and taking on greater responsibility than he did during his first year.

 

Learning by Teaching

One of the most meaningful aspects of the internship for both students has been the opportunity to work with younger children in the community. As part of the program, the interns lead educational activities for campers at Hanofee Park, teaching children about horticulture, plant identification, and environmental responsibility.

The interns work with campers on activities such as planting flowers, identifying weeds and perennials, spreading mulch, and watering and maintaining gardens. They recently helped plant a red maple tree at the park, creating an opportunity for the children to watch it grow over time.

“Just yesterday, we planted a tree at Hanofee. We planted a red maple,” Curry said. “It’s something that they could see grow and come back to, and they’re always going to value that experience.”

The campers have responded enthusiastically, becoming increasingly involved as they see their peers participating. For the interns, encouraging younger students to become interested in gardening has become another important part of their experience.

For Kristiansen, the experience has also provided an opportunity to turn what she has learned into lessons for younger students.

“I think it’s been pretty cool to see how I’m learning these skills and then I get to turn around and teach them to the younger kids,” Kristiansen said.

Skills That Extend Beyond the Internship

The lessons Curry and Kristiansen have learned through Sullivan 180 extend beyond gardening and community maintenance. Through their work, both students are developing communication, leadership, networking, and professional skills that can be applied to their education and future careers.

Kristiansen said the professional connections she has made through the internship have been especially valuable. Through those connections, she has learned about programs and opportunities that could benefit Liberty students and the broader school community.

“One of the most important parts of this internship was gaining professional skills and networking,” Kristiansen said. “I’ve met so many great people. I notice that some programs Liberty doesn’t have, but now I know who to reach out to, to bring programs to Liberty, to get grants to make Liberty a better school.”

At school, Kristiansen is active in student leadership, including the Building Leadership Team and Student Lighthouse Team. She hopes to use the communication, networking, and advocacy skills she has developed to help bring new opportunities to her school and community.

Kristiansen’s internship will conclude as she prepares to travel to Florida to tour colleges. The experience she gained through Sullivan 180 will be another accomplishment she can carry with her as she considers her future education and career.

As Curry prepares for his senior year, he plans to apply the leadership skills he has developed through Sullivan 180 to his work at BOCES, where he studies automotive technology. He also plans to highlight his internship experience as he explores college opportunities.

“I’d say Sullivan 180 and SkillsUSA look great on college applications,” Curry said. “I’m actually looking into SUNY Delaware for their Auto Tech program. I actually went around and toured, and it looks great there.”

What began as a flyer brought home by a parent or a recommendation from a teacher has become an experience that has helped both students develop skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to their community.

As their internships come to an end, Curry and Kristiansen leave with experiences they can carry into their next chapters and a greater understanding of what they can accomplish when given the opportunity to lead, learn, and serve.