While many high school seniors spend their final days before graduation crammed into libraries studying for traditional final exams, seniors at Gunston have the opportunity to choose a completely different path. For their final two weeks of high school, they can opt to trade their desks for real-world workspaces. This immersive Senior Internship program is designed to give students a tangible taste of professional life right before they step out into the world. This year’s cohort spanned an incredible variety of fields. From muddy boot days on the Chesapeake Bay to scrub-clad observation hours in orthopedic operating rooms, Gunston seniors spent their final week as high schoolers making their mark across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Here is a look at the diverse paths our seniors explored, highlighted by firsthand experiences from the field.

Environmental Stewardship & Field Research

With Gunston’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental education, it was no surprise to see strong senior representation at local ecological organizations, including the Sultana Education Foundation, Chesapeake Conservancy, and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC). Sydney Kim joined Gunston alumna Annie Richards ’08 at ShoreRivers. Sydney, who plans to major in environmental engineering in at Anne Arundel Community College before finishing at the University of Maryland, discovered a perfect balance between lab work and field research:

"I had three office/lab days and three boat days," Sydney shared. "On my office days, I worked on a guidebook to local government contacts for ShoreRivers volunteers, as well as working in the bacteria testing program for local docks and water-recreation areas. On boat days, I planted submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), planted oysters, and did water quality testing. I had so much fun, and I know it’s an experience I will never forget."

Medical & Healthcare Explorations

Several seniors used their final week to test their interests in high-stakes healthcare environments, placing themselves at University of Maryland Urgent Care facilities, pediatric dentistry offices, and physical rehabilitation centers. Ethan Harper, who is Salisbury University-bound on a pre-med track, secured a highly immersive placement with a local orthopedist, getting a front-row seat to orthopedic surgery:

"I had five Operating Room (OR) days and three office days," Ethan explained. "The OR days consisted of me following a specific surgeon throughout all of his surgeries of the day. I got to watch total knee, total hip, and reverse shoulder replacements, as well as ACL, meniscus, and rotator cuff repairs. It was super eye-opening and enjoyable. Overall, I think it only increased my interest in this field!"

Law, Public Safety & Public Service

For those interested in government, legal systems, and civic responsibility, placements ranged from private practices to local government agencies. Seniors interned with MDSW Law, Joyce and Associates, the Town of Easton, and the State’s Attorney’s Offices for Queen Anne’s County.

Sydney Wilson is preparing for her criminology and criminal justice major at the University of South Carolina by taking her talents to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office to get a comprehensive look at law enforcement and forensics:

"I have done tons of things from ride-alongs to observing circuit court and attending forensic interviews," Sydney said. "My favorite part so far has been meeting with the Maryland State Police Crime Scene Unit, reading through case files, and going out to lunch with the officers."

Meanwhile, at the Queen Anne’s County Animal Services (QACAS), Wren Weingaertner, who is headed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland to study biology, gained deeper insight into shelter operations—and had an unexpected change of heart along the way. Wren spent their days bonding with shelter residents, celebrating the adoption of a long-term shelter cat named Krabby, and befriending senior American Bobtails named Percy and Brother.

"Before I started this internship, I didn’t think I liked cats very much. I had grown up around only dogs," Wren admitted. "But nearing the end of this internship, I think I’ve fallen in love with cats almost as much as I love dogs." 

Creative Arts, Media & Business Innovation

From local main streets to out-of-state creative hubs, Gunston seniors flexed their entrepreneurial and artistic muscles at places like The Fringe Arts Center in Philadelphia, Radio Station WFMU in New Jersey, and Bluepoint Hospitality in Easton. 

Van Topjian brought a unique dynamic to the program, engaging with his family’s business, The Market at Dover Station in Easton. Demonstrating immense initiative as a young entrepreneur, Van paired his practical experience with a recent graduation from the intensive Talbot Works Business Academy program, where he spent eight weeks building expansion strategies and scaling plans for the local market. 

Working concurrently alongside Van and supervisor Keri Topjan, senior Aurora Baughman brought her work ethic and an eye for design to the very same location. Aurora loved the experience so much that she kept coming in even after completing her required hours. Her supervisors were thrilled with her contribution:

"Aurora has been a pleasure to have around—punctual, professional, and follows directions well," the Dover Station team shared. "We’ve enjoyed watching her create a 'Christmas at Dover Station' shop within the market. She’s taken on the project of unpacking, pricing, and displaying a plethora of vintage ornaments and decor. She is not afraid to dig into physical work... we’d be happy to have her back anytime."

Van is headed to Loyola University of Maryland to study (you guessed it!) business. Meanwhile, Aurora is headed to the University of Rhode Island to study criminology and forensic science.

At Renee Green Productions, Iza Warot pulled back the curtain on the entertainment industry:

"I had the chance to see how the filming of a feature film and documentary looks," Iza noted. "What is more, I could also find out how editing looks and how the process of writing a script looks, while helping with the company's social media."

Education & Engineering

Gunston seniors also gave back to the educational community, mentoring younger students at The Country School, Matapeake Elementary, and the Kent School. At the Kent School, Layla Kent left an incredible impression on her supervisors:

"Layla is amazing! We have literally given her tasks to complete which should have taken a normal person over a week. She is finished and looking to do more. She is keeping us on our toes!"

Layla’s work ethic will certainly serve her well as she plays field hockey for Salisbury University this fall.

Over at Lane Engineering, Lia Schut got a hands-on look at the technical planning that shapes local infrastructure:

“I got to work with Lane Engineering in Easton and participate in site visit meetings and work with their software. It was a great experience!”

Lia’s up close look will be helpful when she begins her degree in civil engineering at Bucknell University this fall. 
 

Whether exploring mechanical trades with P.A. Ventures HVAC, handling printing logistics at Highstarr Copy & Print, or compiling data for a Seat Belt Study at the University of Utah, the Class of 2026 proved that their capacities stretch far beyond the traditional classroom walls.

The Gunston School extends its deepest gratitude to all the local business owners, medical professionals, environmental coordinators, and civil servants who volunteered their time to mentor our students during this crucial week. Thanks to your mentorship, our seniors are stepping onto the graduation stage—and into their next chapters—with clarity, confidence, and real-world skills.