Students, faculty, and staff are aware that technology consistently breaks down within the school’s infrastructure and many wonder how it all gets fixed so efficiently. Our school is lucky enough to have Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) Ordaz Jeter. Without the school’s ITS crew, including Mr. Pugh and Mr. Smith, education and operations here would be even more disorganized and hectic.

And, as the use the of technology in the school has exploded in the past few years, Jeter needs a helping hand once in a while.  Thus, he was given the opportunity to introduce two students to his world, offering them the chance to not only intern, but afford him the help he sometimes may need during an average school day.

Senior Noah Kantirakis and Bayside High School junior Alex Larkin are both students that attend the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), an alternative school in VBCPS that gives students the opportunity to take courses directed toward the specialized learning of technology, programs that aren’t offered at their regular schools.

In order to give students a more hands on learning experience, ATC began a program to get students involved in the technology work field, contacting various schools around Virginia Beach to arrange internships. Each day, both Kantarakis and Larkin split their time between their home school and ATC, where they have completed more extensive courses in computer networking and technology. Both have earned several certifications in computer technology, which aid  in their internship here at the school.

“ATC gave us the skills and certifications we need to be able to work as technology interns and pursue a career in this field,” Kantirakis said.

For the remainder of the school year, Kantirakis and Larkin will work as a team alongside Mr. Jeter, fixing the numerous tech issues around the school such as fax machines, computers, printers, and Promethean/Smart boards. This internship program also serves as an amazing way for those interested in the technology field to gain real world experience, while still focusing on their education.

“This internship is an excellent opportunity for Noah and Alex to put into practice what they’ve learned in their technology courses. It is helping them prepare for their future,” Jeter said.