Meet the Interns: Senior Devin Zerkle

Meet Devin Zerkle, a senior at Kenton Ridge High School and a first-year intern with the NELSD Communications team! 

Devin brings a passion for community involvement and a wealth of leadership experience from band, choir, and other school activities. From balancing college classes and band to learning the world of communications, Devin is excited to share his journey and insights with the NELSD community.

Question: Why were you interested in being an intern for the NELSD Communications Department?
Answer: Last year, I heard about the internship opportunity from a couple of my friends. They talked about how it was a fun time, and they liked the projects they did. When they told me about those projects, I thought it was something I would like to do. I have always liked helping the community, so I thought this would be another way to do that. Being in band and choir, I also understand how important it is to let the public know about events happening in our school.

Question: What activities are you involved with/what leadership positions do you hold?
Answer: Some things I am involved in are the National Honors Society, Student Advisory Council, Model UN, Chamber Singers, and the school’s musicals. I have been the Leo Club President for 1 year and was the vice president a year before that. I am a team captain for High Q. This year, I will also be the Treasurer for Student Council. Last year, I was one of the band's librarians. The leadership role that means the most to me is that I am one of the Student Directors of the Kenton Ridge Marching Cougar Band this year.

Question: What's one surprising or interesting thing you've already learned as a communications intern that you didn't expect when you started?
Answer: I have already learned how much work goes into everything. There are so many guidelines to follow for things to be good and released to the public, like the school colors, voice/tone, etc. There is also a lot of information gathering, pictures, quotes, etc., for articles and posts. Sometimes, that can be hard, depending on who you are trying to get in contact with.

Question: As a high school intern, you balance your internship with your academic life. What's your secret to managing time effectively and staying on top of your responsibilities?
Answer: From being in band and taking college classes online, I have always had to manage my time. There might have been some really late nights, but I always got everything done. I feel like band taught me how to do many tasks all at once. If I start on some of them in the beginning of the week, I can usually get those done in a short amount of time. College classes taught me how to keep working on something until it's done. Sometimes, you have a five-page paper due in one or two weeks, so it is important to get done as soon as possible so you have enough time to proofread and edit it. Those are probably the most important qualities to have when managing time and completing all of your work.

Question: If you could choose a fictional character to represent your personality, who would it be and why?
Answer: I believe I represent Ross from Friends. I am kind and smart. I am also very caring about my friends and family like Ross. I feel like some things I say he would say too.

Question: Share a quirky or surprising talent or skill that most people wouldn't know about you.
Answer: I have the ability to memorize things easily and in detail. I usually can memorize music for band after playing it a couple times. When I am listening to music, there are a lot of songs I can identify very quickly from hearing the intro. I can also very easily tell if something has changed after seeing a place. For example, if my computer has been messed with, I will be able to tell.

Question: What's your go-to comfort food, and where is your favorite place to enjoy it in our community?
Answer: My go-to comfort food has to be Mexican food. My family and I have eaten at many Mexican restaurants in our community. I really like tacos, chimichangas, queso and chips, and flautas. My favorite place to have it is either El Speedy Vaquero or Casa del Sabor. Usually, after concerts or band shows my friends and I will go to one to get food.

Question: What other fun fact would you like to share about yourself with our community?
Answer: Many people already know I play percussion, but I am also starting to learn piano and clarinet.