Holidays in Huntsville

Although many of our fellow students had left town for SHSU’s Christmas Break, several of the LEAP Ambassadors joined the Walker County Republican Women (and one Alumnus) for a holiday celebration this December, where much fun was had by all.

With this year’s Christmas Party held at the Elkins Lake Clubhouse, the event also gave four of the Ambassadors a chance to check out a new (to them) local venue.  And, with elections around the corner, many elected officials and candidates showed up, allowing the Ambassadors to network and make new friends.

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

The evening began with mingling and introduction by WCRW President Terry Stivers.

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

Although this was a festive occasion, it was also a bit bittersweet.  It was Stivers last formal event as President of the WCRW.  She’s been a great mentor to the four Republican LEAP Ambassadors (and several alumni), a great leader, and it was sad to see her term expire.

Following dinner and with the new year upon us, it was a time for new officers, but that first means thanking the existing officers, who have served for the past two years: Terry Stivers, Sally Kelly, Carol Hays, and Pamela Turner.   And it means welcoming new officers; accordingly, a new slate was sworn in by County Court at Law Judge Tracy Sorenson: Katy Russell as President; Daiquiri Beebe as Vice-President; and Debbie Charbonneau as Treasurer.

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

Stephanie Fors, who was out of town and couldn’t make this event, will be the new Secretary.

Following the introduction of the new officers, all dues-paying members of the WCRW were sworn in as members…

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

…and then some fun commenced with the drawing of door prizes.  Christina Perez helped with this task…

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

and the first winner was…Kaitlyn Tyra!

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

It was a very enjoyable evening, made more enjoyable by the chance to celebrate Christmas in the presence of old friends…

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

…alumni…

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

…and just to catch up.

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Walker County Republican Women, Christmas Party

Many thanks to Terry Stivers for her service and for sponsoring our dinner tickets!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Author: mikeyawn

Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion. He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film. He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram. Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors. In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.

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