San Dieguito River Park

Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley

High Tech High Internship Program Recognition – 2026


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This year, the San Dieguito River Park hosted four student interns from three different High Tech High campuses throughout San Diego County to complete their internship projects.

Our interns included:

  • Andrew Vargas, Senior, High Tech High Point Loma
  • Dominik Tran, Junior, High Tech High San Marcos
  • Rowan Beazley, Junior, High Tech High San Marcos
  • Andres Gallo, Junior, High Tech High Mesa

Throughout their internships, these students gained valuable hands-on experience working in a park environment alongside Park Rangers, park staff, and dedicated volunteers.

The interns primarily worked with Rangers on assigned trail sections that required vegetation management. Their efforts helped improve trail visibility, enhance user safety, and maintain the aesthetics of our trail system as part of a well-maintained and groomed trail corridor throughout the park.

In addition to trail maintenance, the interns assisted with hand-pulling invasive weeds within multiple Habitat Management Areas and a mitigation site. They also learned the importance of workplace organization and stewardship by helping maintain the Inland Ranger Station, ensuring that tools were cleaned, organized, and returned to their designated storage locations.

One of the goals of the High Tech High internship program is for students to collaborate with their mentors on projects that provide a lasting benefit to the internship site—often projects that staff may not otherwise have the time to complete.

With the guidance and mentorship of Office Manager Dewanda Vandermost, the interns completed several valuable projects:

  • Andrew Vargas developed a digital spreadsheet system for tracking first aid and medical equipment inventories in Ranger vehicles, improving accountability and efficiency during routine inspections.
  • Andres Gallo created an online fleet maintenance tracking system documenting vehicle repairs, service histories, and maintenance records, providing a more organized method for managing park vehicles.
  • Dominik Tran and Rowan Beazley organized, filed, and created individual reference folders containing maintenance manuals for heavy equipment, medium-sized equipment, power tools, and other park assets. They also cataloged maps, equipment information, and parts inventories. Their project established a centralized filing system that Rangers can use to quickly access maintenance manuals and other important operational information.

The success of this internship program also reflects the longstanding partnership between the San Dieguito River Park and High Tech High. Special thanks to Senior Interpretive Park Ranger Leana Bulay, whose introduction more than 15 years ago to High Tech High San Marcos Biology Teacher Matt Leader helped establish and foster this valuable relationship.

We are grateful for the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm demonstrated by each of these interns. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on the San Dieguito River Park, and we wish them continued success in their educational and professional endeavors.

Written by: Sr. Park Ranger, Felipe Franco


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