Some of Devin Zerbe’s best memories of growing up in Venango County, Pennsylvania, were made in Franklin.
Every fall, for as long as he can remember, Zerbe and his family have ushered in autumn at the city’s three-day Apple Fest. Every holiday season has been heralded by the festivities of Light Up Night. When the family seeks theatrical experiences – whether as participants or attendees – those moments happen at Barrow Civic Theatre.
And to further sweeten the pot, Grandma lives in Franklin, too.
When Zerbe, a PennWest Clarion junior majoring in communications with a digital media focus, learned that Franklin’s Community Development department had an internship opening, he immediately pursued it. This summer, Zerbe is providing marketing and event support to help other individuals and families make the kinds of memories that he holds dear.
He found the internship through PennWest’s Handshake, an interactive, online platform where students can search for and apply to jobs, internships and on-campus student employment.
“It looked really interesting, because I’m attached to Franklin. I’ve been coming here my whole life,” Zerbe said. “When I saw that it was with the events team, I thought I might learn about the background of the events.”
The opportunity checks the boxes for gaining experience that will help him professionally.
“A lot of what I do is graphic design work for the social media events page: announcements, flyers, signage that might be printed out,” he said. “The work, so far, is for events in the future like the Rock in River Festival, and I’ve helped to conceptualize some new projects.”