ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Five local high school students from St. Johns County recently completed the 2026 St. Johns County Student Shadow Program, an eight-day immersive program that included tours, activities, and engaging discussion with County leadership and experts across various fields of County operations. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the program and the students.
Parmis Molavi and Sandhya Kumar, rising seniors at Allen D. Nease High School, Aidan Chen, rising senior at Creekside High School, Luka Zarczynski and Gabriel Nochera, rising juniors at Ponte Vedra High School, completed the prestigious program.
“The St. Johns County Student Shadow Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government” said Shelby Romero, Senior Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners. “By connecting with County departments and professionals, the students gain valuable insight into the services that support our community; while developing a greater appreciation for civic engagement, public service, and the impact local government has on everyday life.”
From June 8–16, the students participated in a variety of tours and activities, including visits to County Administration, the Emergency Operations Center, Health and Human Services, Fire Rescue, the Pet Center, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Golf Course, and Public Affairs. They also toured the Utilities Department’s water and wastewater treatment plants, received a private tour of local farms in St. Johns County, participated in a Hastings revitalization tour, attended public board meetings, and interacted with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
“We were so fortunate to have Aidan, Gabriel, Luka, Parmis, and Sandhya join us this year,” Romero added. “Their enthusiasm, curiosity, professionalism, and eagerness to learn made this experience truly rewarding.”
