Three BISD students were selected as outstanding 4th-8th graders to participate in Education in Action’s summer 2019 Lone Star Leadership Academy camp. These young leaders, Ainsley Wescott from Lake Jackson Intermediate School and Karen Farrel and Callie Link from Grady Rasco Middle School, 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. Our three young leaders joined other participating students representing communities across Texas, at the Austin/San Antonio (5th, 6th & 7th graders) and Houston/Galveston (6th, 7th & 8th graders) camps.
During the weeklong, overnight camp, these distinguished students developed leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. They experienced what they are learning in school through visits to notable and historically significant Texas sites. Venues included places such as the offices of participants’ state legislators at the Texas State Capitol, the Supreme Court of Texas, 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. In addition, professionals at sites visited introduced students to a wide variety of unique careers 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.
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.