Phelps ACE Intern Graduates

Phelps ACE Intern Graduates from Coakley & Williams Construction 2019 Internship Program

The future looks bright for 2019 Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) High School senior, Lorris Watson, who interned with Coakley & Williams Construction for four months and graduated last Thursday. Watson was assigned to our active Edgewood Recreation Center project in Washington, DC, a joint venture with Blue Skye Construction for the DC Department of General Services. The new Ward 5 recreation center is expected to deliver in Fall of 2019.

In attendance were the Edgewood Recreation Center project team: Barbara Price, Project Manager, Mellissa Wyant, Quality Control Manager, Len Mogavero, Superintendent, and Naaji Drayton, Project Engineer as well as several other employees that work with the project team. Watson’s mother and the Academy Director of Engineering at Phelps ACE High School, Mrs. Olatundum Teyibo also came to the ceremony. Ms. Teyibo said in a statement, “Thank you Barbara Price and team for giving this student an exclusive opportunity to learn. This would not have been possible without you!”

“ I learned so many things during my internship and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Although many candidates were interviewed, only one was chosen for this internship and unique experience to learn from the nation’s capital very own LEED Silver construction project, which is part of DC Mayor Bowser’s initiative to make Washington, DC the most sustainable city in the world. As part of Watson’s internship, he was asked to design a splash pad, similar to the one that will be featured in the actual Edgewood Recreation Center once construction is completed. During this process, the Phelps ACE graduate learned about different components of the construction industry such as BlueBeam, Procore, reading drawings, RFI’s and submittals, and gave a presentation on his findings. He called his time on the job site warm and friendly, but that this should not be mistaken for a chance to neglect work and safety.

In conclusion, Watson said he hopes to continue on to college to pursue his career in construction. Coakley & Williams Construction gifted the young student a set of Personal Protective Equipment which included a hard hat and safety glasses, as well as a laptop so Watson can have the tools to succeed in college and in his construction career. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) also recognized the high school graduate for his completion of the internship program. Congrats, grad!