Johnston County Recognizes Summer Interns and Highlights Local Government Opportunities
September 4, 2025
For Immediate Release:
Smithfield, N.C. -- The Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognized this year’s class of summer interns during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. More than a dozen high school and college students gained valuable work experience this summer through internships across multiple County departments.
Interns learned skills across several disciplines working with professionals in County departments including: 911 Communications, Cooperative Extension, Public Information, Board of Elections, Administration, Tourism, Technology Services, Human Resources, Internal Audit, and Emergency Services. Several placements were made in partnership with NCWorks NextGen, a program funded by the Capital Area Workforce Development Board and operated locally by Johnston County Industries. NextGen provides eligible youth with career counseling, job training, and paid internships designed to prepare them for future employment.
During the Board meeting, Commissioners encouraged more students to consider interning with the County. “Local government provides a lot of opportunities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Butch Lawter. “I’d encourage young people to take a look at these internships and see what’s out there.”
The following students participated in Johnston County’s 2025 summer internship program:
- Abigail Gallegos – Public Information Office
- Hayden Gray – 911 Communications
- Preston Gray – 911 Communications
- Daniel Harmon – Cooperative Extension
- Chloe Sharpe – Cooperative Extension
- Nicolas Howard – Board of Elections
- Kalyn Kyle – Administration
- Emily Pickett – Tourism
- Joseph Snow – Technology Services
- Emma Scott – Administration
- Morgan Wells – Administration
- Brashear Bryant – Human Resources
- Jackson Honeycutt – Internal Audit
- Clayton Johnson – Emergency Services
- Kate Spivey – Heritage Center and Ava Gardner Museum
Summer internships typically begin in March or April, with additional opportunities available year-round. To learn more about internships with Johnston County Government, contact Human Resources at (919) 938-4700 or visit www.JohnstonNC.gov/jobs
