DRF Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 Interns

Catesby Denison
Catesby Denison moved to North Carolina in 2007 to attend North Carolina State University after growing up in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, concentrating in Parks and Natural Resource Recreation. Ms. Denison minored in Outdoor Leadership.

During her junior year, Ms. Denison was able to spend a semester in New Zealand on a National Outdoor Leadership School program. While in New Zealand, she not only was able to learn the technical skills of outdoor living, backpacking, whitewater canoeing, and sea kayaking, but also gain invaluable leadership and decision making skills.

Following graduation Ms. Denison moved to Semora, North Carolina and began working for the Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department as the Outdoor Adventure Camp Program Supervisor for the Outdoor Recreation Division. Through this position, she has been able to experience more of what the Danville region has to offer from an Outdoor Recreation perspective.

Samanthe Tiver
Samanthe Tiver, originally from Lumberton, New Jersey, previously worked for the Danville Regional Foundation as one of eight 2010 summer interns. Graduating from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a minor in Mathematics, her senior honors research examined the evaluation of nonprofit organizations in Virginia and North Carolina. As a senior, Samanthe was recognized as the most outstanding Economics graduate and received the Frederic Carr Memorial cup for exemplary leadership, scholarship and character.

Outside the classroom, Samanthe worked as a teaching fellow for both Economics and Community Studies, facilitating courses, teaching review sessions, and helping students develop strong partnerships with community organizations. In addition to service as a tutor with an alternative education program and a leader in the Student Environmental Action Coalition, she also worked as a student director for Branch Out Alternative Break program, nationally recognized as the 2011 Program of the Year.

The program provides the opportunity for interns to gain first-hand experience in philanthropy, economic development, education, health and wellness and community engagement. Interns work with community partners such as non-profit, governmental and educational institutions. This program offers a unique opportunity for professional growth as well as an opportunity to become an agent of change in the community.

Winter 2012 Interns

Qadirah Coles
Qadirah Coles, a native of Hurt, Virginia, graduated from Gretna High School with honors in 2010. She is currently a sophomore at James Madison University, where she has made the Dean's List for two consecutive semesters. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, with a minor in Chronic Illnesses. She hopes to attend graduate school to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

At JMU, Qadirah is an active member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high achievers. As a member of NSCS, she participates in road clean-ups, food drives, and other projects that enhance the lives of the members of the Harrisonburg, Virginia, community. Qadirah is also a member of the National Student Nurses Association. She loves helping others, which is exemplified through her volunteer work at Virginia Baptist Hospital, in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Mason Pruitt
Mason Pruitt is a senior at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Operations Management. He is also plans a minor in Agricultural Business, and Environmental Science. Mason has lived in Yanceyville, NC for most of his life until 9th grade when he moved to Danville, VA. Mason attended George Washington High School where he played on the varsity soccer team.

While attending NCSU, Mason has become a member of the BassPack Collegiate Fishing Team, and a brother of Sigma Pi Fraternity. During the summer, Mason enjoys setting up for the Carrington Pavilion concert series and fishing on the weekends. Mason plans to stretch his college fund and add a Finance major at school.

Tonyette White
Tonyette White is a native of Danville, Virginia. She completed high school at George Washington High School and received her Associate's Degree in Science from Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia. Tonyette is currently completing her requirements for Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology and Psychology at the University of Virginia (UVA). Within the College of Arts and Sciences, Tonyette is a member of the Echols Scholars Program.

Tonyette is involved in various organizations at UVA. She is an Office of African American Affairs Peer Advisor and dances for the University Dance Club. Tonyette also served as a 2011 Research Assistant for a Cognitive Psychology research lab. Her involvement in the Young Women's Leaders Program (YWLP) truly defines her future career pursuits. In YWLP, Tonyette mentored a young middle school girl in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. Next semester, Tonyette will take part in researching within YWLP. Through the Jefferson Public Citizens Project, Tonyette will be working with other Big Sisters to research important issues that adolescent girls face.

Tonyette White has various career endeavors she wants to pursue after college. Tonyette plans to attain her Master's Degree in Psychology. While doing so, she will research family formations and how the family can be strengthened to benefit children as well as travel to study different culture's family formations. Tonyette would like to pursue her career either as a child psychologist or a family therapist.