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Fort Frye students complete internships with local businesses

(Photo provided) At left, Fort Frye High School student Emma Richards works at Copper Leaf Interior Design studio in Marietta.

Two Fort Frye High School students are shaping their futures through unique opportunities that started as paid internships.

Facilitated by Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) in partnership with Fort Frye High School’s growing internship program, these experiences have evolved from career exploration into long-term career paths in interior design and mental health services.

Emma Richards, a Fort Frye senior, has always been drawn to how design influences mood and well-being.

Her passion led her to a BB2C-paid internship at Copper Leaf Interior Design Studio in Marietta, where she continues to develop her skills and prepare for a future in the field.

Under the mentorship of Copper Leaf’s owner and lead designer, Pam Holschuch, Richards has gained hands-on experience in professional design.

“It’s amazing to see how a space can transform with the right design,” Richards said. “This experience has taught me so much; color theory, spatial planning, and client collaboration. Pam has been an incredible mentor, and I feel like I’m growing as both a designer and a professional.”

Richards credits her BB2C internship as the foundation for her growth and sees her ongoing work with Copper Leaf as a crucial step toward her career goals.

Dayne Miller, a junior at Fort Frye, transformed his BB2C-paid internship with Hopewell Services into a long-term opportunity with the Appalachian Children’s Coalition (ACC), a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy for children and families.

What started as career exploration has become a deeply impactful experience for Miller.

Working alongside professionals in therapy and counseling settings, he has contributed to outreach programs, assisted with events, and created educational materials.

“I’ve always wanted to help others, and this internship has shown me how important mental health care is,” Miller said. “It’s been eye-opening to see the challenges many students face and rewarding to know I’m contributing to something meaningful. This experience has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this field.”

Fort Frye’s internship program, led by Career Tech instructor Tracey Huck and supported by BB2C, continues to expand, offering students real-world experience and career development opportunities.

“An internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and start your career pathway,” Huck explained.

Both Richards and Miller exemplify the success of this program. From designing inspiring spaces at Copper Leaf Interior Design to supporting mental health initiatives with the Appalachian Children’s Coalition, these students are taking meaningful steps toward bright futures.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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