Above photo: Samantha and the rhino

DELHI – Samantha Gorsch is turning her passion for animals into real-world experience. This year, the senior at Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi had the opportunity to complete an internship with Animal Adventure Park & Preserve in Harpursville, NY. Through hands-on learning, she gained firsthand insight into what it’s truly like to work in an animal-focused career — from daily care routines to understanding the behind-the-scenes operations that keep a wildlife facility running smoothly. 

As a senior, Samantha is exploring multiple career pathways related to working with animals through the Career Destinations program at her high school. “We are proud to collaborate with business partners who open their doors to our students, helping them explore interests, build employability skills, and take meaningful steps toward their futures,” said Christina McCall-Hopkins, DCMO BOCES Career Destinations and Work-Based Learning Coordinator.  “That includes businesses like Animal Adventure Park, where Kayla Burke and the staff invested their time, expertise, and mentorship.” 

Thanks to strong partnerships between local businesses and the Career Destinations program at Delaware Academy, students like Samantha are able to connect classroom learning with real-world skills and professional networks.