Greenville ISD Students Participate in 2012 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camps

This past school year, 30 exceptional youth facilitators and 956 outstanding 4^th-8^th grade students were selected to participate in Education in Action’s 2012 spring break and summer camps. Among these were Greenville ISD students Ryan Bays, Coleman Avants and Kenzie Gray. Lone Star Leadership Academy camps took place in 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). 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.

During the weeklong overnight Lone Star Leadership Academy camps, 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, but are not limited to, 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 their state legislators at the Texas State Capitol, The Bob 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 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. 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.