These interns will assist the foundation by working closely with area organizations on various initiatives, including work with the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility (WARF), Fauquier Free Clinic, Town of Warrenton, Fauquier County Public Library, Mental Health Association of Fauquier County and Fauquier Reaches for Excellence in School Health (FRESH). Some interns will also assist the PATH Foundation internally. The program began June 13 and will run for eight weeks.

Through the internship program, which had over 60 applicants, local college students gain the opportunity to serve their community, directly. In addition to their individual assignments, the students meet weekly for leadership training and selection and implementation of a group project to benefit the area.  The 2016 PATH Foundation interns developed a Walk Your Warrenton campaign to encourage increased activity among area residents.

Despite these different backgrounds, every intern lives in one of the three counties that the PATH Foundation serves — and they all share a common interest in bettering community health or nonprofit development.

“These students represent diverse academic backgrounds,” said Christy Connolly, president and CEO of the Foundation. “We are thrilled to have them working on the same team and providing valuable services to nonprofits and members of the community.”

This year’s intern staff comes from a variety of institutions, some in-state, such as William and Mary, George Mason University and Virginia Tech, while others are attending college out-of-state, including Dickinson College, the University of South Carolina and Berry College.

For more information about the PATH Foundation interns and their work, visit www.PATHforyou.org/who-we-are/interns.

Emily Berg – is a recent graduate of Elon University, with a degree in Public Health Studies and concentration in Sociocultural Elements. She is working with the Fauquier Free Clinic.

Jessica Cannon – attends at Berry College, studying Communications and minoring in Environmental Studies. She is interning in communications with the PATH Foundation.

Zachary Harris – attends James Madison University, and is pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Public Management. He is working with the Town of Warrenton.

Caroline Kessler – attends College of William and Mary, and is studying English. She is working with the Fauquier County Public Library.

Hannah Michnya – attends Virginia Tech and is majoring in International Studies, with a concentration in Foreign Affairs. She is working with the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission.

Anna Ritter – attends George Mason University, and is majoring in Philosophy. She is working with the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County.

Shelby Thornhill – attends University of South Carolina, majoring in Social Work. She is interning at the PATH Volunteer Center.

Ward Van de Water – attends Dickinson College. He is interning at the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility (WARF).

Allie Zaleski – attends Roanoke College, and is pursuing a degree in English. She is working with Fauquier Reaches for Excellence in School Health (FRESH).