Pine Knot News intern has a lot going on

Hello. I would like to formally introduce myself as the new summer intern at the Pine Knot News. My name is Lexis Gerard, and I am going into my senior year at Cloquet High School. Ever since I was little, I have loved to read and write stories, so I am beyond excited to be working for the Pine Knot this summer. When I am not reading a book near a lake, I keep myself extremely busy.

Between school, activities, volunteer work and my job at Epic Nutrition, my schedule is hectic. Last year I was honored to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council. The MYC is a legislatively mandated group of students across Minnesota (the only group of its kind) who use their voice to amplify the needs of youth in each congressional district. We hear testimony on bills related to youth and we give feedback. Along with our work at the state capitol, we also show students how to speak to legislators on prominent issues in their communities and we do mock hearings for students at Youth Day at the Capitol. The issues I am most passionate about are equity in education, environmental justice and providing youth with a voice to make changes in communities.

Although I do tons of work at the state level, my favorite work is the work I do closer to home. Since freshman year, I have been blessed to have the REACH Mentoring Program in my life. Not only have I been surrounded by extraordinary people who have helped shape me into who I am today, they have also provided me with amazing opportunities. Without Dakota Koski and Anne Parish, I would not have known about the MYC. Through REACH, I am a part of the Students Offering Support group and I volunteer with them at various events.

In my free time, I love camping, shopping, hiking and, of course ... watching Netflix.

I spend my days with friends and the rest of the time with family. I have a fairly large extended family that I am extremely close with. My dad, Steve Gerard, is a retired sergeant major with the Minnesota Army National Guard and now is a pulp production supervisor for Sappi. My mom, Dana Gerard, is a senior paralegal for Enbridge Energy.

A few other fun facts about me: I danced with Shooting Stars Dance for 13 years until I had an Achilles tendon injury. I have two dogs that I am obsessed with. I love doing my homework at Common Ground Coffee. I cannot wait to write more for the Pine Knot News.

Got story ideas or other suggestions for our new intern? Email her at [email protected] and include "intern" in the subject line, or call the office at 218-878-9332.