Eighty-seven outstanding young student leaders from across Texas successfully completed membership in Education in Action’s 2015-2016 Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. Each student received a certificate of merit for their dedication to developing their leadership skills and their service to their communities.

Members participated in the Lone Star Leadership Academy, a weeklong leadership development summer camp. As graduates of this program, they were invited to join Education in Action’s alumni program, the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council, to receive leadership training during the school year. Each member completed leadership skill-building lessons and exercised their leadership skills by identifying a need in their community and creating and leading at least two others in a service project of their choosing. Descriptions, photos, and, in some cases, videos of each student’s service project are available at http://educationinaction.org/alumni-council/alumni-council-members-service-projects.

Membership in the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council is no small undertaking, especially when these students’ already busy schedules and academic standings are taken into consideration. The service projects are very gratifying and are great learning experiences for the students. They feel a real sense of accomplishment when they contribute to solving problems by helping others. While learning lessons that will last a lifetime, they are making positive contributions to our society and we all benefit.

The 2015-2016 Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council members represented 46 school districts, one charter schools, and seven private schools. Education in Action offers the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council program each school year to further its mission, to empower young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Applications for the 2016-2017 Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council are due September 25, 2016 and may be completed online.