Rep. Kelly highlights Summer 2023 Washington, D.C. interns

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) celebrated his Summer 2023 interns who have been serving Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District in Rep. Kelly's Washington, D.C. office. Interns include Butler County, Pa. natives, a former Youth Ambassador for Hyundai Hope on Wheels which Rep. Kelly remains an active supporter, and a student in the Washington-Ireland Program (WIP) who is joining as part of Rep. Kelly's role as Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus.

Throughout the summer, interns learn about and participate in various Congressional activities and events. They include the legislative process, engaging and communicating with constituents, and more. 

"This summer, my team and I have been honored to host and work with some of the best and brightest interns in Washington, D.C.," Rep. Kelly said. "I want to thank each of them for their work and dedication to Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District. They have served our district and our team so well! I hope they learned as much from us as we did from them. I wish them luck in their incredibly bright futures!"

“For 25 years, Hyundai and Hyundai Hope On Wheels have been committed to keeping hope alive for inspirational young people like Hannah Adams,” said John Guastaferro, Executive Director, Hyundai Hope On Wheels. “From Hannah’s previous role as our National Youth Ambassador to continuing her journey as an advocate for pediatric cancer research, she is a shining example of what hope truly is.”

"It brings me immense pride to learn of the many contributions that the 2023 Washington Ireland Program (WIP) emerging leaders, like Caoimhe Cummins, are making on Capitol Hill and across DC this summer," said Nicola Skelly, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program. "Caoimhe has demonstrated remarkable commitment to public service during her work placement with U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly's office. Through the Washington Ireland Program’s emphasis on personal development, policy debate, and community service, Caoimhe has honed leadership skills, and this is evident in the positive impact she has had as part of Rep. Kelly's team. Her strong interest in the legal sector, evident from her academic pursuits and prior work experience in one of Ireland's top law firms, has undoubtedly been an asset in navigating the US legislative process. Our thanks to U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly for recognizing Caoimhe's potential and providing her with this valuable opportunity on Capitol Hill."

Below, you can read the biographies for each of Rep. Kelly's Summer 2023 Washington, D.C. interns.

Brett Palmer

Age: 20
School & Career Aspirations: I’m going into my junior year at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. I’m a double major in finance & economics. I played baseball my first two years at Lehigh but my playing career has been limited due to injuries. After college, I would like to work in either finance or consulting. I am also considering law school to pursue a career as a lawyer following my undergrad.
Ties to the District/Rep. Kelly's Work in Congress: I grew up in Mars, Pennsylvania and attended Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. Growing up, I traveled all over Butler County to play baseball games and basketball tournaments and to spend time with my friends. I also spent quite a lot of time in Lawrence County as my travel baseball team was based in New Castle.

Sam Weiland

Age: 20
School & Career Aspirations: University of Lynchburg (VA)/Rising Junior with a double major in Economics and Political Science/Government 
Ties to the District/Rep. Kelly's Work in Congress: Currently Live in Mars, Pennsylvania; My family ties in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District run deep. My mother's family has lived in Erie for generations. My father's side has lived in Meadville/Cambridge Springs for generations. I am interested in Rep. Kelly's work in lowering taxes and his role as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Tax. After college, I am interested in working in government or a related policy area.

Hannah Adams

Age: 20
School & Career Aspirations: Junior at the University of Alabama double-majoring in Political Science and Public Relations, obtain an M.B.A. and work in Governmental Affairs
Ties to the District/Rep. Kelly's Work in Congress: When Hannah was 12-years-old, she served as the Hyundai Motor America Hope On Wheels National Youth Ambassador and met U.S. Representative Mike Kelly through his involvement in the organization. Representative Kelly is a champion for the pediatric cancer community and as a thirteen-year pediatric cancer survivor, Hannah is very grateful for the work he continues to accomplish in ending pediatric cancer. Hannah currently runs her own 501(c)(3) non-profit, H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer, to create community awareness, family support, and legislative awareness by working with the Alabama Department of Public Health. On her college campus, Hannah serves in various leadership roles in the Student Government Association, the Carl A. Elliott Society, the Blackburn Institute, College Republicans, and the Miss America Organization. She is very excited to be working on Capitol Hill with Team Kelly!

Caoimhe Cummins

Age: 22
School & Career Aspirations: Graduated from Dublin City University with a first-class honors (4.0 GPA) in Law. Continuing on to train with Arthur Cox LLP in Dublin to qualify as an attorney.
Ties to the District/Rep. Kelly’s Work in Congress: Congressman Mike Kelly is Co-Chair of the Friends of Ireland Caucus and is an avid supporter of the special personal and political relationship between Ireland and the United States. She is a participant of the Washington-Ireland Program Class of 2023, who Congressman Kelly has supported. The internship has allowed Caoimhe to learn more about the American legislative and legal process as she prepares to return to Ireland and complete her law degree. She has enjoyed her time in the United States and plans to visit again soon!

About Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Since 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has worked tirelessly to support the families, researchers, doctors and children impacted by childhood cancer. To date, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded grants totaling over $225 million, thanks to Hyundai Motor America and its dealers nationwide.

To honor their 25th anniversary, Hyundai Hope On Wheels is awarding a record $25 million in 2023.

This brings their lifetime total to $225 million to advance 1,300 research studies at over 175 medical institutions. They invite everyone to join the movement by raising awareness and supporting our work to help #EndChildhoodCancer.

Both through his work in Congress and the private sector, Rep. Kelly has remained an advocate for Hyundai Hope on Wheels. In Washington, he has supported multiples pieces of legislation to fund pediatric cancer research.

About Washington Ireland Program

The Washington Ireland Program (WIP) inspires and develops promising leaders through a program of personal development, policy debate and community service.  Their aim is to support leaders committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland. For over two decades, WIP has played an important role in post-conflict Ireland by bringing together young leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for an outstanding leadership and skills-development program. Students participating in WIP visit Washington, D.C. for summer internships and leadership training in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other political sectors.