Brenda Tully Competes in Lone Star Leadership Academy Program
by Angela Kleinhans
August 25, 2010
This past school year, 983 outstanding Texas 5th-8th grade students from across the state were selected to participate in Education in Action’s spring break and summer 2010 Lone Star Leadership Academy programs in Dallas/Fort Worth (5th & 6th graders), Austin (6th & 7th graders), and Houston/Galveston (7th & 8th graders). Selection for the Lone Star Leadership Academy was based on each student’s demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation, and involvement in school/community activities. Brenda Tully, a 5th grade student from Montague had the opportunity to participate in this program.
During the week long residential Lone Star Leadership Academy programs, selected students joined delegations of other distinguished students from across the state to develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. Participants experienced what they are learning in school through visits to historically, politically, scientifically, and environmentally significant sites. Venues included the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza on the Dallas/Fort Worth program; the offices of their state legislators at the Texas State Capitol, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, bat watching on the Lone Star Riverboat, and a Cowboy Cookout on the Austin program; and NASA, a boat tour on Galveston Bay with a marine biologist, the San Jacinto Battleground Monument, and Moody Gardens on the Houston/Galveston program. Career speakers introduced participants to a wide variety of unique career and internship opportunities.
The Lone Star Leadership Academy provides a unique opportunity for outstanding students to learn about the Spirit of Texas and what it truly means to be from the Lone Star State. Participants discuss what they learn, complete problem solving and decision-making simulations, exercise creativity, and practice presentation skills in Leadership Groups. In addition, participants have fun meeting other outstanding students from across the state of Texas and making new friends while adding to their resume of academic achievements, developing leadership skills, and bringing home a wealth of information to supplement what they are learning in school.
Education in Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young Texans to become informed and active leaders in their communities. Beginning in 2011, the Lone Star Leadership Academy will expand to include students in the 4th grade. Students involved in student government and service organizations are especially good candidates for Lone Star Leadership Academy programs. Educators are invited to nominate their outstanding 4th-8th grade students for 2011 programs online at www.educationinaction.org. Facilitator/student ratio is one to 10 and all facilitators are Texas teachers. For more information about Education in Action or the Lone Star Leadership Academy, call 817-562-4957 or visit www.educationinaction.org.
