Happy National Intern Day!

On this special day, we want to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of our two outstanding Capital Projects interns, Ripken Renner and Daniel Grilley. 

Ripken Renner, a proud Puyallup High School alum and an incoming sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines, a premier engineering university, has brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our projects. This is Ripken’s third summer interning with Capital Projects. His commitment to learning and growing within the field is truly inspiring. 

Daniel Grilley, an incoming Emerald Ridge High School senior, has shown exceptional promise and drive. This is Daniel’s second summer interning with Capital Projects. His fresh perspective and eagerness to dive into the world of Capital Projects have been invaluable. 

"Interning with the Capital Projects team this summer has been an invaluable learning experience. I have verified and completed building drawings, such as wings, determining each classroom's square footage,” said Ripken. “It has been extremely rewarding to contribute to work that will enable the Capital Team to plan more accurately for the future, directly impacting students and the school community. This internship has significantly enhanced my understanding of material engineering." 

Internships in the trades industry provide a unique and invaluable experience, offering exposure not just to soft office skills, but also to a comprehensive understanding of how various trades work together to support K-12 education. Public school construction projects are an excellent environment for learning and growth, highlighting the intricate coordination and collaboration required to build and maintain educational facilities. 

"This internship has helped me understand how school buildings work and why physical space is important for learning. It has been awesome to see how everything gets planned and built,” Daniel said. “As I think about becoming a teacher and coach, I now see how much the environment can affect learning and student success. It has been a great experience!" 

We are immensely proud of Ripken and Daniel and grateful for their contributions. Let us celebrate their efforts and the vital role internships play in shaping the future of the trades industry. Here is to a bright future for our interns and all those dedicated to learning and excellence in their fields!