Education in Action

Lone Star Leadership Academy Staff

Directors

Kristi Baker

Kristi Baker earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She taught elementary PE in Irving ISD for 11 years and currently teaches in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Kristi works as a Director for Education in Action because she enjoys working with students and watching them grow in their leadership skills, while making new friends and having fun.

Mike Benson

Michael Benson earned his degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University in 2005. He became a certified teacher in 2007 in San Antonio where he taught for 10 years. Michael teaches sixth grade reading and writing at Parkwood Hill Intermediate in Keller ISD. Michael works as a Director for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break and loves seeing students experience new opportunities. He feels that students minds and personalities are enhanced when they are given the chance to venture out into unknown territory and delve into new things.

Shea Bloemhof

Shea Bloemhof earned her teaching degree from Tarleton State University in 2008. She has taught English-Language Arts in Stephenville ISD since 2015. Before that she taught in San Antonio for seven years. Shea is excited to work with the campers as a Facilitator to see them learn and experience new things outside the classroom.

Julie Chappa

Julie Chappa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of North Texas in 1996 and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2011. She currently teaches secondary and dual credit math at Mineola High School and Tyler Junior College. Julie chose to work with Education in Action after seeing first-hand the impact the program had on her daughter who attended all three camps as both a camper and a youth facilitator. She enjoys Texas history and loves sharing that knowledge with students.

Timmothy Hypolite

Timmothy Hypolite earned his degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice with a specialization in Juvenile Justice from Prairie View A&M University. He is an eighth grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher at Campbell Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Houston. Timmothy is a Director for Education in Action because he enjoys being able to invest in students and the experience allows them to not only learn but have a hands-on opportunity that impacts beyond the summer.

Mark Lederman

Mark Lederman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington. He taught elementary Language Arts and Social Studies classes at Louise Cabaniss Elementary School in Mansfield ISD for seven years. For the past three years, Mark has taught Social Studies at Timberview High School. Mark works as a Facilitator and Camp Director for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to teach and learn with students during the summer break. He believes opportunities for students to have fun and learn can happen any time, any where and there's no better place than the great state of Texas!

Paul Montreuil

Paul Montreuil earned his degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1999. He has taught sixth grade in the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD for 17 years. Paul works for Education in Action as a Director because he enjoys working with the best students from all across Texas and watching them grow. The leadership skills learned is what keeps Paul coming back year after year. He is certain that these camp students will return to their schools and communities as stronger leaders.

Rebecca Moreland

Rebecca Moreland graduated from Texas Tech University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies. This is her 30th year of teaching. All of it has been in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD where she has been teaching Science for 27 years and at Highland Middle School for all of its 24 years. Rebecca works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she enjoys working with inspired learners and future leaders.

Clyde Parham

Clyde Parham earned his teaching degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1988. He taught high school and junior high history for 33 years and was a principal in Silverton ISD for three years. He is currently retired, after 33 years in education. Clyde is working his seventh summer with Education in Action. He enjoys working with students during the summer because he believes that it is important to further the knowledge of today's youth to make the future bright for all Texans.

Denise Parham

Denise Parham earned her teaching degree from Tarleton State University. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Lazbuddie ISD. She taught kindergarten the past 12 years and has worked in education for 29 years. This will be her 10th summer with Education in Action. Denise will celebrate her 35th wedding anniversary this summer. She has two adult children, one in college and one graduate.

Lisa Sniggs

Lisa Sniggs earned her Bachelor Degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013 and her Master in Education from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. She taught 7th and 8th grade math for seven years in Killeen and Plano. She has been in Andrews, TX for three years teaching 4th grade. Lisa works as a Director for Education in Action because she enjoys seeing students try new things and meet new people away from the comforts of home. She loves seeing students grow in their independence and leave as confident leaders of tomorrow.

Rex Stephenson

Rex Stephenson earned his Bachelors Degree in History from Angelo State University in 1991. He retired from public education in 2021 after a 30 year career. He is presently employed at Cornerstone Christian School in San Angelo, TX, as a principal. Rex has been married to his lovely wife Stacy for almost 29 years. They have four children, Josh, Taylor, Nathan, and Reagan. They also have a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law. Rex loves working for Education in Action because it is a great program for kids and challenges them to utilize their leadership skills.

Facilitators and Assistant Directors

Kyla Bell

Kyla Bell earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education in 2006 from New Mexico Highlands University and a master's degree in Special Education in 2023 from Lamar University. She has been a Special Education teacher at White Deer ISD for the past nine years. Kyla works as a Facilitator with Education in Action because she enjoys providing learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom. She believes that community-based learning is a great way for students to enhance their leadership skills.

Lisa Chase

Lisa Chase has a degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, alternative teacher certification from the University of New Mexico, and a Master's degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. She has taught middle school science at Prince of Peace Christian School in Carrollton since 2002. She travels with her students every year to various National Parks as well as to the middle school retreat, so working with Education in Action seemed like the next step in her leadership journey. Lisa loves educating students about science, but more importantly teaching them about life's opportunities, helping them find their place in the world, and guiding them to be the best self they can be.

Angela Chatman

Angela Chatman is currently a sophomore at North Lake college earning a degree in Elementary Education. She has been a substitute teacher for the past eight years with Uplift Education which operates a network of 37 high-performing, tuition-free, public charter schools on 19 campuses within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Her passion for motivating scholars of all ages is one of the many reasons she is an Assistant Director for Education in Action.

Jinny Cockrell

Jinny Cockrell earned her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas in 1999. She then earned her Master's in Elementary Education from Texas A&M Commerce in 2004. She has taught in Mesquite ISD, Lewisville ISD, Lake Worth ISD, and is currently working as a Dyslexia Specialist in Denton ISD. She has been teaching for 24 years with experience in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade regular education classrooms, summer school/camp with 2nd-7th grade classes, and she has spent the last two school years providing Dyslexia Therapy to students in grades 1-6. Jinny is excited to work as a program Facilitator for Education in Action because she loves working with students and helping them grow in their abilities. She is happy to be a part of an experience students will remember as they learn, develop new friendships, and grow in their leadership abilities all while having fun.

Katie Cox

Katherine (Katie) Shaw Cox earned her degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been a teacher since 1996, teaching PK -12th graders in a variety of settings: public, private, parochial, Montessori, and homeschool charter over four states. Currently, she works for San Angelo ISD as an instructional coach. Katie works for Education in Action because she loves working with children and feels this experience combines fun and learning.

Jonathan Craig

Jonathan Craig earned his bachelor degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. He went on to receive his teaching certificate through an alternative certification program. He taught Social Studies at International Leadership of Texas in Grand Prairie before moving to Grand Prairie ISD where he has taught 6th grade social studies and ELAR for four years. Jonathan enjoys working as a Facilitator on the camps to help students keep their minds fresh during the summer while building on their knowledge of the great state of Texas.

Shaynon Crawford

Shaynon Crawford earned her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas at Dallas in 2018. In 2021, she received her master's in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas at Denton. She has previously taught 6th Grade Writing and teaches 4th Grade Reading, Writing, and Social Studies in Wylie ISD. Shaynon works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she loves working with children and fostering leadership skills in a fun, exciting way!

Melissa Cruz

Melissa earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and Family Studies from Kansas State University in 1995. After her first visit to Austin later that spring, she quickly fell in love with Texas, and moved to Austin where she has lived ever since. She has taught PreK-2nd grade since 2000. This August she will begin her 6th year as an ESL self-contained 3rd grade teacher at Blanton Elementary in Austin ISD. She is a Lone Star Leadership Academy Facilitator because she thinks it's an amazing opportunity to be able to provide hands-on learning in the most authentic way and she considers it an incredible honor to help cultivate the skills of our future's natural-born leaders.

Daniel Delgado

Danielle Delgado earned her Masters in Education from University of Houston-Victoria. She had been an ELA teacher for four years and is currently teaching 8th grade ELA at Vale Middle School. Danielle works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she loves to incorporate new and fun experiences into her classroom.

Shelly DeLozier

Shelly DeLozier earned her degree in Organizational Administration with a minor in science from Oklahoma State University. She is currently the AP Environmental Science teacher at Sherman High School in Sherman ISD. Prior to that, she was a science department chair and instructional coach in Frisco ISD. Shelly is working as a facilitator with Education in Action because she is excited to be a part of the unique opportunities for students to grow their leadership skills while engaging in new science experiences.

Joseph Ekutshu

Joseph Ekutshu graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in history and a certification to teach social studies grades 7-12. Currently, he teaches 11th Grade US History and African American Studies at Timberview High School in Mansfield ISD. Joseph joined the Education in Action team because of the fulfillment he finds in working with children who value learning beyond compulsory education.

Linda Gooding

Linda Gooding earned her BA in Communication from Sangamon State in Springfield, IL in 1987 and earned her Masters in Education from Rockford University in Rockford, IL in 2010. She taught 6th Grade Reading for three years for Garland ISD and is currently teaching 7th Grade Texas History for the same school district. Linda works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she loves to share her knowledge of history and instilling that love in the students.

Tim Greenwell, Jr

Tim Greenwell earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in Education degree from Avila University, and Educational Leadership Certification from Baker University. He has been a public educator at all levels in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Dallas, Lewisville, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch school districts in North Texas serving as a teacher, coach, advisor, assistant principal, and principal. Tim works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because of his belief to continually grow leaders through meaningful opportunities and experiences.

Tonya Hopkins

Tonya Hopkins earned her Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University in 2013. She currently teaches 4th Grade Math and Science in Arlington ISD. Tonya works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she believes that with any safe, nurturing learning environment with content-driven activities, that children will become producers of new knowledge and lifelong learners.

Tiffanie Jarrett

Tiffanie Jarrett earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1999. She has taught 5th grade Science in the Houston area for the past 10 years, currently at Ashford Elementary in Houston ISD. Tiffanie works as a Facilitator with Education in Action because she enjoys helping students learn and get new experiences all year. She feels when students are able to stay engaged through the summer, they are better prepared for their upcoming school year.

Amanda Jeansonne

Amanda Jeansonne earned her degree in Music Education from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She began by teaching elementary music in Tulia in West Texas then moved to Central Texas to teach elementary music at Troy Elementary. She is currently teaching in Itasca as the head director of the middle school and assistant director for the high school. Amanda works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she wants to give back to this community that has given her so much hope for future generations. She feels that the leadership skills students learn at these camps is an essential part of their development and should be fostered as much as possible.

Colby Kennedy

Colby obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at College of the Ozarks in Southwest Missouri in 2006. He then spent two years teaching abroad in France where he learned his third language. Colby has been teaching grades 9-12 at Singley Academy in Irving ISD since 2013, where he continues to teach Spanish. He has a passion for foreign language and loves sharing his knowledge with students and seeing them grow their communication skills. Colby became a facilitator at Education in Action because he enjoys working with kids and seeing them continue to learn outside of a classroom setting.

Cheyenne LaFargue

Craig Landrum

Craig Landrum studied history, theology, and literature at Dallas Baptist University and went on to earn a Masters degree from Liberty. He is currently halfway finished with a PhD in History. He spent three years teaching ESL in Far East Russia, and 8 years teaching in the DFW area. Alan chose to spend the summer with EIA because he loves learning about Texas, and he enjoys the incredible experiences that can only be found at camp!

Daniel Linder

My name is Daniel Linder. I am a new Texan as I grew up in California. I graduated from Cal State Stanislaus with a Business Administration Degree. I am a PE Teacher/Coach at McMath Middle School in Denton. I am a Facilitator for Education in Action because of the impact camps I attended as a kid had on me.

Rheonda Long

Rheonda Long earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2008. She has been a Texas as well United States History teacher for 13 years at Shackelford Junior High in Arlington, Texas. Rheonda works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys having students see how lessons learned in classroom can be applied in the real world.

Stephanie Lyons

Stephanie Lyons attended Lamar University and earned a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1999. She has taught 8th grade English Language Arts and English as a Second Language for the Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district for 23 years. Stephanie works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she loves watching children learn leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Kellie Martinez

Kellie Martinez earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Texas. She currently teaches at Carrollton Elementary in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She has taught 4th grade math, science, and social studies for the past four years. She is excited to join the Education in Action team this summer because she loves Texas history and likes to share her love of learning with others.

John McConnell

John McConnell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, KS. John also has a Doctorate in Sacred Music from Christian Bible Institute. He has 26 years of teaching experience and is currently an English/Language Arts and Reading Teacher at West Briar Middle School in Houston ISD. John works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he loves introducing fun and exciting opportunities to children. John is also a songwriter. He said, “After such an awesome summer facilitating the leadership camps, I was inspired to write a song to express the true essence and intention of the camps." We invite you to take a listen to the song he wrote and performed which he titled "Education in Action"! The link is on the bottom of this page: www.educationinaction.org/lone-star-leadership-academy

Michael McNeal

Michael McNeal earned his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Austin. He is a sixth grade science teacher at Lone Star Middle School in San Angelo ISD. Michael works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he wants to inspire future leaders.

Adam Montero

Adam Montero earned his Master of Arts in Education degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2021. He taught 6th grade Physical Education at Sanchez Middle School in Socorro ISD the past two years. Adam works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys working with students throughout the year. He feels it is gives students the opportunity to continue their learning in a cool and fun environment.

Shamyria Moore

Shamyria Moore earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Baylor University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. She has been the Assistant Principal at Marine Creek Middle School for the past two years. Shamyria Moore works as an Assistant Director with Education in Action because she feels it is important to motivate and inspire kids to be leaders to those around them.

Lorelei Nguyen

Lorelei Nguyen earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. She has been teaching middle school math in Dallas ISD for five years and currently teaches 7th grade Honors Math at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy in North Dallas. Lorelei works as an Assistant Director with Education in Action because she wants to help support students to meet their potential to become great leaders.

Mitchell O'Briant

Mitchell O'Briant earned a degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Lubbock Christian University in 2011. After serving in ministry for 10 years, he earned his alternative teaching certification through iTeach Texas in May 2022. He teaches 6th grade social studies at Lone Star Middle School in San Angelo ISD. Mitchell works as a Facilitator because he wants to pass on his love and knowledge of History.

Peter Osborne

Peter Osborne earned his degree in Business Administration from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He has taught 8th-grade English Language Arts and Reading and Business Education for 12 years. He has worked for Dallas ISD and Richardson ISD and currently works for Garland ISD in Garland, Texas. He loves working with kids because it allows him to make a difference in their lives so that they can acquire essential knowledge and skills to become productive citizens.

Ivan Pena

Ivan Pena graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in the fall of 2018 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science. Ivan just completed his first year of teaching this past school year. He teaches Physical Education at Spring Creek Elementary School in Garland ISD. He wishes to make a positive difference in the world.

Hai Pham

Hai Pham earned his teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2013. He taught 7th Grade Math and Science classes at Reagan Middle in Grand Prairie ISD for the past seven years. Hai Pham works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break. He feels students at this camp are able to keep their minds fresh and build on their knowledge of the great state of Texas.

Darius Rice

Kristi Robertson

Kristi Robertson earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1994 and has taught elementary school for 28 years. She currently teaches 3rd grade at Roberta Tipps STEAM Academy for Mansfield ISD where she has been employed for 15 years. Kristi works as a Facilitator with Education in Action because she enjoys teaching students and helping them discover, develop, and use their unique talents and abilities.

Jennifer Bell Sanchez

Jennifer Bell Sanchez earned her degree in History from Dallas Baptist University. She has been teaching at Newman International Academy of Arlington Elementary for nine years. Jennifer works as a Facilitator and Assistant Director for the Lone Star Leadership Academy because she loves to see all of the wonderful students from across the state develop their leadership skills while having fun.

Marquettia Stafford

Marquettia Stafford has been actively involved in education for 13 years. Currently, she serves as the Lead Teacher of Special Education. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Jackson State University and her Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University. Teaching is her passion, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue teaching over the summer! Her goal is to instill confidence and a yearning for lifelong learning. Her hobbies include spending quality time with her family, reading, traveling, and volunteering.

Alyssa Taylor

Alyssa Taylor earned her degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Arlington. She taught 8th grade U.S. History for two years and currently works as a middle school Special Education teacher in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Alyssa works as a Facilitator with Education in Action because she loves working with children, seeing them experience new things, and helping them grow their leadership skills.

Michell Tennison

Michell Tennison earned her bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan University. She has taught 5th and 6th grade Science, 7th grade Texas History, and 8th grade U.S. History in Crowley ISD. For the past seven years Michell has been a Professional School Counselor in Crowley ISD and Birdville ISD. She earned two Masters degrees from Lamar University. She has degrees in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health and is currently at Watauga Elementary School. Michell Tennison works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because her favorite thing she taught was Texas History. She loves to share her passion for Texas with students during the summer break and sees it as an amazing opportunity to walk in the steps of Texas History with the students.

Ismal Trayham

Ishmal Trayham earned his Bachelor degree in Public Health at Texas Southern University in 2014. He has been in education for four years and currently teaches 1st grade Science and Math at Reynolds’s Elementary in Houston ISD. Ismal works as a Facilitator because he believes he is the key to students' success. He believes that doing something you are passionate about always ends with positivity.

Lenora Tygart

Lenora Tygart earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Dallas Baptist University in 2012. She taught 6th and 8th grade science for eight years in Grand Prairie, TX. She currently coaches 6th-12th grade Archery and 6th-8th grade Outdoor Education. Lenora works as an Assistant Director with Education in Action because she believes children learn from real-world experiences.

Katie Vipperman

Katelyn Vipperman is currently a freshmen at Hartwell University earning a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education. Katelyn is a Paraprofessional at Lone Star Middle School in San Angelo ISD. Katelyn works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she believes in making education fun and exciting for all ages.

Danielle Welch

Danielle Welch received her teaching degree from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in 2008. She currently teaches eighth grade Reading/English in Iowa Park. Danielle is a Facilitator with Education in Action because she enjoys working with leaders from across the state of Texas.

Youth Facilitators

Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council members have the unique opportunity to return on camps as Youth Facilitators. As Youth Facilitators, these young leaders serve as mentors to the campers, assist the adult Facilitators, and assist camp Directors behind the scenes. Click here to learn more about the Alumni Council and Youth Facilitators.

Megal Alla

Megal is an 11th grader at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

Being a Youth Facilitator will give me the opportunity to not only hone my leadership skills even further, but also explore Texas whilst reliving my experiences as a Lone Star Leadership camper. Having the opportunity to mentor younger students as a Youth Facilitator will allow me to demonstrate the leadership qualities I have been developing this past year with my service project and SHINE lessons, and I would also have the opportunity to acquire more leadership skills from fellow Youth Facilitators and Facilitators. Additionally, being a Youth Facilitator will allow me to return to the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps and hopefully be a role model for younger campers. During my time as a camper, I looked up to my Youth Facilitators, and I knew that one day I would love to have the opportunity to return one day and fulfill that role. By becoming a Youth Facilitator, I hope to be the mentor to other campers that my Youth Facilitators were for me. Not only would I be able to offer my own mentorship and insight to other campers, but I strongly believe that being a Youth Facilitator would also help me work on my own leadership skills.

Advika Asthana

Advika is a 7th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to ensure that all campers have an amazing experience. The camps have so much to offer in terms of leadership skills and enjoyment, and all campers should be able to experience that and also have tons of fun. I would also like to apply what I learned about leadership to inspire the kids at camp.

Madeline Baek

Madeline is a 9th grader in Carroll ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love working and helping with kids. When I did the camp as an incoming seventh grader I was so nervous and scared I wouldn't have a good time, but what reassured me and changed my mind was my Youth Facilitator. I hope I can re-create that same feeling.

Dhanvi Bethalem

Dhanvi is a 9th grader in Frisco ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I would love to be a Youth Facilitator to mentor younger students and to help them have an amazing experience like the one I had, and to learn more about history and science myself.

Brandon Botyos

Brandon is a 10th grader in Denton ISD and a 5th year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I really like being able to educate young leaders. It is really awesome to see them all so eager to learn.

Brianna Botyos

Brianna is a 10th grader in Denton ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I would like to be a Youth Facilitator because I love to help people learn how to be a better leader. I love to meet new people and I enjoy helping people be more successful and become the best leader they can be.

Annalise Breyer

Annalise is a 10th grader in Round Rock ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I have been to five Leadership Camps before, and was a Youth Facilitator for two of them. I really enjoyed these experiences and thought that they helped me grow my leadership skills a lot. I have always enjoyed leading a group, and being a Youth Facilitator lets me do that. I also want to give back to the program with this opportunity.

Elizabeth Brown

Elizabeth is a 10th grader in Klein ISD.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to help the shy kids come out of their shell. I was that shy kid when I first started at leadership camp and I want those kids that were just like me to break out and find themselves.

Yuti Chougule

Yuti is a 9th grader in Frisco ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love to learn about Texas history and I would like to inspire others to as well. I also attended camp as a camper and would love to come again to show others what a great experience this.

Kate Fambrough

Kate is a 9th grader in Stephenville ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I wish to be a Youth Facilitator to mentor and get to know Lone Star campers. I loved attending camp last year for the first time, and one of the reasons why was because of my Youth Facilitators. I simply want to pay it forward!

Ethan Farhoudi

Ethan is a 9th grader in Kerrville ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I have many reasons why I would want to be a Youth Facilitator for Education in Action. I have a desire to lead and want to keep learning from the amazing program I have had a chance to be a part of in the past. I also want to be able to serve the program, helping the next generation of leaders thrive. For starters, the Education in Action leadership program and community project have improved my skill set as a leader but have also left me with a desire to continue helping others. With the end of the school year imminent, and being a second-year member of the program, I think it would be a great opportunity to continue to learn more from the older and much wiser facilitators who taught me from the start.

Furthermore, the reason that I have been so motivated to come back is because of the leaders I looked up to the entire time I was a student at Education in Action, always genuinely wanting to see every kid that they saw succeed. I wish to spread that as well, hoping that I can be a role model for at least one of them and that they will go and make a difference in their community because of it. In conclusion, my desire to lead and learn, as well as make a difference in the next leaders of the world are why I want to be a Youth Facilitator for the Education in Action program.

Matthew Gather

Matthew is an 8th grader in Greenwood ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I would like to teach younger students because I feel that I can not only teach them, but I can also learn from them as well. I attended the LSLA last summer in Houston/Galveston area and I truly enjoyed it. I feel that since I went through the camp, I can lead by example because I know what to expect.

Drew Grahlfs

Drew is an 8th grader in Splendora ISD and first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to help give other students the same great experiences that I had as a camper. They helped me form many lasting friendships, and learn the rich history of the Lone Star State!

Kristopher Hodgin

Kristopher is an 11th grader in Katy ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I want to serve as a Youth Facilitator this summer to continue my leadership development and gain new communication skills.

Timothy Jenkins

Tim is an 11th grader in Belton ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator again because I learned so much from the students that I led. They taught me how to have fun as we learned together and they also taught me how to be a better leader.

Abigail Kennedy

Abigail is a 9th grader in Springtown ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I like working with younger kids and seeing what they can accomplish.

Katherine Kimberlin

Katherine is an 11th grader in El Paso ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I want to take advantage of this opportunity to refine my leadership skills by being put into a role that requires a practical application of those skills.

Charlize Lopez

Charlize is a 7th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a sixth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because of my desire to connect with younger leaders. As a Youth Facilitator, I will provide campers advice, mentorship, and support as they overcome obstacles, hone their leadership skills, and strive to achieve their objectives. I'm excited to share the wisdom I've gained through serving as a leader and to learn from the younger generation on fresh ideas and perspectives. Being a Youth Facilitator is personally satisfying and meaningful. It is tremendously gratifying to be able to assist others in their growth and development, and I think that working with young people in this capacity would have a particularly positive effect.

Delaney McGurren

Delaney is an 8th grader in Hays CISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love the past experiences I’ve had at Lone Star Leadership Academy and this would be a great opportunity to build my leadership skills, and since I’m a Trailblazer, I want to be able to show younger students the pathway to becoming a good leader.

Clara Neill

Clara is a 9th grader in Richardson ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I am excited about going into the field of education and I believe that having the opportunity to work with campers will give me a chance to grow these skills. The Education in Action campers are the leaders of tomorrow and students that are ready to have a great time and learn along the way! I had a blast as a camper last year, and am not ready to end my journey with Education in Action just yet!

Lana Nguyen

Lana is a 9th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator to encourage future leaders and strengthen my own leadership skills. I am a firm believer in empowering and inspiring others to reach for their goals. As a Youth Facilitator, I hope I can play a part in these students' journeys to become leaders during their time at camp.

Kaila Pierson

Kaila is an 11th grader in Katy ISD and a 1st year Alumni Council member.

Ever since I was in elementary, I've had a deep love for history and getting to look into stories of the past. This camp is an amazing opportunity to get to explore historical sites across Texas that I otherwise wouldn't be able to experience. Moreover, in the future I want to pursue leadership positions in many of my own endeavors such as school clubs, Taekwondo training, and lab work. Lone Star Leadership Academy is a perfect opportunity for me to build on my leadership skills in an environment that is safe and open.

Jake Ringnald

Jake is a 7th grader in Richardson ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I had an amazing experience last year in San Antonio. I believe I will be able to make sure everyone is having a good time and is organized. I believe it is a great idea to have Youth Facilitators because they can help the other youth when an adult leader isn’t able to help.

Mia Rivera

Mia is an 11th grader in Santa Gertrudis ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator for the Lone Star Leadership Academy to be able to provide the same positive and educational experience I was given. By acting as a mentor, I am hopefully able to impact those who attend and ignite a future passion in them that they can grow and learn from that will guide them both in and out of the classroom.

Natalee Scholl

Natalee is an 11th grader in Dripping Springs ISD and a third year Alumni Council member.

I have enjoyed participating in the LSLA for the last three years. I have been able to help the younger students during what might have been a tough time for them being away from home for the first time. I have learned from my time that being present and helping out really makes a difference, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to be here. I hope that the younger students see what a great time it is and want to come back and facilitate just like I have.

Sofia Solano-Arango

Sofia is an 8th grader at Lutheran North Academy and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator to learn skills to help me become a better leader in the future, to prepare me in leadership situations, and to help others become the best leaders they can be.

Avery Sutton

Avery is an 8th grader in Birdville ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping both the campers and the Facilitators. I like to be able to help the campers feel more comfortable, as I went to camp for the first time, too, and can relate to how they are feeling. I also really enjoy getting to know everyone well, both younger and older than myself.

Yeva Tcharikova

Yeva is an 11th grader in Round Rock ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I think that everyone deserves the chance to learn how to be a good leader. I would like to provide others the opportunity that I've received, appreciated, and loved in the past. The Youth Facilitators from my own camps made me feel important, now I want to do that for someone else. Everyone deserves to feel important.

Ryder Trent

Ryder is a 10th grader in Dripping Springs ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

The Youth Facilitator position is something that I desired when I was a camper myself. As funny as that sounds, I really wanted to make a difference at the camp. This position is some thing that offers me opportunities to meet people from all backgrounds. Last year, the campers really made a difference in the way I handle situations with others, and I can’t wait to learn more from them! Most of all, it is the Youth Facilitator position which allows me to exercise the leadership skills that I have learned from camp. It has also helped me in my service project in my community.

Hariharan Venkatesh

Hariharan is an 8th grader at Meridian School in Round Rock and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to increase my skills in leadership in large groups/roles. Youth Facilitators have the opportunity to work with many different kids with many different strengths and weaknesses. A leader should be able to adapt to fit to everyone's preferences, while being able to lead efficiently and concisely. Being a Youth Facilitator helps one strengthen this ability as well as many more, while leaving lasting impressions on younger peers by offering advice and support to help them advance as leaders too.

Olivia Zhang

Olivia is a 9th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator to further my leadership skills. By leading younger students, I will learn how to become a true leader. Additionally, as I have learned from past experiences at my church, I love helping others bring out their full potential and take part in the community.