Kennedy Center Honors

Three Susquehannans Intern at Prestigious Institution

 

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contributions to the human spirit."

These IMMORTAL WORDS, expressed by America’s 35th president, resonate through the grand halls of his living memorial – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This summer, Ann Barrett ’06, of Hazelton, Pa., Valarie Bastek ’06, of Newton, N.J., and Isaac Johnson ’07, of Rockton, Pa., are interning in this magnificent center and doing their part to fulfill President Kennedy’s vision by working with the staff who devote their every day to produce thousands of world-class theater, dance, music and multi-media performances that touch the lives of millions of people each year.

Valarie Bastek '06 (seated), Isaac Johnson '07 and Ann Barrett '06 take a break from work to pose in the Kennedy Center Opera House.

The trio competed with more than 400 applicants for only 20 summer internships at the center. “The internship program at the Kennedy Center is always competitive,” says Rae Bazzarre, senior press representative for the center. “This year was the most competitive in the history of the program, and to have three students from the same school receive internships is remarkable.”

Bastek and Barrett, who both majored in communications with an emphasis in public relations, collaborate in the center's press office.

Barrett and Bastek, who studied public relations together at Susquehanna, are both working in the Kennedy Center press office. Bastek is doing publicity for the National Symphony Orchestra, while Barrett is covering publicity efforts for dance, theater, jazz and education programs offered through the center.

“One of the most exciting things is seeing how the press and public relations work for different forms of the arts. I was a theatre minor, so it is kind of nice to work in a mix of the two fields,” Barrett says. Bastek agreed, saying her involvement in Susquehanna University’s Symphonic Band gave her a great perspective that she can now apply to her work with the orchestra.

Johnson, a graphic design major entering his senior year, gains professional experience in the advertising department at the center.

Meanwhile, Johnson, a graphic design major, is working in the Kennedy Center’s advertising department. He says he has a wide range of assignments that are giving him strong work experience. The internship has done something more, as well.

“Being here has solidified my desire to stay with graphic design. I was having some doubts about doing this my whole life. I didn’t want to ‘sell’ for a living. Seeing the cultural benefits that the Kennedy Center brings to the community has made me realize that, by working for nonprofits, this career can offer me a higher purpose,” Johnson says.

--Victoria Kidd
News & Editorial Manager