Reagan Dinner 2.018

by Ryan Knesek

After getting to meet personally with Commissioner Craddick, everyone headed down to the Lowman Student Center Ballroom for a  special dinner.  Done in celebration of our 40^th president, Ronald Reagan, who is an icon among the Republican community, the dinner brought together many elected officials, community members, and students.

The event gave the LEAP Ambassadors the opportunity to converse with elected officials of Walker County, including Senator Schwertner, Representative Bailes, and many more.

With merriment, everyone enjoyed conversation…

…and catching up with old friends…

…including us!

Chair Linda McKenzie opened the proceedings…

…giving way to a (rather strange) invocation…

…and other speakers.  A highlight was having Ariel Traub–a former LEAP Ambassador–introduce her boss, Senator Charles Schwertner.

And he, in turn, introduced Kaitlyn Tyra as the TSUS Student Regent and his former intern:

But the biggest highlight of the night was when Commissioner Craddick addressed the audience.

Known as the “Texas Oil and Gas Queen,” she talked about the state of Texas…

…discussed the state’s rosy employment picture…

…and captivated the audience, alternating between policy-wonk details…

…and big-picture optimism for the future.

Chairman Craddick was particularly generous in praising “the young students I met tonight who give me hope for our future. ”  A positive note on the night was Chairman Craddick’s obvious emphasis on the future, an emphasis reinforced by her hopes for the world her young daughter will live in one day.

Winding down after a rousing finish, Chairman Craddick headed back to the Huntsville airport, where her plane waited her return to Austin and her family.

The Ambassadors, however, mingled additionally, making a particular point to meet with Chief Justice Tom Gray of the 10th Court of Appeals.

They also spent time with Representative Ernest Bailes…

…and helped clean up, while all the elected officials in the community got together for one more photograph.

Thanks to Senator Charles Schwertner and Congressman Kevin Brady, who sponsored student tickets for the event.  Thanks, too, to Republican Chair Linda McKenzie for coordinating this event annually.