"These interns were selected based on their demonstrated leadership ability and strong academic achievement," said Sara Thorne-Briechle, director of programs and volunteers. "Their experiences at the Center will allow them to develop valuable skills and practical knowledge, and we anticipate significant contributions to the Nature Center's mission from this outstanding group."

Interns will assist Nature Center staff in specific functional areas, including education, habitat protection, development, marketing and public relations.

Alex Buchheim joins the Nature Center for his third consecutive summer. A native of Shaker Heights, Alex is a junior marketing major at Elon University. This summer, he will assist with projects in stewardship, habitat protection and land management.

Alicia Dunn is the Nature Center's non-profit administration intern. A graduate of Denison University with a degree in environmental studies, she will work in development and marketing. Prior to joining the Nature Center, Alicia held positions with City Year in Cleveland and Boston. She has also studied at the School for International Training (Kingston, Jamaica), Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University. Alicia is originally from Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Cleveland Foundation will fund Marissa Patsey, a recent graduate of John Carroll University with a background in philosophy and political science. Marissa will aid in the development and execution of community programming and special events aimed at engaging the next generation of Nature Center supporters. Marissa is originally from Chagrin Falls.

Paulina Popova is a native of Bulgaria studying English and science at Ursuline College with a specific interest in middle school education. To further her skills and experience working with children, Paulina will assist with the Nature Center's summer Outdoor Adventure Camp.

The Shaker Lakes Garden Club will fund the Rusty Knight Summer Intern, Elizabeth Schultheis. Elizabeth is a student at Colgate University and joins the Nature Center as part of the "Summer on the Cuyahoga" program. With a background in environmental biology and interests in field research and plant ecology, Elizabeth will work with the habitat protection team at the Nature Center.    She is originally from Long Island, N.Y.

Sara Sweeney is the Lavelle intern, joining the Nature Center through John Carroll University's Robert M. Ginn Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Sara is a junior studying computer information systems and economics. This summer, she will assist in marketing and public relations at the Nature Center.

The Nature Center will also host two outstanding Jenny Goldman interns to assist naturalists in nature-based education programming, summer camp, nature field trips and habitat-management volunteer projects. Named for a 16-year-old volunteer and nature lover who died in 2004, Jenny Goldman internship positions are open to recently-graduated high school seniors enrolled in an accredited college. Candidates are selected after undergoing a competitive interview process.

"Both of the Nature Center's Jenny Goldman interns have displayed tremendous leadership ability and academic achievement," said Steve Cadwell, executive director. "They will have the opportunity to continue to develop their skills and interest in the natural sciences and naturalist professions, consistent with the principles by which Jenny Goldman lived her life."

Key Bank is funding the internship of Jillian Roberts, a graduate of Glenville High School. Jillian ranked second in her graduating class with a 4.3 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. She was a 2005 Nature Guide Summer intern at the Nature Center. She has also interned with Case Western Reserve University's Kelvin Smith Library and the office of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. Jillian will attend Kent State University in the fall.

Thanks to a generous donation from two Nature Center supporters, the Center will host Alaina Taylor, a graduate of the Cleveland Early College High School at John Hay. Alaina worked with the Nature Center as part of John Hay's Environmental Club and presented at the Student Environmental Congress. In addition, she is a member of the Girl Scouts, a tutor at the Michael Zane Recreation Center on Cleveland's west side and holds a part-time position with Target. Alaina will attend The Ohio State University in the fall.

In May, the Nature Center hosted Rachel Oscar, Katie Marshall and Mark Byers from Shaker Heights High School as they completed their senior projects working with staff naturalists in the education department.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires environmental stewardship. For more information on the Nature Center's programs, services, offerings or events, or for additional information on the Jenny Goldman internship or the Jenny Goldman Memorial Nature Outreach Fund, which provides educational experiences in nature to youth in urban areas, call (216) 321-5935 or visit www.ShakerLakes.org. 

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