The Summer Internship Program with NC Cooperative Extension provides a great experience that can bridge the gap between college and career. The Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office gained Gabriella Haddock as a new team member this summer through the internship program. Gabriella is a sophomore at the University of Mount Olive studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Plant Science. She is from Winterville, NC and loves working in the garden, tending to house plants, and traveling with friends. 

Gabriella accepted the 2023 Summer Internship position with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension with a focus on the 4-H Youth Development Program under the supervision of the 4-H Agent, Abbigail Wells. 

Gabriella has worked closely with Abbigail Wells in programming and planning summer events for youth. She led lessons and created activities for multiple day camps throughout the summer. She has also worked with the Horticulture Agent, Paige Petticrew, and had opportunities to shadow home horticulture visits with Paige. Additionally, Gabriella worked with Family and Consumer Science Agent, Kelly Tyndall, to assist her with youth programming centered around nutrition, wellness, and healthy living. 

Gabriella assisted with 4-H programming in various program areas such as Veterinary Science camp, the Junior Master Gardener program, Set the Stage theater camp, Destination Wellness camp, youth day trips, and more! Gabriella even created and led her very own day camp, Watermelon Day, where she planned, prepped, and taught nine Lenoir County 4-H'ers all about watermelon. She also had the North Carolina Watermelon Queen attend as a special visitor for the day to share her knowledge of watermelon production in NC. 

Gabriella had the opportunity to highlight these events and experiences at the Extension Summer Internship Showcase on Monday, July 24th at the N.C. Plant Sciences Building at NC State. The event included an interactive poster session open to the public where Gabriella displayed her accomplishments and reflections. 

The Lenoir County Cooperative Extension staff has been extremely grateful for Gabriella's consistent hard work, assistance, and willingness to learn this summer! She has a bright future and will continue to be impactful in her aspirations.