Over the past six weeks the City of Darien has had the privilege of hosting six outstanding high school students as part of our Summer Internship Program. Four of the students: Anvi Krishnardulla, Alexandra Cernei, Leo Popovich and Marcin Koczyjan are from Downers Grove South High School, while Shivani Joshi and Ahmed Farooqui attend Hinsdale South High School.
The internship was designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of how local government operates by providing hands-on experience in a different city department each week.
During the first week, the students worked with our City Administrator, Mr. Bryon Vana, learning about the many responsibilities involved in managing a municipality and how the city’s administrative functions support the community.
In the second week, they spent time with Mr. Dan Gombac, our Director of Municipal Services and Community Development. They gained valuable insight into the operation of our Public Works Department, Community Development Infrastructure, Planning and Development review, and they also had the opportunity to ride along in city vehicles to see municipal services in action.
Week three was spent with Mr. Ryan Murphy, our Senior Planner, where the students learned about zoning, permitting, planning, and the process for approving ordinances that help guide development throughout our community.
During week four, the students worked with our Darien Police Department staff, where they had the opportunity to ride along with officers and gained first-hand appreciation of the many responsibilities and challenges involved in law enforcement
In week five, the students worked with my office to explore the many facets of local government and public service. One highlight of the week was interviewing a panel of six local business leaders who shared their perspectives on the relationship between the city and the business community as well as the career paths that led them to their professions.
During week five, the students had an opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with elected officials including: State Senator John Curran, State Representative Nicole LaHa, State Representative Marti Dueter, and DuPage County Board member Lucy Evans. Along with these elected officials, they met with several of our Darien City Council; specifically, Alderwoman Mary Sullivan, Alderman Joe Kenney, and Alderman Ralph Stompanato. This experience provided our students with an excellent opportunity to ask questions about local, county, and state government, as well as gain an understanding of public service from those who have chosen to serve their communities.
During the sixth and final week, the students spent time completing their Capstone Projects. Several of our students focused on Governor Pritzger’s BUILD Program while others researched the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its impact on local government. Each of these projects will be presented to the Darien City Council on Monday, August 3rd, and Monday, August 17. Following presentations to the Darien
City Council, the students will present their Capstone Projects to the District #99 and District #86 Boards of Education. At the completion of their presentations, our interns will be presented with a $500.00 Civic Scholarship by the Darien Lions Club.
We are extremely proud of our students and grateful for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and curiosity they brought to the program. They represented their schools exceptionally well, asked thoughtful questions, and embraced the opportunity to learn different aspects of local government.
We hope this experience has provided them with a greater appreciation for local government and public service, while helping them explore future educational and career opportunities. We thank them for their hard work over the past six weeks and wish them continued success in the years ahead.