HCWA Celebrates Commencement of 2025 Summer Internship Program

HCWA Celebrates Commencement of 2025 Summer Internship Program

Partnership with SCTC results in 19 interns excelling in all aspects of the water industry

(McDonough, GA – August 4, 2025) While most Henry County students were anticipating the first day of classes this school year, 19 rising high school juniors and seniors received a head start on their academic and professional pursuits with their completion of the 2025 Summer Internship Program at the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA).

This pre-apprenticeship paid internship program is growing in popularity among local students showing an interest in pursuing careers in the water industry. The 19 students participating this year, and the seven different HCWA departments providing jobs and mentors for the interns, were both program records.

“This year, we were able to expand the program into several new departments, including IT and Purchasing and Inventory, giving students a well-rounded, hands-on experience,” says Tamara Woodie, HCWA Director of HR & Risk Management. “The enthusiasm, professionalism, and curiosity our interns brought to the workplace was truly inspiring.”

The HCWA Summer Internship Program, which just completed its third year, is an ongoing partnership between the Authority and Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC). By participating in the internship program, rising high school juniors and seniors take SCTC courses for college credit during the summer semester, while simultaneously receiving real-world work experience at the Authority.

As a result, these students “earn while they learn,” in addition to getting a head start on finding a career that interests them. In return, HCWA officials can keep their eyes out for young talent who will soon be looking for fulfilling careers.

“Years ago, when seeing the aging work force and talent drain within the water industry, I knew we had to be more proactive in identifying our brightest students, and more competitive in recruiting future water professionals,” says Tony Carnell, HCWA General Manager.

“It’s been so refreshing to see the enthusiasm, eagerness, and willingness to learn from this new, hidden talent,” adds Carnell. “With intentional programs such as this, I feel encouraged about the future of our organization and the water industry.”

During the HCWA Summer Internship Program, which ran from June 2 thru July 25, participating students split their time between class at SCTC on Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development, which were held two days per week, and work responsibilities at the Authority, where interns reported to their assigned department three days per week.

According to the participating students, their responsibilities went far beyond the office errands and observations of your stereotypical intern. These students received hands-on professional experience as if they were full-time employees.

“I heard this was a good opportunity to get life experience and perspectives on how water impacts our community,” says Taciana Palmer, a senior at Union Grove High School in McDonough. Palmer says she learned about the Authority’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, field services, meter replacement and maintenance, mapping and data collection and more, while working in the newly formed Operational Technology Department.

“It was interesting to see how technology is integrated into field services and how engineering drives future project planning,” adds Palmer.

Patrick Pruitt, a senior at Woodland High School, was impressed with how much institutional knowledge he gleaned from experienced water professionals at the Authority.

“I was amazed by the emphasis on environmental conservation and how seriously they (HCWA employees) take the water production process,” says Pruitt, who also noted his affinity for water quality lab work, which included testing water samples taken throughout the HCWA system. He sees himself as a future lab analyst, with plans to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences, following this HCWA summer internship experience.

“They do their jobs so consistently, and nearly everyone I met had 10 or more years of work experience in the industry. It was a very comfortable workspace,” he adds.

Sophia Turner says she first thought about taking the summer off, to prepare for her junior year at Woodland High School. However, after attending the informational session hosted by the HCWA at SCTC this spring, she thought she’d give the Summer Internship Program and working with HCWA Information Technology a try.

“After watching the video they showed of last year’s interns, this looked like fun,” says Turner. “I learned what IT does, such as maintaining their network, keeping computers up and running, overseeing inventory, ordering parts, and downloading software for different departments. I really enjoyed going around to all the plants and facilities to make sure they had what they needed.”

Those students completing the 2025 HCWA Summer Internship Program included:

• Tamara Carnell, Ola High School, HCWA Water Reclamation
• Alexis Dodson, Locust Grove High School, HCWA Reservoir and Land Management
• Sierra Hurd-James, Eagles Landing High School, Operational Technology
• Karis Hyde, Union Grove High School, HCWA Information Technology
• Dylan Jackson, Skipstone Academy, HCWA Reservoir and Land Management
• Shane Jarrett, HCWA Information Technology
• Donte Johnson, Luella High School, HCWA Purchasing and Inventory
• Lilly Mayo, Georgia Cyber Academy, HCWA Water Production
• Dwayne Murdock, Georgia Connections Academy, HCWA Purchasing and Inventory
• Destiny Murdock, Georgia Connections Academy, HCWA Water Reclamation
• Kyan Purvis, HCWA Water Loss
• ·udson Miller, HCWA Water Reclamation
• Taciana Palmer, Union Grove High School, HCWA Operational Technology
• Patrick Pruitt, Woodland High School/Academy for Advanced Studies, HCWA Water Production
• Jack Raimondi, Ola High School, HCWA Reservoir and Land Management
• Tiffany Ramos, Elite Scholars Academy, HCWA Water Production
• Jacob Stidom, Hampton High School, HCWA Water Loss
• Sophia Turner, Woodland High School, HCWA Information Technology

More information on the HCWA Summer Internship Program, along with a photo gallery of this year’s commencement, is available on the Authority’s website at www.hcwa.com.

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Media Contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.

P: 770-757-1681 E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu




The 2025 HCWA Summer Internship Program included 19 students working in seven departments of the utility. Interns are pictured with Tony Carnell (far left), HCWA General Manager, Tamara Woodie (second from left), HCWA Director of HR & Risk Management, and Irvin T. Clark, Ed.D. (far right), SCTC President.









Dr. Irvin T. Clark, Ed.D. (far right, standing), President of Southern Crescent Technical College, congratulates the 19 students who completed the Summer Internship Program at the Henry County Water Authority.











HCWA Summer Intern Taciana Palmer (left), a senior at Union Grove High School, receives her certificate for completion of a summer internship in Operational Technology from Tamara Woodie (right), HCWA Director of HR & Risk Management, who oversees the Internship Program at the Authority.












 






Tamara Woodie (right), HCWA Director of HR & Risk Management, congratulates Sophia Turner (left), a Junior at Woodland High School, on her completion of the Authority’s Summer Internship Program.