Keystone Oaks School District

By Emily Domhoff
Student Intern, Keystone Oaks Communications Department

For Keystone Oaks High School students, learning doesn’t have to stop during the summer months. The flexibility of summer is an ideal time for students to expand knowledge, gain hands-on experiences, and take advantage of programs close to home and beyond.

Through events like Fuel Your Future, along with guidance from counselors, teachers, and their own research, four high school students filled their summer with valuable opportunities.

• Senior Brenna Purcell-Butchko completed a paid four-week internship at the University of Pittsburgh, where her team developed ideas to increase participation in Artificial Intelligence programs. The program emphasized women in STEM and gave students the chance to explore advanced topics beyond the high school classroom.
• Senior Talia Apollon joined Penn State's six-week Readiness Institute’s Summer Discovery program, working with industry professionals, community organizations, Penn State leaders, and peers. Students attended workshops on financial literacy, digital fluency, and more, toured organizations such as Gecko Robotics and Sheetz. They also worked on a group project addressing a global issue on a local scale.
• Senior Lydia Deimel spent her summer leading campers on a 90-mile Appalachian Trail hike, climbing 4,000-foot peaks, traversing the Presidential Range, summiting the 6,288-foot Mount Washington, and rafting the Deerfield River. A longtime camper, she trained, developed safety plans, and organized activities like canoeing. “This program keeps you active, teaches you to work with others who have different leadership styles, and helps you stay calm in stressful situations,” Lydia said. 
• Junior Sophie O’Toole joined the University of Pittsburgh Gene Team, where 15 students studied freshwater sea sponges and their immune responses. They learned to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings. Students also met with Pitt admissions staff and mentors to explore the college application process.

"Over the past few years, we have focused on providing students with hands-on, authentic learning experiences through internships and workplace opportunities that extend beyond our building," said High School Principal Michael Linnert, Ed.D. "These opportunities allow students to learn, grow, and form connections that will be valuable beyond their time at Keystone Oaks High School."