Summer Interns Gain Skills, Give Back in the Alleghany Highlands By Mary Donnan, Exec. Director   Covington, VA (Nov. 19, 2025) - This summer, ten interns were hired to bring experience and new perspectives to area non-profits in the Alleghany Highlands. Through funding in part by The Alleghany Foundation, they spent their summers conducting research, brainstorming innovative solutions, preserving history, and exploring new economic opportunities within the Alleghany Highlands. With interests ranging anywhere from arts education to archeology, these young professionals passionately contributed to their host organizations while exploring their own passions. Over the summer, many of them saw the area with a fresh set of eyes that brought a newfound fondness of their hometowns. Three interns spent their summers at the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage & Technology Discovery Center, two interns at the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, two at The Alleghany Foundation, one at Cora Dance, one intern at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, and one at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. This summer at the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center, the main focus was taking next steps forward to expand programs, activities, and social media exposure. Olivia Lopez, a member of the Mountain Gateway Community College class of 2025 and also an intern through the state’s V-TOP program explained, “Throughout our internship, the main goal always went back to working towards the development of the Discovery Center – whatever we do, we aim to benefit the Center best.” The interns planned and hosted an open-invite Trivia Night among other events to expand the Discovery Center’s reach into the community. Recent Concord University graduate, Hope Arthur explained that her view towards her hometown has changed immensely since starting her internship, “My growing appreciation for our vast history is due to the extensive knowledge shared by the leadership of Dr. Paul Linkenhoker.” Dr. Linkenhoker, former president of the Alleghany Historical Society and spearheading visionary for the Discovery Center oversaw the three interns: Olivia Lopez, Hope Arthur, and Ivan Dobbs. As the summer closed out, Dobbs reflected that the internship was “an all-around fantastic experience… I had the opportunity to do the work I felt necessary for the Discovery Center. I would definitely recommend other people to intern at the Discovery Center.” Liam Riddle echoed many of Arthur’s sentiments, “My time so far as an intern with Clifton Forge School of the Arts has been very exciting and insightful. This internship has definitely changed how I see the Alleghany Highlands. It has also given me a reason to be proud of myself, along with helping me feel fulfilled.” As a resident of Lexington who grew up in Lewisburg, Riddle admitted that he never thought much of the Alleghany Highlands – a view that has changed after being immersed in the arts and recreation scene. “I never thought there were very many interesting things happening here. My perspective has changed.” For many, these internships were not only eye-opening on a personal level, but also directly tied to their academic and career goals. Kinley Spinks, a recent psychology graduate from Randolph College, spent the summer interning with The Alleghany Foundation. “I have received valuable insight into the research component of my psychology degree,” she said. Spinks and fellow intern Jordan Keith worked together to conduct housing research and present their findings to the Foundation’s board. “It was an extremely rewarding but nerve-racking experience,” Spinks shared. “I genuinely think our project sparked crucial discussions about improving housing in the area.” Keith said the internship deepened her understanding of the community and solidified her interest in research. “As someone who goes to university in a big city, the atmosphere here is something I’ve been missing—I just didn’t know I was missing it until I left,” she said. “We’ve had the chance to make a difference by educating others about issues in the community that need further attention.” Internships at arts organizations like the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts (CFSOTA), and Cora Dance Alleghany allowed students to engage directly with their creative career paths. “My internship at Cora Dance Alleghany has completely changed how I view the Alleghany Highlands,” said Nicole Frye. “Capturing rehearsals, performances, and events allowed me to connect with people and moments I wouldn’t have otherwise.” Frye gained experience in photography, videography, and content creation, and said she’s proud of what she accomplished. “Even small creative projects can make a real impact.” Aly Bell, a Craft and Material Studies major at VCU, said her time at CFSOTA helped her learn “how involved you can become in a community through a nonprofit art school.” Her projects ranged from organizing studio spaces to researching an artist residency model for the school. “My favorite part of the internship has been working with the amazing staff at CFSOTA and learning from the instructors.” Sabrina Burks also explored a career in arts education through her placement at the Arts & Crafts Center. “This internship has gone beyond a surface-level and transactional gaining of career experience,” she said. “I have formed many strong friendships through the Art Center and my understanding of art education processes has been deepened.” Interning with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism offered Megan McHenry a look at local leadership from a different lens. “I’m double majoring in English and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, so having the opportunity to learn outside the classroom this summer has been invaluable to my education,” McHenry said. McHenry has spent her summer writing, creating, and event planning – all opportunities that were new, challenging, and incredibly exciting. “Everyday I learned something new and got to work with a new community leader. I was given so much creative freedom that helped me explore my niche within a professional workplace.” Spinks summed the summer up simply: “I had no idea how much effort went on behind the scenes.” Meeting the people who work daily to improve life in the Highlands was a highlight for many of the interns, who left not just with new skills, but with lasting relationships and a deeper connection to the area. As a summer well spent comes to an end and school starts up, the interns are packing up their desks to head back to college or their first full-time job; whichever adventure lies ahead.

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