Bowling Green Honors Legacy with New Internship Opportunity
In Bowling Green, the morning of September 17, 2024, was filled with a sense of excitement and purpose as senior Amparo De Jesus made history by signing on to be the first high school student to take part in the McKenzi Loid Memorial Public Relations Internship. This event took place in the school’s auditorium, with family, friends, and school officials in attendance. The internship was established in memory of McKenzi Loid, a talented young woman who lost her life in a tragic car accident in 2017.
A Moment of Pride
Sitting with her parents, Pablo De Jesus and Nancy Cintron, Amparo prepared to take a significant step towards her future. The paid internship aims to give students practical experiences in public relations, letting them explore the field and build their portfolios with real campaigns and projects.
The importance of this internship was clearly felt by Robin Loid, McKenzi’s mother, who spoke warmly of Amparo’s character during the ceremony. She shared the values that McKenzi held dear and expressed her excitement for Amparo’s new role, stating, “You girls would have been great friends, and she would have been your biggest cheerleader.”
Connecting Past and Present
Amparo expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting her background in marketing and business classes that have fueled her passion for public relations. She noted how her past experiences at church helped her develop interpersonal skills essential for her new position. “I mainly like the side where you connect with people and you’re able to just talk with people and make them interested in what you’re doing,” Amparo said.
Leslie McCoy, the Bowling Green High School Director of Communications, shared insights into the responsibilities that the McKenzi Loid Memorial internship will entail, which includes aiding in school district events, and assisting with photography, video production, and writing press releases.
A Family’s Pride
Amparo’s parents beamed with pride as they reflected on her achievements. “I’m so proud of her, because we teach her to be involved and to help the community,” said her father, Pablo. “I’m so proud for her because she’s my daughter.” Her mother, Nancy, added, “She really likes marketing and business, and so my prayers are that this will open up many doors for her. I’m really proud of her.”
Remembering McKenzi Loid
The creation of this internship is a heartfelt tribute to McKenzi Loid, who excelled during her time at Bowling Green High School and later at Western Kentucky University. After college, she achieved early career success in public relations roles in both Louisville and Pittsburgh. Tragically, her life was cut short by a drunk driving accident, an event that impacted many in the community.
To honor her memory, McKenzi’s family established this internship that, until now, had been reserved for university students. The family has expressed their hope that the internship will help students like Amparo thrive and find opportunities in public relations.
Looking Ahead
As Amparo De Jesus embarks on this new chapter, the commitment and support from the Bowling Green community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her success. With her passion for connecting with people and her strong foundation in communication, she is poised to make a positive impact in her school and beyond.
The celebration of this moment not only honors McKenzi’s legacy but also inspires future generations to engage with their communities and explore their passions.
