Nine hundred fifty-two outstanding 4^th-8^th graders participated in Education in Action’s summer 2015 Lone Star Leadership Academy camps. Additionally, 30 student alumni returned to serve in a leadership role as youth facilitators. These young leaders were selected for the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps based on demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation, and involvement in school/community activities. Mrs. Kim Fake, fifth grade teacher at Lamar Elementary, nominated then fifth grader Ana Alvarez to participate in the leadership program for her outstanding academic and leadership performance throughout the year. The participating students, representing communities across Texas, traveled to Dallas/Fort Worth (4^th, 5^th & 6^th graders), Austin/San Antonio (5^th, 6^th & 7^th graders), and Houston/Galveston (6^th, 7^th & 8^th graders) to take part in the camps.

During the weeklong, overnight Lone Star Leadership Academy camps, these distinguished students developed 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 places such as 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 participants’ state legislators at the Texas State Capitol, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, bat watching on the Lone Star Riverboat, and the Alamo on the Austin/San Antonio program; and NASA, a boat tour of 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 during each camp.

The Lone Star Leadership Academy experience provides a unique opportunity for outstanding students to learn about Texas leaders and what it 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 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.

“I nominated [Ana] because she is a leader in the classroom and in the school,” said Mrs. Fake. “Ana really enjoys learning and tries to set examples for her peers by participating in class, taking responsibility for her classwork and homework and took initiative with others to help them when needed.  She also followed the rules that each teacher had in his/her classroom and also the school rules for Lamar.  Ana was on the student council at Lamar which is another leadership role.  She was a well- rounded student who has the perseverance to continue to work hard and be successful!” she said.

Education in Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Students involved in student government and service organizations are especially good candidates for Lone Star Leadership Academy camps. For more information about the Lone Star Leadership Academy, visit www.educationinaction.org.