IN West Allegheny Summer 2026 | Page 33

Materials, Testing, and Analysis Internship with Covestro:
Meerim Taailabek kyzy, a senior, has served as an intern in the Materials Testing, Analytics and Physics( TAP) Lab at Covestro, a global leader in high-tech polymer material manufacturing. Throughout her internship, Taailabek kyzy has worked alongside industry professionals to test flexible foam materials under a variety of environmental and performance conditions. The data collected through this testing process plays an important role in ensuring the durability, safety, and quality of products such as automotive seating and furniture materials. Through this experience, Taailabek kyzy has been able to apply her interests in mathematics, statistics, and problem-solving within a real-world scientific and engineering environment. In addition to gaining technical knowledge and laboratory experience, she has developed greater confidence in communication, collaboration, and professional engagement while learning directly from experts in the field. Reflecting on her experience, Taailabek kyzy shared,“ Working here has made me more confident. I’ m not afraid to speak up, ask questions, or be curious. My coworkers are very supportive, and they are exactly the kind of people I want to work with in the future. I loved how everyone treated me with such genuine support and encouragement.”
In the fall, Taailabek kyzy plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study Data Science. She believes this internship has provided her with invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how analytical thinking and scientific research can be used to solve everyday problems and improve products used by people around the world.
Sports Broadcasting Internship:
For the past two years, senior Brayden Presley has served as a Sports Broadcasting Intern through the ACCELERATE Internship Program. In this role, Presley has helped support the production and broadcasting of athletic events, providing coverage for a variety of school sports throughout the year. Working alongside staff and student team members, Presley has been the voice of many sporting events, delivering professional-quality broadcasts for the West Allegheny community. Through this experience, Presley has developed strong technical, communication, and collaboration skills while learning the fast-paced demands of live event production. The internship has also provided opportunities to problem solve under pressure, work as part of a team, and engage with coaches, athletes, and community members in a professional setting. Over the past two years, Presley has become a dependable and valued member of the team, helping showcase student achievement and school spirit.
Early Childhood Teaching Assistant Internship with KinderCare:

Senior Ayonna Vaughn has served as an intern at KinderCare Learning Center through the district’ s ACCELERATE Internship Program since the summer following her junior year. Supervised by Center Director Morgan Batey and Co-Director Missy Pulver, Vaughn works with preschool, pre-kindergarten, and discovery preschool students, helping young learners develop foundational academic and social-emotional skills through engaging, hands-on activities. As part of her role, she supports classroom instruction, reinforces routines, and helps create a positive and nurturing learning environment for children during important stages of early development. Through this internship, Vaughn has gained valuable experience in classroom management, relationship building, student engagement, and child development. Reflecting on her experience, Vaughn shared,“ My love for teaching and understanding children has only grown, and that is due to the amazing team I work with everyday.” est Allegheny WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

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