Class of 2017 Apply Learning to the Real World Through Independent Senior Projects

Every year, the St. Margaret’s senior class embarks on an Independent Senior Project for the last three weeks of the school year. In an ISP, students are responsible for finding an opportunity in the community that suits their interests such as volunteering, interning or a creative project of their choice.

 

The program first began in 2006 and is designed to give seniors a taste of independence and work experience as they begin their transition from high school to college. It also has fostered powerful relations within the St. Margaret’s community, as alumni and parents have offered ISPs to this year's class.

 

This year, as in past years, there have been a variety of projects all over the United States, and even around the world. The Class of 2017 students are interning at different organizations, volunteering across the globe, and giving back to the St. Margaret’s community.

 

Madison Golledge, who aspires to be a veterinarian, is combining her love for travel, service, and veterinary science in her ISP. She is currently in Ghana assisting a veterinarian, helping administer vaccines, assisting in operations, completing post mortems, and doing routine treatments on animals.

 

Sydney Brinker is in New York City working with Elland Road Partners, a content strategy agency, doing research, reporting and assisting with projects. Josh Ong is in the Bay Area interning at Headway Technologies. Rebekah Olsen is in Salt Lake City for the LDS Charities Transitional Office, incorporating her passion for service to help homeless in the area.

 

Ten seniors are in the Canyonlands of Southern Utah with the National Outdoor Leadership School, taking part in an 8-day backpacking trip in the desert wilderness. They will build skills such as leadership, teamwork, risk management, adversity and independence.

 

Ryan Wilson is working at a lab at UCI to confirm his interest in neuroscience, make important connections in the field and learn lab procedures. He is using a modified rabies virus to track brain activity with a designated mouse. He was able to secure this ISP through the help of Georgina Lean ‘09, a St. Margaret’s alum who was eager to continue her involvement in the program.

 

Also interning alongside St. Margaret’s alumna is Sophie Shaw and Kayla Farahbod. These two seniors are currently working with Madison Gottlieb ’12 at PJ Salvage, an online pajama store located in Irvine.

 

"We are learning about what goes into keeping up a brand's image on social media,” Kayla said. “We are also learning how to fill orders for big companies such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.” 

 

In addition, there are several senior working on campus, giving back to the St. Margaret’s community through their ISPs. Seniors Lauren Clements and Ryan Penske are working alongside faculty in St. Margaret’s Early Childhood Development Center with the youngest Tartans. Both seniors took AP psychology during the year and wanted to further their knowledge on the subject of early childhood.

 

“I am teaching kids how to use a camera and take photos to later analyze from a psychological development standpoint,” Lauren said. 

Anika Grover is creating curriculum for Breakthrough SJC to integrate Model United Nations into the program to emphasize public speaking, global awareness, and civic engagement. Her goal is to create a sustainable program model in which MUN will continue in Breakthrough long after she leaves for college.

Many other seniors are working in various departments of the schools such as the Athletic Department, the Library, Special Camp for Special Kids, Breakthrough SJC, and with the Upper School’s Director of Community Life Lora Allison.