Webspinups Hosts Intern: A Reflection on Growth, Community, and Creativity
This year, Webspinups had the privilege of welcoming and hosting Clayton Smith, a Tecumseh High School senior who participated in the Tecumseh High School Internship Program during the 2025 fall and winter semester. Even though our time together totaled only sixteen short weeks, often with just three hours each week, the impact was far greater than the timeframe suggests. The internship became an opportunity for meaningful growth for Clayton, for our agency, and for our community.
Clayton entered the program interested primarily in marketing. By the time he completed his internship mid term, he had explored much more, including website development, accessibility practices, digital content strategy, client communication, professional networking, and the rhythms of real small business operations. Watching him connect these pieces together has been one of the most rewarding parts of hosting him this year.
Reflection: An Internship Program Rooted in Community
My connection to Tecumseh High School’s internship program goes back to its earliest days. When the program launched as a pilot in 2021 under the leadership of Dr. Pam Robinson, she approached me while I was serving as the Executive Director of the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce to help engage the business community and find placements for participating students, and of course I eagerly agreed!
During that time, the Chamber also welcomed its first intern, and I still remember how meaningful that experience was. The student brought fresh energy and curiosity, and it showed me just how much these opportunities can shape a young person’s confidence and future. It was one of the earliest examples of how real-world exposure can help students see possibilities they did not even know existed.
Helping local businesses understand the value of getting involved became an important part of our collaboration. By sharing the opportunity with our Chamber network and encouraging employers to participate, we were able to support the school in building a program that strengthened our local workforce while showing students that their future could truly begin right here in Tecumseh.
Businesses stepped up, students stepped in, and the community embraced the idea that small towns can create powerful opportunities when we work together.
Today, the program continues to thrive under the leadership of Justin Wood. He approaches each student with dedication and genuine care, and he is committed to helping them discover real world career pathways. His leadership keeps the program strong and deeply connected to both the school and the local business community.
Why Internship Programs Like This Matter in Small Communities
In small-towns like Tecumseh, Oklahoma, it’s all too common for young people to believe opportunity exists somewhere else. They feel they must leave home to build a career, find meaningful work, or explore creative passions.
But programs like this show them something different:
- That opportunities exist right here, in their own community.
- That local businesses are eager and willing to support them.
- That the skills they learn can take them far, but they don’t have to leave to be a part of something valuable.
- That they matter to us, and we want them to stay connected.
These internships help students feel encouraged, supported, and seen. They help them develop confidence and curiosity. They strengthen community ties. And most importantly, they help our young people discover career paths and skill sets they may never have been exposed to otherwise.
A Digital Portfolio That Showcases Talent
Getting back to Clayton, we want to highlight some of Clayton’s most impressive accomplishments, one of which was building his own online digital portfolio with WordPress to serve as his own personal blog space.
It became a creative outlet where he could test different tools, journal and document what he learned, refine his design voice, and he found himself focused deeply on web accessibility. He consistently used the WAVE tool to review color contrast, structure, labeling, and alt-text. He wasn’t satisfied until he improved his WebAim score, pushing toward a 10 out of 10 wherever possible. While Clayton understands this score isn’t a complete measure of a website’s accessibility, it was a meaningful starting point, and he approached it with determination to which we are truly proud of him!
Technical Skills, Creative Skills, and Real-World Experience
Throughout the internship, Clayton explored a wide range of tools, technologies, and client-facing processes, many mirroring skills expected in junior-level digital roles. He was exposed to:
- WordPress + Divi fundamentals
- Web accessibility guidelines (WCAG), WAVE evaluations, alt-text
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and content structure
- Social media management, social management tools (Metricool), and posting workflows through moderation process
- Local business marketing
- Domain Name System (DNS), domains, hosting environments, cPanel tools
- Choosing Content Management Systems (CMS) platforms for clients
- Contract basics, proposals, pricing projects
- Google Business Profile and local SEO
- Generative Search Engine Optimization (GSEO)/Answer Search Engine Optimization (ASEO) and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern search
- Remote, hybrid, and in-person work styles
- Professional documentation (notes, checklists, processes)
He contributed meaningfully to several active projects, including:
- Friends of the Library – Tecumseh (FOL) social media management
- Clay’s Portfolio website design and structure
- Facilities4Hire / The Toilet Titan DNS updates
- Amy Moon’s Stride Mortgage social content planning
- Graphic design
- Client onboarding documentation
Clayton also became a member of Techlahoma, which is Oklahoma’s primary community and resource for people who work in technology or are interested in learning more about it. Techlahoma has a large and active membership that focuses on learning, improving, and supporting others in many different areas of tech. By joining, Clayton has already begun investing in his long-term growth and becoming part of a community that will continue to encourage and strengthen his skills.
We really appreciate all the work Clayton offered, as he was thoughtful, fast, and always improving.
Soft Skills That Shine in the Workplace
Technical skills can be trained. Tools can be learned. But some qualities make a person stand out in the workplace and Clayton demonstrated several of them. We would like to take the time to highlight the value that Clayton brought to the internship:
Strong Communication
Clayton consistently communicated clearly, professionally, and confidently. Whether in meetings, messages, or brainstorming sessions, he articulated his thoughts exceptionally well for a student his age.
Eager to Learn
He was hungry, and I mean truly hungry, to absorb everything he could. He asked lots of questions, explored concepts outside our discussions, and constantly pushed himself to understand more. Given enough time on a project, he would run with it and often already be steps ahead.
Receptive to Feedback
I tend to speak plainly and directly, which can be difficult for some. Clayton didn’t just accept feedback—he applied it immediately. His adaptability and lack of defensiveness are rare, invaluable traits.
Determined to Improve
His dedication to improving accessibility scores is a perfect example. He was never satisfied with “good enough.” He wanted “better,” and then he wanted “best.”
Agile and Flexible
Technology work changes daily. Plans shift. Priorities evolve. Clayton handled those shifts with calm, confidence, and readiness. If we needed to change direction, he adjusted without hesitation.
These soft skills are what make him memorable, and why he will thrive in any role he pursues.
Get Involved: Why Local Businesses Should Participate
Our community thrives when our young people thrive. Internship programs like this one are one of the most important investments we can make, not just in individual students, but in the future of Tecumseh itself.
When businesses open their doors to students, we:
- Show them careers they may never have considered
- Give them hands-on experience long before graduation
- Keep talent rooted in our community
- Strengthen our future workforce
- Build confidence, leadership, and curiosity
- Help shape the next generation of local professionals
And in return, we gain fresh perspectives, new ideas, and the privilege of mentoring students who are excited to learn and eager to contribute.
If you are a Tecumseh business owner or community leader, I encourage you to consider participating in this program. The impact is meaningful, lasting, and incredibly rewarding.
Final Note
Thank you to Tecumseh High School and Justin Wood for continuing to lead this program with dedication and heart. And thank you to Clayton for the creativity, curiosity, and professionalism you brought to Webspinups. Your work mattered, you are valued, and your future is bright.