HCS Students Graduate from Henry County Water Authority Internship Program

HENRY COUNTY, GA – A total of 12 Henry County Schools high school students were among the 18 interns who graduated from Henry County Water Authority’s (HCWA) 2025 Summer Internship Program.

HCWA offers the pre-apprenticeship paid internship program to rising juniors and seniors across the county in partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College. The opportunity introduces students to all aspects of the water industry, with programming suiting those interested in pursuing a career in the field or similar vocations.

The 12 participating HCS high schoolers began the 2025-2026 school year with new skill sets and knowledge that will expand previous studies and complement additional instruction and pursuits in HCS and beyond.

In addition to a record number of participants, this summer’s cohort of students benefited from dedicated mentors and placement into HCWA’s seven divisions, with the expansion to new departments, including Information Technology and Purchasing and Inventory, as follows:

• Tamara Carnell, Ola High School, Water Reclamation
• Alexis Dodson, Locust Grove High School, Reservoir and Land Management
• Sierra Hurd-James, Academy for Advanced Studies/Dutchtown High School, Operational Technology
• Karis Hyde, Union Grove High School, Information Technology
• Donte Johnson, Luella High School, Purchasing and Inventory
• Judson Miller, Locust Grove High School, Water Reclamation
• Taciana Palmer, Union Grove High School, Operational Technology
• Patrick Pruitt, Academy for Advanced Studies/Woodland High School, Water Production
• Jack Raimondi, Ola High School, Reservoir and Land Management
• Kyan Purvis, McDonough High School, Water Loss
• Jacob Stidom, Hampton High School, Water Loss
• Sophia Turner, Woodland High School, Information Technology

The students fulfilled the internship requirement by attending classes on interpersonal relations and professional development two days per week at SCTC, earning college credit, and by working in their assigned department at HCWA three days each week.

“I applaud these students for seizing the opportunity to get a head start on their college, career, and life goals,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “By dedicating their summer to expanding their knowledge and experience, they demonstrate our insistence that learning never stops in Henry County Schools. I thank our partners at Henry County Water Authority and Southern Crescent Technical College for helping us fulfill our mission to empower all students with opportunities, access, and outcomes.”

The program supported students’ interest in STEM fields and potential careers in the water industry, including at HCWA, by immersing them in a real-world working environment in which hands-on learning helped instill a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Participants gained comprehensive insight into the roles and functions of various HCWA departments and how they work together to provide efficient water services throughout the county. The internship introduced students to the scope of processes involved in treating and managing the water supply for Henry County residents, including environmental conservation, field services, meter replacement and maintenance, mapping, and data collection.

This summer’s internship marked the third year of the partnership between HCWA and SCTC. The organizations recently celebrated the students in a special commencement ceremony, recognizing their completion of the program, which ran June 2-July 25.