In lieu of final exams, Guston Seniors may opt to do a 2-week internship.This spring, Seniors explored a wide array of career interests through an impressive variety of internships across the region—and beyond. Students interned at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Many gained hands-on experience in fields like law, medicine, and finance, working alongside professionals at firms including Ryan, Drewniak, and Upshaw, P.A., Easton Dermatology Associates, Blue Hen Insurance, and Morgan Stanley. Others dove into public service, education, and environmental work at places like the Camden Police Department, Kent School, and the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Whether helping restore classic boats, assisting veterinarians and pharmacists, or supporting entrepreneurs and artists, Gunston seniors embraced meaningful, real-world learning experiences that reflect the diversity of their passions and aspirations. 

Here are a few of their experiences:

James McDonald spent his internship on Hermit Island Oyster Farm in Phippsburg, Maine, working alongside a cousin. His days were filled with cleaning, sorting, and weighing oysters for sale, as well as hands-on labor maintaining the farm—tasks that included clearing debris and burning outdated materials. The experience gave James a glimpse into the demands and rewards of aquaculture.

Riley Walker interned with Mrs. Kent, P’24’26, the gym teacher at nearby Kent School. 
In addition to helping to instruct classes, Riley assisted with other duties such as painting lines on the field, taking out and putting away equipment and helping to set up for the school’s 8th grade graduation ceremony.

Vee McCluskey, joined by alum Calla McCluskey ’23, traveled to Mad Lavender Farm in Milford, New Jersey. Through the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program, they became part of the farm’s daily operations—caring for Nigerian Dwarf goats, tending to chickens, maintaining the lavender fields, and assisting with the farm’s line of lavender-based products and workshops. Their work reflected WWOOF’s mission of hands-on ecological education and cultural exchange.

Alli Lutz pursued her interest in medicine by interning at Kent Pulmonary Associates, where she worked under the supervision of Dr. Jawahar, the medical director. Her internship provided first hand exposure to pulmonary care and clinical practice in a real-world healthcare setting.

Aidan Watson spent his internship at the Nancy Hammond Gallery, where he learned the art of custom framing. Under the guidance of gallery professionals, he gained hands-on experience selecting materials, measuring, and assembling frames, developing an appreciation for the craftsmanship that enhances and protects fine art.

Grace Hanlon interned at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover where she shadowed a cardiovascular surgeon, nurses, and a variety of specialty doctors. From observing dozens of procedures to experiencing the fast-paced rhythm of hospital life, she gained invaluable insight into the world of medicine. It was an intense, exhausting week—but one she described as a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Lennox Franks interned at the law offices of Ryan, Drewniak, and Upshaw, a family law practice, where she gained firsthand exposure to the legal profession. Her experience included observing client meetings, assisting with case preparation, and learning about the complexities of family law. Lennox also had the opportunity to shadow District Court Judge Danielle Mosley, where she observed court proceedings and learned more about the judicial process. Additionally, she spent a day with personal injury and criminal defense attorney Stacie Wollman, sitting in on meetings and attending circuit court—offering a well-rounded and immersive look into various aspects of the legal system.