HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.9.18 Tony Intership
City of Plainview NEWS
901 Broadway St.
Plainview, TX 79072
August 15, 2018
Tony Lee Hernandez completes
Ogallala Commons Internship with City
of Plainview
Tony Lee Hernandez recently completed his
Ogallala Commons Internship with the City of
Plainview. During his three summers at the City,
Hernandez interned in the Community Development
Department for two summers and the Information
Technology Department this past summer.
In the Community Development Department, Hernandez worked on a Planning and
Zoning project, updated contractor’s insurance forms and violation letter templates. In the
IT Department, he was responsible for assisting in the incorporation of municipal court
computers and troubleshooting computer issues.
“Some of the experience I gained included communication and organizational skills,
troubleshooting issues and project management,” said Hernandez. “I learned that it is
really important to get to the root of the problem and that involves good communication. I
also learned the importance of organizing computer wires and that small things make a
big difference.”
The internship is overseen by Kristyn Dickey, Intern Coordinator at Ogallala Commons,
as well as local staff who work alongside interns to help them use their talents and find
their voice. While at the City, Hernandez was supervised by former Community
Development Manager Cris Valverde and IT Director Isauro Gutierrez.
“Tony was a great asset to the IT Department. He was very engaging and acquired real
world experience as well as gaining confidence in customer service and communication
skills,” said Gutierrez. “Our IT Specialist, David Ellis, worked with Tony day in and day out
and was instrumental in helping him develop these skills.”
The organization initially reached out to Tim Crosswhite, Public Works Director.
Crosswhite worked with Ogallala to determine the best direction for the intern and worked
to get them into the various departments at the City.
Ogallala Commons is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit education and leadership organization that
reinvigorates commonwealth to build vibrant Great Plans communities.
Since 2007, more than 400 youth and adults from twelve states have been involved in
our Internship & Apprenticeship Program. A program for gaining work experience, skill
development and hometown career exploration for high school, college and graduate
students as well as older adults. These 200-240 hour internships are created through
partnerships with civic organizations, agencies, institutions and businesses to provide
meaningful projects as well as a stipend for work experience.
"We are proud of Tony and pleased with the tremendous work experience and
professional skill development he has gained through 3 internships at the City of
Plainview,” noted Darryl Birkenfeld, Executive Director of Ogallala Commons. "Just as
important, he has gained a network of adults that know his abilities and can help him
build a career pathway that will bring him back to Plainview. Helping youth to come back
to their hometowns is a key outcome of Ogallala Commons Community Internship
Program."
Along with his work at the City, Hernandez was required to attend an orientation, execute
a work plan, complete ten hours of community service which included visiting nursing
homes, assisting at his school store through Future Business Leaders of America and
participating in “Chick-A-Fil Serves”, publishing five blog posts and conducting a
harvesting ceremony which is a public presentation about his experience.
Hernandez graduated from Plainview High School this past May and will be attending
Navarro College in Waxahachie this Fall.
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Pictured: Judy Rasher, Community Development Secretary, David Ellis, IT Specialist, Darryl Birkenfeld,
Ogallala Commons Executive Director, Tony Lee Hernandez, Intern, Teresa Hernandez, Tony’s Mother,
Tim Crosswhite, Public Works Director, Isauro Gutierrez, IT Director