Celebrating the Achievements of Our 2024 Class of Interns
At the Rookie League Foundation, our mission extends beyond the field. We’re dedicated to nurturing personal and professional growth, and our 2024 class of interns exemplified this commitment. Their amazing efforts and fresh perspectives helped propelled our organization forward this summer, and have left a lasting impact on our community.
Our internship program is designed to offer real-world experiences in a dynamic environment, with the goal of developing the skills needed to thrive in the non-profit and sports sectors. This year’s group brought an incredible mix of talents. Their dedication and innovation were pivotal to our successes, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.
Introducing the 2024 Intern Class
We’re honored to recognize our 2024 interns: Ke’Sean Cleveland, Jasilyn Spivey, D’Shonda Hunt, Jerry Huerta, Celeste Reyes, Aldo Carreon, Emma Painter, Britton Bowman, Madison Ellis, Alec Santos, Reagan Duncan, and Emma Meyer. Each intern contributed unique skills and a positive attitude that significantly advanced our mission.
The Dream Teams and Their Impact
Our 2024 interns were grouped into four specialized teams, each focusing on key areas that were critical to the Foundation’s success:
- Programs Team: Aldo Carreon, Britton Bowman, and D’Shonda Hunt
The Programs Team played an important role in organizing and executing our Playball camps, including PLAY BALL Weekend, MLB’s Pitch, Hit and Run, and Adaptive PLAY BALL in partnership with the Santa Fe Family Life Center in OKC. Their efforts ensured that these events were not just successful but memorable for all who attended. The Programs Team taught our participants what it means to have a respect and love for the game, while expanding the reach and impact of our foundation’s mission. - Media Team: Alec Santos, Jasilyn Spivey, and Ke’Sean Cleveland
The Media Team focused on enhancing our brand’s visibility. Through engaging social media content and compelling video productions, they brought our story to life in ways that resonated with a broader audience. Their innovative strategies led to a 20% increase in reach and engagement across all platforms—a significant victory in spreading our mission far and wide.
- Marketing Team: Jerry Huerta, Emma Painter, and Emma Meyer
The Marketing Team refined our communication channels, crafting the foundation’s newsletter, “The Monthly Pitch,” which has become a key resource for keeping our supporters informed. They also led our email marketing efforts and made significant improvements to our website, rookieleaguefoundation.org. Their initiatives improved our ability to communicate effectively with our audience, and our growing network. - Administrative Team: Celeste Reyes, Madison Ellis, and Reagan Duncan
The Administrative Team was the backbone of our operations, managing everything from event logistics to processing over 130 donations for various non-profits. Together they helped organize crucial events like our Lunch and Learns and Coaches’ Masterclass series, Each contributed vital efforts that ensured the smooth execution of events and helped maintain strong relationships with our community partners.
Fundraising Milestones
All interns worked tirelessly on our primary fundraiser, the 50/50 Raffle, selling tickets during OKC Baseball Club games. Their combined efforts resulted in raising over $75,000 this year—a monumental achievement that puts us on track for a 25% increase in sales. This success is vital for continuing our programs and reaching even more kids and families in the community.
Lasting Impact and Professional Growth
The 2024 intern class didn’t just help us hit our goals—they helped us surpass them. They discovered innovative ways to connect with parents and guests at the ballpark, fostering a true sense of community. Representing a diverse range of educational backgrounds, our interns hail from Cameron University, Langston University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Nebraska, and Rose State College. Throughout their time with us, they strengthened essential skills in strategic communication, project management, marketing, leadership, and public speaking.
We’re thrilled to see them move forward with confidence. Alec Santos, for example, has earned a fantastic opportunity as a producer at Channel 9 News in OKC, thanks to the skills he honed with us. Celeste, Jerry, and Ke’Sean have graduated and are determined to make their mark in the world. Reagan graduated from the University of Nebraska and accepted a Case Manager position at American Youth Works in Austin. Madison is on pace to graduate with MBA in December, showcasing her remarkable talent and drive. Beyond their professional growth, our interns have also experienced significant personal development, gaining confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the nonprofits, and minor league baseball.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate the successes of our 2024 intern class, we’re already looking forward to the future. We’ll begin hiring for our 2025 class in December, with new interns starting in early March just before the next season kicks off. We can’t wait to welcome the next group of talented individuals who will bring their unique gifts to the Rookie League Foundation.
To our 2024 interns, thank you for your hard work, creativity, and commitment. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for all you have done. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and community at the Rookie League Foundation!