Two Hinsdale South High School seniors spent six weeks inside Darien's city government this summer, and they're bringing what they learned back to the District 86 Board of Education.
Shivani Joshi and Ahmed Farooqui completed the City of Darien's Summer Internship Program in mid-July, rotating through five city departments before spending their final week building capstone research projects. One project focused on the Freedom of Information Act and its impact on local government; the other examined Governor Pritzker's BUILD Program.
Joshi and Farooqui will present their work first to the Darien City Council on Monday, Aug. 3, and Monday, Aug. 17, then to the District 86 board at a meeting date not yet posted on the district's calendar. Each intern will receive a $500 Civic Scholarship from the Darien Lions Club after completing all presentations.
Six weeks, five departments
The program placed Joshi and Farooqui in a different office each week. They started with City Administrator Bryon Vana, learning how Darien manages its budget and daily operations. Week two took them to Director of Municipal Services Dan Gombac, where they rode along in city vehicles to observe infrastructure work. Senior Planner Ryan Murphy walked them through zoning, permitting, and how ordinances get approved during week three.
Week four placed them with the Darien Police Department for ride-alongs with officers. In week five, working out of the mayor's office, they interviewed a panel of six local business leaders and sat for a discussion with State Sen. John Curran, State Reps. Nicole LaHa and Marti Dueter, DuPage County Board member Lucy Evans, and Darien council members Alderwoman Mary Sullivan, Alderman Joe Kenney, and Alderman Ralph Stompanato.
The city said in a July 23 announcement that the students performed well and engaged with each department throughout the program.
What it means for District 86
The presentations would put students in front of the board that governs their school. One capstone topic, the Freedom of Information Act, is the same law residents use to request district records on budgets and contracts.
Hinsdale South has made civic engagement a visible priority this year, hosting U.S. Rep. Bill Foster on Wednesday, May 7, for a session with AP Government and Politics students.
The Darien program also included four interns from Downers Grove South High School who will present to the District 99 board.
Upcoming dates
- Monday, Aug. 3 — Darien City Council, Darien City Hall. Intern capstone presentations. Public meeting.
- Monday, Aug. 17 — Darien City Council, Darien City Hall. Second round of intern capstone presentations.
- District 86 Board of Education — August meeting date for intern presentations has not been posted. Check the board calendar at hinsdale86.diligent.community/portal for updates and public comment sign-up information.
