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.

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.

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 fifth 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 eleven years and has worked in education for twenty-eight years. This will be her ninth summer with Education in Action. Denise will celebrate her 34th 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.

Terri Stout

Terri Stout earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her MBA from Claremont Graduate School. After 15 years in the business world, she went back to school to earn her teaching degree. Currently, Terri teaches third grade at Daffron Elementary School in Plano ISD.

Facilitators and Assistant Directors

Adrienne Abrahamson

Adrienne Abrahamson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of North Texas. She received her teaching certificate through an alternative certification program the following year. She began her teaching career as a Spanish teacher at Colleyville Heritage High School in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD where she taught for 3.5 years. She now teaches Honors and AP Spanish for heritage and native Spanish speakers at Austin Middle School in Irving ISD. Adrienne works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she knows opportunities to discover and experience new things outside of the classroom are a powerful aid in creating lifelong learners and future leaders.

Shawn Allen-Wade

Shawn Allen-Wade earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas Woman's University in 1995. He is a certified Deaf Education Teacher, and he has taught Pre-K, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Grades. Shawn is currently teaching 4th Grade Reading, Writing, and Texas History at Norton Elementary School in Allen ISD. Shawn works as an Education in Action Facilitator during the summer because he loves spending the extra time with students from different areas of Texas. He also loves to share his knowledge and excitement for the great state of Texas and its rich history and resources as the students get hands-on and in-person experiences.

Conner Ayers

Conner Ayers earned his Spanish teaching degree from Indiana University-Bloomington, a Masters in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. This past year, Conner has worked as a high school Spanish teacher for Pleasanton ISD in South Texas. Conner decided to work as a Facilitator for Education in Action as he knows the importance of providing youth with real-world experiences that will always be remembered.

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.

Marliese Bordman

Marliese Bordman earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas. She has been a 3rd grade teacher at Gunstream Elementary School in Frisco ISD for the past eight years. Marliese works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she loves working with children and seeing their creativity and collaboration skills in action as they learn to take responsibility for their own learning.

Willhemina Brantley

Wilhelmina Brantley is a native of Virginia, earned her Bachelor's in Business and worked in Marketing for 12 years. She also worked with youth groups in both Chicago and Texas. She received her teaching certification in 1999 and has taught English and Reading in junior high for 21 years. She has a Masters from Lamar University in School Counseling. Wilhelmina works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she believes kids are our future and it's our job to help them make it a bright one!

Mark Chavez

Terrence Cochran

Terrence Cochran studied musical theater at KD Studios Conservatory. He is continuing his education in the performing arts as well as psychology at the University of North Texas. Terrence has worked with Dallas ISD since 2010 teaching middle school theater and facilitating after school programs and summer camps. Terrence is excited to begin work as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he thoroughly enjoys teaching, leading, and inspiring. He is thrilled to sharpen his educational skills while helping these very intelligent students learn all about Texas. Terrence believes that it’s never too late to learn and that education does not take a summer break.

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.

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.

Rochelle DeLozier

Rochelle DeLozier earned her degree in Organizational Administration with a minor in science from Oklahoma State University. She is currently the science department chair at Wester Middle School in Frisco ISD where she has taught science for 10 years. Rochelle is working as a facilitator for 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.

Christian Ditumbule

Christian Ditumbule earned his degree in Pre-Law and is earning his Master of Education in Administration from Liberty University in Virginia. After serving in the US Army, he started his teaching career. Since 2010, he has taught math and foreign language and coached soccer in Oklahoma and Texas. He has been a teacher in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD the last four years. Mr. Ditumbule is passionate about sharing leadership skills with students.

Brian Evans

Brian Evans earned his Sports Administration degree from the University of Houston in 2016. He will teach 7th and 8th Grade CTE classes at Houston Middle School in Irving ISD this coming year. Brian works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys enjoys supporting students' continued learning throughout the summer and helping students build on their leadership skills to make a positive difference in their communities.

Marian Fleischman

Marian Fleischmann earned her teaching degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton in 2014. She also holds degrees in English and U.S. History. She taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade beginner ESL at E.B. Comstock Middle School in Dallas ISD for five years and taught 5th grade general education this past school year. Marian works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because the educational aspects are excellent and the student leaders have so much fun.

Lindsay Gallagher

Lindsay Gallagher earned her Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Miami University in Ohio. She received her teaching certificate through an alternative program. Lindsay is completing her 5th year in Lewisville ISD as a 7th grade Texas History teacher. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of Texas history with the students and working with our future leaders.

Diamond Hugh

Diamond Hugh earned her degree in English/Political Science from Texas State University. She teaches 1st and 2nd grade math and science at BASIS Austin. Diamond works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break. She enjoys seeing her students learning in action!

Tiffanie Jarrett

Tiffanie Jarrett earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1999. She has taught 5th grade Science and Social Studies at Adolphus Elementary in Lamar Consolidated ISD for the past nine years. Tiffanie works as a Facilitator for 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.

Blaike Johnson

Blaike Johnson earned his degree in Global Studies and Special Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2015. He has taught 6th Grade Social Studies at Robinson Middle School in Plano ISD for the past year. Blaike works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys impacting the lives of students through educating, encouraging, and equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in any field.

Hope Johnson

Hope Johnson earned her teaching degree from Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2017. She has taught 6th grade math at Robinson Middle School in Plano ISD for the past four years. Hope works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys every opportunity to work with students. She looks forward to continuing to encourage, empower, and educate students of all backgrounds to further equip them for their futures.

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.

Candice Kumor

Candice Kumor earned a Masters in Education from Midwestern State University and a Bachelors in Teaching from Texas A&M University. Currently she is the Innovation Specialist at Overton Ray Elementary in Burkburnett ISD. She has taught a total of 15 years in Texas public schools yet continues to learn something new every day from her students and colleagues. Candice works as an Assistant Director for Education in Acton because she lives for the moment when new information and a student’s reality collide, creating a light bulb moment that changes them forever. She believes that the right time to start training our future leaders is now.

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.

Toyor Malveaux

Toyor Malveaux attended Sam Houston State University and earned her Interdisciplinary Studies Degree in Elementary Education. She earned her Masters in School Counseling from the University of St. Thomas and her 2nd Masters from the University of Texas Arlington in Social Work. Currently Toyor teaches 1st grade in Sheldon ISD in Houston. Toyer is excited to work with the campers as a Facilitator to see them learn and experience new things outside the classroom.

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

Katherine McGregor

Katherine McGregor earned her teaching degree from Texas College in Tyler in 1991. She has taught second through fourth grades and for the last five years has taught third grade math at Christene C. Moss Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD. Katherine works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys continuing to work with students during her summer break. She feels that students should experience our rich Texas history first-hand by combining fun and exposure.

Michael McNeal

Bio coming soon.

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.

Chris Narro

Christopher Narro earned his degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University. This August Christopher will be starting his first year of teaching at Coppell Middle School West as a 7th Grade social studies teacher/coach. He is working with Education in Action because enjoys making learning a fun experience for his students.

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.

Wanna Pierce

Wanna Pierce earned her teaching degree from Lamar University in 2013. She has taught 5th Grade Science at Klentzman Intermediate School in Alief ISD for the past four years. Wanna Pierce works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys continuing to work with the students during the summer break in a non-traditional setting. She feels that the Education in Action summer program is an awesome experience that engages students and combines fun and learning.

Billy Pritchett

Billy Pritchett received his Bachelor's degree in Church Music with a minor in History from Asbury University in 1990 and his Master's in Music in Choral Conducting and Music History from Southern Methodist University in 1992. After 10 years as a Music and Youth Pastor at churches in the Dallas area, Mr. Pritchett began his teaching career at Tarrant County College in 2001, teaching music. In 2016, Mr. Pritchett got his teaching certification in History, and began teaching World History and Geography at Village Tech Schools in Cedar Hill, Texas. Since 2017, he has taught music at Bilhartz Elementary School in Duncanville. Mr. Pritchett is very excited to be apart of Education in Action and share his love of history and experience in leadership with students.

Stephanie Salinas

Stephanie Salinas earned her degree in Art Early Childhood-12 from the University of North Texas. She is currently a substitute in Dallas ISD at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. Stephanie works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she loves working with students and helping students explore the world. Stephanie is excited to learn and share many great things about Texas.

Jana Schreier

Jana Schreier earned her degrees in Physical Education and Secondary Social Studies in 1987 at the University of Texas at El Paso. She has taught public school for 23 years and currently works in Cleburne ISD. Jana loves dynamic teaching methods and is thrilled to be a part of the Lone Star Leadership Academy. She hopes to encourage her students to see life as an adventure!

Danyell Shaw

Bio coming soon.

Jenny Smith

Jenny Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations in 2006 from Tarleton State University in Stephenville. After graduating and owning her own business for 13 years, she received her alternative certification in education in 2017. She is currently teaching 7th grade Texas History and 8th grade U.S. History in San Angelo. Juggling dual contents and different grade levels is not uncommon for Jenny. She was previously the U.S. History and Media Publications teacher and sponsored the school yearbook. Jenny works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because, as a lifelong learner herself, she enjoys the moments when students and future leaders make real-world connections that shape their lives. Learning through experiences while having fun and instilling a lifelong love of learning are her teaching goals.

Ryan Weiss

Ryan Weiss earned his degree in History at the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. He has been a Texas History teacher at Tidwell Middle School in Northwest ISD for the past four years. Ryan works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys working with kids and helping them learn about the world around them.

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.

Vaibhavi Addala

Vaibhavi is an 11th grader in Eanes ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I had an exceptional experience when I attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy as a rising freshman in the summer of 2019; it allowed me to break out of my sheltered bubble and meet people from all over Texas, all while learning about the great state I get to call home and improving my leadership skills. Since then, I have been able to work on these skills and refine them through my experience as a member of the Alumni Council; I know that working as a Youth Facilitator will be a very rewarding way for me to not only get a similar experience as the one I got in 2019, but also grow my leadership skills in a new way.

Anya Aggarwal

Anya is a 9th grader at The Hockaday School and a third year Alumni Council member.

Being a Youth Facilitator and Service Project Coordinator has allowed me to exchange ideas with people outside my usual context and envision myself as part of a bigger world. My experience in the Lone Star Leadership Academy for the past five years and with the Alumni Council for the last three, has given me invaluable exposure to so many students and facilitators from all over Texas. I look forward to returning as a Youth Facilitator to share the work I have started in advocating for education and also inspire others to make powerful change in every way they can.

Megal Alla

Megal is a 10th grader at St. Stephen's Episcopal School and a third year Alumni Council member.

As a camper, I was inspired by my Youth Facilitators to improve my leadership skills, and they inspired/shaped me into the leader I am today. Likewise, I extremely enjoyed being a Youth Facilitator last year, and I hope to inspire campers in the same way my Youth Facilitators inspired me.

Sonal Alla

Sonal is an 11th grader at St. Stephen's Episcopal School and a third year Alumni Council member.

I would like to be a Youth Facilitator because I love mentoring younger students and offering insight. As a camper, I recall that one of my favorite parts of camp was getting to meet the Youth Facilitators. They made a huge impression on me and I still keep in touch with some of them. They offered me guidance and expertise, and I was also able to relate to them since they had already been in my place a few years before. As a Youth Facilitator, I hope to provide the same support to younger students.

Madeline Baek

Madeline is an 8th grader in Carroll ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love helping others and seeing them having a great time. It makes me smile knowing that I set an example for them and I'm a leader to them.

Samantha Billings

Samantha is an 8th grader in Keller ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

During my time at the camp, I realized that within one week, you can make amazing connections. This made me want to be a Youth Facilitator since I would be able to spend time with everyone and help younger kids. My youth facilitators told me about how much fun it was, getting to know everyone, learning their story, and getting to help them learn and grow. Also, this summer, I was planning on being a camp counselor or volunteering since I love helping with younger kids and getting to know them.

Brandon Botyos

Brandon is a 9th grader in Denton ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I have already been a Youth Facilitator once before and it was a very fun experience. I got a lot more experience being a leader and having responsibilities in a group. I made a lot of connections with the adult facilitators, and I learned a lot from them as well.

Brianna Botyos

Brianna is a 9th grader in Denton ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love to help young people learn how to be a leader while being a leader myself. I was a Youth Facilitator last year and I absolutely loved being able to learn more about myself and being a better leader.

Addison Bouillion

Addison is a 12th grader in Georgetown ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

After many attempts of going to different overnight summer camps, I never found one that I truly loved attending until the Lone Star Leadership Academy. This was the first summer camp that I was actually excited to attend and it was the only summer camp that I ever returned to the following years. I loved attending and meeting new people from all across Texas, and I want to be able to provide that same experience for all of the students planning on attending the camp. This camp provided me with so many fun memories and friends and I love being able to return that experience to others!

Annalise Breyer

Annalise is a 9th grader in Round Rock ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I have participated in the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps four times, including once as a Youth Facilitator. 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 9th grader in Klein ISD and a third year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love to help others get out of their shell. I was a very shy kid when I first started this program and I had people to help me become who I am today. I want to be that person for someone else.

Reese Cockrum

Reese is a 9th grader in Quinlan ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

The opportunity of teaching younger students by being a Youth Facilitator will make me able to put all that I have learned with the lessons and service project into the real world. I also want to teach the younger students on how to become a leader and not be afraid to be themselves. The first time I attended the camp I was really nervous to be who I am until the Youth Facilitators showed me that no matter what it is okay to be yourself.

Freya Dolman

Freya is an 8th grader in Aledo ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because when I first attended Education in Action the facilitators that I was lead by impacted my desire to mentor students like they mentored me.

Ethan Farhoudi

Ethan is an 8th grader in Kerrville ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

There are a multitude of reasons why I want to be a Youth Facilitator for the Lone Star Leadership Academy. I have had previous experience leading my peers, and I want to be able to use the skills I have learned from that and from Education in Action to better the education of others. Moreover, I am working towards being able to use the leadership skills that I have learned with my experience at the Lone Star Leadership Academy more in the real-world, even after my time is over at Education in Action.

For starters, during the 2020-2021 school year, I had the opportunity to have first-hand experience in leading, communicating, organizing, and collaborating with team members and teachers as a robotics team captain. I believe that with my experience from both Education in Action and from leadership responsibilities I have taken on in my hometown, I have been empowered to make a difference as a leader in people's lives. I believe that being a leader and Youth Facilitator at the Lone Star Leadership Academy is the next step in being a successful leader.

Furthermore, the skills I will learn from being a Youth Facilitator will give me more opportunities to be a successful leader, even when I am no longer an Alumni Council member. These skills will then be able to manifest in my future career through coordination, collaboration, and organization of events or gatherings.

In conclusion, I want to be a Youth Facilitator is because of the skillset that I can grow and improve and carry with me as a leader, no matter where I go.

Ethan Ganham

Ethan is a 10th grader in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I greatly enjoyed being an attendee at the camps and very much enjoyed looking up to the Youth Facilitators. I would like to be able to be that role model to other leaders and for them to be able to look up to me as well.

James Gonzalez

James is an 8th grader in Clear Creek ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because, as a third year Lone Star Leadership Academy participant, I have gained so much knowledge from the facilitators, and I want to share that knowledge with current participants.

Kristopher Hodgin

Kristopher is a 10th grader in Katy ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because this camp has meant so much to me every summer and it makes me proud to share this with the next generation.

Timothy Jenkins

Timothy is a 10th grader in Belton ISD and a fourth year Alumni Council member.

I am interested in being a Youth Facilitator because I want to be the same kind of example, mentor, and leader to others just as Youth Facilitators have been for me throughout all my leadership camps. I want to pass on all that I have learned and gained through the experiences I've had and the relationships I have made.

Tucker Keeney

Tucker is an 8th grader in Pleasant Grove ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator so that I am able to help give campers the

same amazing experience as I had last year.

Kristyn Lacki

Kristyn is a 10th grader at Liberty Classical Academy Homeschool Co-Op and a first year Alumni Council member.

During my time as a Lone Star Leadership Academy participant, I enjoyed my educational experience immensely. As a member of the LSLA Alumni Council, I love the concept of giving back to this program by helping to instill the same curiosity and excitement for learning I experienced as a participant.

Paisley Lewis

Paisley is an 8th grader in Henderson ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I loved my camp experience. I've grown a lot since camp in many ways I never thought I would. I would love to go back and help other campers discover a part of themselves they did not know was there before.

Charlize Lopez

Charlize is a 10th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to help young leaders develop themselves. I can best do this by applying the knowledge that I’ve gained from the Alumni Council and from going through all the previous camps.

Aiken Madan

Aiken is a 10th grader at St. Thomas' Episcopal School and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator to refine my leadership abilities, discover new ones, and possibly divulge my weaknesses. I hope, not only to practice leading or help with leading a group of people, but to also analyze how individuals in a group of people interact with each other when trying to achieve a mutual goal and to use those interaction dynamics to help the group work better together and achieve greater cohesion.

Lana Nguyen

Lana is an 8th grader in Fort Bend ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator to inspire students to continue growing, learning, and achieving and to help me to strengthen my leadership skills. As a Youth Facilitator, empowering others to be strong leaders and reach their full potential will be my number one priority. I also want to be inclusive and make sure everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Kaila Pierson

Kaila is a 10th grader in Katy ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

There are many reasons that I want to be a Youth Facilitator, but the most prominent reasons are my love for history, my desire to make connections across the state, and the prospect of being able to learn valuable skills in leading others. First of all, I want to become a Youth Facilitator as this camp has provided me the opportunity to go to many museums and historical sites across Texas that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to experience. My area of interest for my future career path is a historian, archaeologist, or museum curator and Lone Star Leadership Academy has allowed me to see a wide range of museums, information, and jobs that has fueled my passion for history and culture. By becoming a Youth Facilitator I want to continue to experience these museums and look into other jobs under my field of interest for when I go to college. Secondly, I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to make connections across the state. From past Lone Star camps, I have met people from all over the state and have continued to keep in contact with many of my old group mates years later. By becoming a Youth Facilitator I want to be able to make connections with more students and staff of the sites we visit as these connections can be useful when applying for college, finding jobs in my field of interest, and getting professional advice from those much more experienced than me. Lastly, I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to improve my leadership skills in the areas that I am lacking and to be able to apply them to a wide range of situations in my personal life. Currently, I am a Taekwondo athlete and am looking to begin instructing other Taekwondo classes. To do so, I want to be able to improve my patience and develop a more confident, loud voice so that I can be more confident in speaking up. This experience will be a perfect place to work on my leadership skills as it provides a healthy environment where I can learn from the other facilitators around me without fear of messing up or being embarrassed.

Aubriana Ramirez

Aubriana is an 11th grader in Industrial ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to enhance my leadership skills and help others become leaders

Kathrine Ramirez

Kathrine is an 11th grader in Industrial ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator so I can use the leadership qualities I learned from my previous LSLA experiences and to set an example to the other fellow leaders.

Mia Sandate

Mia is a 10th grader in Ector County ISD and a fifth year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator as I greatly enjoy attending the Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camps and this past year I enjoyed even more serving as a Youth Facilitator. I have learned a great deal and enjoy passing on that knowledge other students. As a Youth Facilitator I will guide and encourage the young campers. I will pass on what I have learned from my past years a s a camper and Youth Facilitator. I want all campers to feel welcome and to enjoy the experience.

Natalee Scholl

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

I would like to be a Youth Facilitator because I really enjoyed my time as a Youth Facilitator last year. I also enjoy using my leadership skills that I have learned in the past to be a good role model for the students at the camp. I care about making sure that all of the students have a great time like I did whenever I first went to camp. I also want to make sure that everyone is included at all times during the camp.

Avery Sutton

Avery is a 7th grader in Birdville ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to help the campers feel comfortable while they are away from home. I also want to help lead the way for them to learn greater leadership skills.

Yeva Tcharikova

Yeva is a 10th grader in Round Rock ISD and a second year Alumni Council member.

I love any opportunity to serve my community, and I think it's important to teach children how to be not only a good person but a great leader. I went through these camps as a child, and I've gained so many skills that have helped me get through school. Other kids should get the same opportunity and it would be amazing if I could give that to them.

Ryder Trent

Ryder is a 9th grader in Dripping Springs ISD and a first year Alumni Council member.

The Youth Facilitator position interests me because it will help me to become a better leader. In fact, the position will improve on my strengths and how I affect those around me. The camp experience will also show me the ups and downs leaders face. This will help shape me to become someone who is better prepared for the world and its challenges.

Kenzie White

Kenzie is a 10th grader in Columbia-Brazoria ISD. Kenzie wants to be a Youth Facilitator to help students develop their leadership skills. The campers have such different talents and watching them go from being very shy to leading their group because she helped makes her feel great. Kenzie has been a member of the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council for three years.