By Taylor Mayad | Contributor
Sounds of cheer, noisemakers and pumped-up music made for a fun morning as 52 teens who participated in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program were celebrated during a drive-by parade on July 27 at the Hilton/Dallas Plano Granite Park Hotel. With cowbells, signs, pom-poms, clackers and more in hand, Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, elected officials, and employers and sponsors erupted with excitement as the interns showed up in decorated cars honking and waving to parade goers.
It was all in lieu of the 400-plus guest luncheon that usually culminates the summer program. Instead of business attire, the students were dressed comfortably and showed off colorful signs thanking the businesses and nonprofits who devoted so much during this increasingly uncertain and difficult summer.
The Mayor expressed his gratitude to longtime presenting sponsor Capital One, major sponsors JPMorgan Chase and NTT Data Services, and program sponsors Atmos Energy, Bank of America, City of Plano, Dallas Mavericks, FedEx Office, Kroger, Liberty Mutual, Oncor, Plano ISD and Granite Properties. And everyone put their best social-distancing foot forward with masks, hand sanitizer and plenty of space between guests.
“It was important to us that we acknowledge these fantastic interns for showing resiliency and not backing down during what was an extremely challenging summer,” said Mayor LaRosiliere. “These teens are true trailblazers who learned to navigate the virtual business landscape while making connections with some of our region’s top companies and nonprofits. I remain in awe and grateful to our partners who were creative and so committed to our youth during a time when it would have been easy to not participate. They have made a difference in the lives of our students.”
The parade marked the last week for the seventh-annual Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, which provided 52 Plano public high school students with remote or onsite jobs (or a combination of both) at top companies and nonprofits. The eight-week program ran June 8-July 31, and interns worked 20-40-hour weeks earning a minimum of $10 an hour.
During several parade stops, the interns received a swag bag with donated merchandise and sundry items along with a box lunch. In addition, Mayor LaRosiliere presented each student with a personal note and City of Plano pin.
The Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program gives outstanding teens an opportunity to gain real-world experience through employment in a professional workplace. The program combines Plano’s vibrant business community with a nationally recognized school district, connecting motivated high school students with exceptional local companies and organizations.
To support the program and learn more, go to planomayorsinterns.org.
The parade marked the last week for the seventh-annual Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, which provided 52 Plano public high school students with remote or onsite jobs (or a combination of both) at top companies and nonprofits. Photo credit: James Edward.
“These teens are true trailblazers who learned to navigate the virtual business landscape while making connections with some of our region’s top companies and nonprofits.”