SHSU Moot Court Reaches Sweet Sixteen at UC San Diego

Written by Allie Plunk

On October 3rd and 4th, Sam Houston State University’s Moot Court Team had the incredible opportunity to compete in the Triton Tidal Invitational, hosted by the University of California–San Diego.

The first day consisted of three preliminary rounds, each with pre-assigned competitors and arguments. Interestingly, both of SHSU’s teams had one round arguing as Petitioner and two rounds arguing as Respondent, allowing each team to practice both sides of the case and adapt their arguments to different perspectives.

After each round, the teams had the chance to regroup, discuss feedback, and prepare for the next argument. Between rounds, we were also grateful to have snacks graciously provided by Stephanie Fors, which kept everyone fueled and ready to take on the next challenge!

Once the preliminary rounds concluded, we anxiously waited for the results. The standings would determine which teams would advance to the “Sweet Sixteen” and return on Sunday for another day of competition. Despite some skepticism about our chances (editor’s note: deserved skepticism), both of SHSU’s teams made it into the “Sweet Sixteen”! We were thrilled to have the opportunity to compete again and prove ourselves against some incredibly talented teams.

On Sunday, both teams returned to the courtroom ready to give it their all. Although neither team ultimately advanced to the quarter-finals, making it to the “Sweet Sixteen” was an accomplishment we were extremely proud of.

Beyond the results, the scrimmage gave our Moot Court teams something even more valuable: experience. Throughout the weekend, we were able to test our arguments in a competitive setting, identify some of our strongest points, uncover weaknesses in our cases, and come away with new ideas for strengthening our arguments. Every round gave us something to learn from, and we made it out with a much better understanding of what we can do to prepare for our next competition.

We are incredibly grateful to UC San Diego for hosting such a valuable and exciting scrimmage. We are proud of how far both teams made it and are looking forward to putting what we learned into practice. We are all excited for competition at Texas A&M on October 30th, and we can’t wait to see what the team accomplishes next!

Allie and the Tools of Success: Cherry Fritter, Notes, Ring Light, Notes, Coffee-Flavored Sugar from Seven Bros., Half-Hearted Smile, and More Notes

From the Capitol to the Canvas: LEAP’s Austin Adventure Comes to a Close

Written by Brittlyn Jackson and Kayla Fleming

To wrap up an exciting and informative weekend in Austin at the Texas Tribune Festival, LEAP students visited the Blanton Museum of Art. Founded in 1936 and located on the edge of the University of Texas at Austin’s campus (with an astonishing view of the Texas State Capitol), Blanton houses more than 22,000 pieces from a variety of cultures, time periods, and artistic styles.

Professor Yawn pointed out many great artists throughout our visit, including one of his personal favorites, Jerry Bywaters. Bywaters was a Texas regionalist, and his piece, Oil Field Girls, gave us a view of the West Texas landscape and conditions during the 1940s.

We also learned about Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, important artists associated with the Hudson River School who created paintings depicting the American West. Their paintings, The Golden Hour and Indian Canoe, allowed us to see how Americans viewed the West in the late 1800s. The warm tones of what appeared to be a setting sun, along with the beautiful landscapes, made these paintings visually striking and compelling.

We also encountered art pieces from the Spanish Americas, many of which had unknown artists. I noticed a lot of the Spanish art consisted of religious paintings and sculptures. We also came across another Texas native and Latino artist, Luis Jiménez, whose fiberglass sculpture, Border Crossing [Cruzando el Río Bravo], immediately caught my attention. The sculpture itself stands around 4ft tall and features bright neon colors. The sculpture, like most of Jiménez’s work, features bright colors he associates with Mexico, making it all the more captivating.

We then got to see examples of Pop Art, including Andy Warhol’s painting, Farrah Fawcett. We also viewed artists who specialized in cubism and abstraction. One of the most well-known artists we saw was Pablo Picasso, who had two paintings on display when we visited.

We also got to visit Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel, titled Austin, located outside the museum. The Chapel was solid white with geometric designs and colorful stained-glass windows that looked stunning in the light, a staple of Kelly’s work.  

My favorite piece personally was Madam C. J.  Walker by Sonya Clark, a portrait of Madam Walker made entirely out of hair combs. I really liked how the individual combs came together to create the portrait. I also enjoyed the creativity and symbolism behind using the combs, especially because Madam Walker rose to fame in African American hair care products.  

After the museum, we had the chance to drive by the Elisabet Ney Museum on our way home. It was built in her former home and art studio in Hyde Park, standing out because of its limestone castle-like structure. We were especially interested due to our tour of the Capitol, where she has two prominent statues in the South Foyer. They are of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, two prominent figures in Texas History.

The museum was a perfect way to end an exciting and educational trip. LEAP students learned a lot and enjoyed their time there tremendously. From exciting panels sparking new ideas to culinary adventures like Skipjack Oyster, it was a trip to remember. We are excited to take our lessons and newfound ideas back to Huntsville, where we can use them in our everyday lives.

Painted in Time: Larry Cook

Written by Kayla Fleming

On Tuesday, September 22, LEAP students had the opportunity to hear renowned historian Dr. Larry Cook speak on the historical insights hidden within Francis B. Carpenter’s personal artifacts. Hosted at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and presented by Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, the event was deeply enriching, featuring historical artifacts that had never been seen by the public. 

Following an introduction by Director Birdsall, Dr. Cook shared his background in Texas and his path to becoming a full-time historian, author, and political commentator. Drawing from his third book, Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words, Dr. Cook was witty, energetic, and engaging.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning about Carpenter—an artist most famous for what he called “The Great Painting,” depicting President Lincoln’s first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation—and how his journals are helping historians’ nationwide piece together the past with greater clarity. His writings offer key insights into major historical figures due to his time living in the White House under both President Pierce and President Lincoln. His time in the capital also allowed him to paint prominent senators and political figures, most notably Sam Houston. 

As an SHSU student, I was particularly interested in his notes on Sam Houston. Carpenter recorded that Houston spoke with a noticeable drawl—a detail rarely mentioned in other historical records. Afterward, Director Birdsall revealed to LEAP students that Carpenter also noted how Houston ate nothing but bread and milk while staying in hotels, as the smell of hotel kitchens made him ill. 

Dr. Cook masterfully wove historical details into an entertaining narrative. He was funny, sharp, and deeply insightful regarding who Carpenter was as a person. In closing, Dr. Cook remarked, “We all live in history, but Carpenter was different—he seemed to know it.” 

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum hosted an exceptional event thanks to the staff’s dedication and Dr. Cook’s captivating presentation. His words inspired the audience to brush up on their history and take a closer look at Francis B. Carpenter, who not only “documented history with his paintbrush, but with his pen”—a discipline that remains strikingly relevant in how we record our world today.