Reflections of OBCF’s 2026 Intern

By the end of summer, Myrezza Holton will have been interning with the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) for six months.

Her journey with the Community Foundation began in January of 2026 through Manteo High School’s internship program.

Holton is the recipient of the Manteo Rotary Club Scholarship and Outer Banks Association of Realtors Scholarship, and her internship is supported by the Milton A. Jewel Fund.

“This has been one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life,” said Holton. “Everyone at OBCF has been patient, supportive, and willing to answer my questions. Their encouragement created an environment where I felt comfortable learning, growing, and challenging myself every day.”

Since her internship began, Holton has worked on various projects and helped with a few of OBCF’s events, including the Annual Meeting in March and the grand opening of the Community Terrace in May.

“Through the Community Foundation’s events, I have met so many wonderful people in the profession I am striving to be in,” said Holton. “Networking has been one of the best surprises about this internship, and I have gotten so many stories, tips, and tricks from what people have done to get where they are.”

This summer Holton’s internship focus turned to finance, which she plans to study in college, and to OBCF’s Trusted Partners Program.

“I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in finance, but this internship gave me my first opportunity to see the profession in action and apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world situations,” said Holton.

Under the guidance of OBCF’s Finance Manager Denise Adams, Holton helped prepare monthly financial statements, which strengthened her attention to detail while also giving her a better understanding of financial reporting.

“It has been a pleasure to have Myrezza as my first-ever intern,” said OBCF’s Finance Manager Denise Adams. “She has a cheerful disposition, is determined to do a good job on tedious, detail-oriented tasks, and is responsible for seeing any task given through to completion. I have been impressed by her willingness to learn new things and her determination to succeed.”.

Holton also had the opportunity to work with OBCF’s President & CEO Chris Sawin on the Trusted Partners Program, which is an initiative that local businesses and organizations can join through OBCF to play a vital role in disaster recovery.

Sawin and Holton worked together to build the Trusted Partners Program’s network of organizations and community members, who can share trusted information and connect neighbors with resources when a hurricane strikes.

“I have created lists, sent emails, had meetings, and had telephone calls with so many people,” said Holton. “I am so glad to be part of the upbringing of this program with Norma Houston, Eileen Lowery, and David Clawson.”

This fall, Holton will continue her academic and athletic career at Alma College in Alma, Michigan where she plans to pursue a degree in finance and be a part of the college’s wrestling team.

“Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have spent these past six months with such an amazing organization,” said Holton. “This experience has not only strengthened my financial knowledge but has also changed how I envision my future career. Working for and around nonprofit organizations has inspired me to seek a career where I can combine my passion for finance with work that supports meaningful causes that help others. I cannot wait to take all these one-of-a-kind experiences I have garnered from interning at OBCF with me through college and other internships, and may the positive impacts follow me everywhere I go.”

About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.