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.

Ten Years of Local Photography at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Although the SHMM’s 10th annual Photography Contest conflicted with our meeting time, we made some arrangements so we could once again see what the community had to offer, photographically speaking.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambasaddaors, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Casey Roon, Amateur Photography Contest

The photo contest, created by Curator of Exhibits Casey Roon, gives non-professional photographers an opening to showcase their work. Each photo submitted was placed accordingly in five different categories—Abstract, Pets, Architecture, Face/Figures, and Nature. Winners were also given the opportunity to receive cash for their amazing work!

In front of an audience of about 75, Roon discussed the contest and announced the winners. The Best in Show winner was Victoria Pieczynski in the ‘Nature’ category, while the Reserve winner was John Rogers in the ‘Architecture’ category. A list of all winners is below:

Faces/Figures: (1) Sarah Wolsky, (2) Jerome Hunter, and (3) Kyra Aftosmes
Pets: (1) Lynette Dobbins, (2) Lynette Dobbins, and (3) Seth McAdow
Abstract: (1) Gary Readore, (2) Beth Gray, (3) Wanda Smith
Nature: (1) Victoria Pieczynski, (2) Sam Beard, (3) Gary Readore

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambasaddaors, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Casey Roon, Amateur Photography Contest

Architecture: (1) John Rogers, (2) Kya Aftosmes, (3) Robert Mendoza
Best in Show: (1) VIctoria Pieczynski and (2) John Rogers
Curator’s Choice Winners: (1) Casey Mathis, (2) John Seitz, (3) Tonya Seitz, (4) Darelene Lee, (5) Sami Soukup, (6) Kyra Aftosmes, (7) Wanda Smith, (8) Veronica Lorine, (9) Lynette Dobbins, (10) Katherine Hubbard, (11) Jessie Smith, (12) Rhonda Jensen, (13) Barbara Lutzmann, (14) Sam Beard, (15) Judy Volper, (16) Morgen Clements, (17) Bianca Catungal, (18) Veronica Lovine, and (19) Sam Beard.

We enjoyed looking over the photos and comparing them to photos we take. By reviewing the winning photos (and other, interesting photos that didn’t win), we were able to get some tips on how to improve our own work.

We spent some time with our favorite photos…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambasaddaors, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Casey Roon, Amateur Photography Contest

..and more importantly spent time talking to our friends, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Derek Birdsall, Megan Buro, and Casey Roon, before heading to our meeting.

Just Watch Us Learn: Jeff Lindsay at Murder by the Book

By Makayla Mason

Murder By The Book is one of many jewels in Houston. Not only do they have a great book collection, but they bring in amazing authors throughout the year. And on December 4, one of our last events of 2019, we went to see, Jeff Lindsay, the creator and author of the Dexter books and tv series.

And as an interesting biographical note, Lindsay is married to Hilary Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s niece!

After we arrived, we purchased some of Lindsay’s books including his latest book Just Watch Me. After showing Miranda and Esme (it was their first time to the store) around the store, we found seats, excited to hear Lindsy speak!

Lindsay was an expressive and humorous speaker, and the audience appreciated the presentation.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Murder by the Book, Jeff Lindsay, Just Watch Me

There were some die-hard “Dexter” fans in attendance, and the program provided highly interactive.

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We learned about Lindsay’s writing process and how he created the main character, Riley Wolfe, in Just Watch Me. Riley is a master thief who steals from the wealthiest .1% and his new target is the Crown Jewels of Iran. Lindsay said Riley Wolfe makes the impossible, possible.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Murder by the Book, Jeff Lindsay, Just Watch Me

We also got the inside scoop on Lindsay’s opinion of actor Michael C. Hall as Dexter on the show. He admitted he was worried at first, but after watching the filming of the first scene on set, he knew Hall was the perfect fit.

After his talk, we had the opportunity to have our books signed and take a picture with him.

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It was a great experience to meet Jeff Lindsay! Big shout out to Murder By The Book for bringing in such amazing authors!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Murder by the Book, Jeff Lindsay, Just Watch Me

Dinner at Aladdin

Since Just Watch Me is about the Crown Jewels of Iran, we decided to eat Mediterranean food at Aladdin restaurant. It was cafeteria style with all the food laid out with tons of options to choose including many vegan dishes. We decided to get a meat with three sides and pita bread. We ordered fish, gyro meat, and curry chicken as our meats with lots of different sides and hummus of course! It was all so delicious!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Aladdin Restaurant

It was a great night and with new books in our hands and good food in our stomachs, we headed back to Huntsville.

Make a Smile Happen with KSAM: Christmas Toy Drive, 2019

For the past 13 years, KSAM and KHVL have been “Making A Smile Happen” (MASH) by conducting a toy and gift drive for local area families in need. This year, LEAP Ambassadors and Pre-Law Society members were happy to help this worthy cause by volunteering over a two-day period to collect gifts and help market the event.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

The drive was undertaken to benefit seven local charities: Good Shepherd Mission, SAAFE House, Santa’s Helpers, Huntsville YMCA, Clayton Sparks Foundation, National Guard Children, and the Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter. The benefits came in the form of cash and gifts–with the latter ranging from toys, bicycles, food, blankets, house-hold items, and pet food.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

From a volunteer perspective, it was a rewarding program to be a part of. Our tasks were simple–KSAM and ROTC had done the heavy lifting in setting up tents (ROTC) and organizing the event (KSAM)–(1) promote the event by having a presence along 11th street, with signs,

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

…(2) assisting generous donors in unloading their gifts into our MASH tents, and (3) occasionally re-organizing the gifts.

The rewards were manifold. The KSAM staff have always been nice to us, and Larry Crippen regularly invites to be part of “Around Town.” But we also had the chance to meet Steve and Dee Everett…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

…Bryan Reeder, Steve Rixx, Glenn Edwards, and William Franz. It was a good opportunity to meet some of the folks we hear on-air. Steve Rixx even did a “mock on-air interview” with the students, helping them develop their articulation skills, and teaching them about the radio business.

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We also had the chance to meet some community leaders who stopped by to donate or otherwise help promote the event, such as Wayne Scott…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH, Wayne Scott

…Chamber of Commerce Director Ray Hernandez…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH, Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Ray Hernandez

…even Santa Claus showed up (thank you Krogers and Philip Johnson).

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

So just from a community education perspective, the event was valuable.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

But, of course, the real value was seeing the spirit of giving that pervades the Huntsville community. There were more than 300 donors, and KSAM was able to raise approximately $5,000 in cash and gift card donations, while also bringing in countless gifts….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

…especially those for children. The donors represented all walks of life, and many volunteered some variation on the following theme: “I wanted to help, because people helped me.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

That help covered almost all aspects of a what a child could want, but late on Thursday, minutes before the event closed down, we noticed there was no full-size bike, an item specifically requested by one of the charitable organizations with which MASH collaborates. But Joe Chick from Dale’s Auto arrived with 15 minutes to spare, bringing two full-size bikes and, as Dee Everett noted, “instantly made a smile happen.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, KSAM, KHVL, Christmas Toy Drive, MASH

Special thanks to Matthew Lahey, who took many of the photos above and generously shared them.

Tree of Lights: 2019

For the 98th year, SHSU hosted the “Tree of Lights,” an annual tradition that reminds students, faculty, and the community of the spirit of the holidays: generosity, thoughtfulness, and outreach.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement and Politics, Tree of Lights

The pre-actvity begins around 4:30pm, when student organizations can sign in (allowing them to be first in line for ornament hanging), mingle, and listen to holiday music. Despite impending finals, the pre-event crowd was upbeat and cheerful, befitting the holiday spirit. Various student leaders and organizations took selfies, participated in interviews, and otherwise constructively occupied themselves.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights

For the LEAP and the Pre-Law Society, we took the opportunity to come together for a group photograph, one showcasing our ornaments.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

Just before the event kick-off, various organizations offered food to students, and the crowd size increased considerably. And at 6:30pm, the formal program began, with SHSU’s King (Marsalis Johnson) and Queen (Bria Ferrier) serving as joint MCs….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…words from the SGA President (Amanda Lee)…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…music from the SHSU’s chorale…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…a candle lighting…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…and words from President Hoyt, reminding students that this is a tradition emphasizing outreach and thoughtfulness.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

As if to punctuate that point, the SHSU Walker County Alumni Association announced a donation of $3,000 to the Good Shepherd Mission, accepted by Dave Smith, the Mission’s Executive Director.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU, Walker County SHSU Alumni Association, Good Shepherd Mission

The event then gave way to festivities, including the hanging of the ornaments…

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…lots of mingling among the student body…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…and much Orange Pride dancing.

And with a final dance, the event wrapped up, leaving the crowd to mingle for a bit longer…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

…And the LEAP Ambassadors to get a final photo with the “Tree of Lights.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Tree of Lights, Pre-Law Society SHSU

World Affairs Council’s Semi-Centennial: An Evening with Ambassador Nikki Haley

For the final event of our busy week, LEAP Students took a trip into Houston to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the World Affairs Council…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

…with Ambassador Nikki Haley.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

LEAP has loved working with WAC this semester, and several students made an early trip to Houston to help with setup and check-in.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, Nikki Haley

The event, as expected, had a large turnout and the ballroom where Ambassador Haley was speaking was packed.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, Nikki Haley

Ambassador Haley was introduced by Mr. Ronan O’Malley, and the event was moderated by Dr. Maryanne Maldonado.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

Ambassador Haley began the evening by telling the audience about growing up as the only Indian family in her small South Carolina community. Ambassador Haley stressed the importance of her childhood because those interactions have shaped who she is today, and still impacts how she chooses to lead her community. Growing up, she worked as the bookkeeper for her mother’s small business, learning then that she was good at numbers. She then graduated from Clemson with a degree in accounting. After working in the private industry for several years, she decided that “the statehouse had too many lawyers, and needed one really good accountant”, which received a good laugh from the audience.

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Ambassador Haley spoke about her experience as Governor during the tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015 where nine church members were killed, including South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinckney. Ambassador Haley gave a touching story about her decision to remove the Confederate Flag from the statehouse, not to erase history, but because she remembers all too well how it feels to associate pain with a particular place and memory.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

Ambassador Haley then talked about her interactions with President Trump during the 2016 Presidential Campaign, which interestingly led to her close relationship with President Trump and her nomination as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 2016.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

Ambassador Haley was confirmed on January 25, 2017, and she served until December 31, 2018. The event was concluded with questions from the audience, and Ambassador Haley gave advice for young Republicans who want to be involved, she said “You have to push through the fear. If you push through the fear, you don’t live with any regrets.” I particularly enjoyed that quote. After the event, we were privileged to meet and take a group photo with Ambassador Haley.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

Because of Ambassador Haley’s heritage, LEAP chose a local Indian restaurant, India’s Restaurant, for dinner. This was the first time for several members to try Indian food. We started with garlic, onion, and regular naan bread for the table, which everyone enjoyed. A couple of students were more adventurous, while others chose familiar dishes. Entrees at our table consisted of Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma Kashmiri, Navrattan Korma, and Chicken Jalfrezi.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, India's Restaurant

Overall, the evening was well spent, and I think everyone took away a lot from what Ambassador Haley had to say, as we always do from World Affairs Council events!

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Hillary Clinton, Brazos Bookstore

Uncovering Covert Wars at the Bush School

The Leapsters headed to College Station to attend an event co-sponsored by the Bush School of Government and Service and The Albritton Center for Grand Strategy entitled “Secret Wars.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

Our introduction and moderator for the evening was the CIA’s former Chief of Counterintelligence, Jim Olsen, who spoke about the importance of covert missions in our nation’s international affairs.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

Presenting their research on covert and overt missions were Dr. Lindsey O’Rourke and Dr. Austin Carson. Dr. Lindsey O’ Rourke, who’s book “Covert Regime Change: America’s Secret Cold War,” won the 2018 Best Book for International Security Studies, discussed the differences between overt and covert regime change.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

She presented her research of declassified documents that show the US’s instances of covert regime change between 1947- 1993.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

Her research found that many covert operations were unsuccessful and failed to remain covert, leading our country to face the consequences–often, destabilizing states and leaving them to have a higher risk of experiencing a civil war.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

Dr. Austin Carson also presented research on his book “Secret Wars: Covert Conflict in International Politics,” which won the 2018 Lepgold Prize from Georgetown University.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

Dr. Carson’s book analyzes the way certain large and powerful states covertly participate in foreign wars…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

…with an emphasis on what governments do to maintain secrecy in their efforts to shape the balance of power in the world.

After the two guests presented, Mr. Olsen asked questions from the audience. The questioned ranged from “Would you consider the Bay of Pigs to be a successful covert operation?” to “Do you think the Russians interfered with the 2016 presidential election as a covert mission?”.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

The Leapsters enjoyed learning about a new topic in a different venue and headed to Bryan for dinner.

Café Eccell

For dinner we chose Café Eccell, which opened in 1989 and is a favorite among those in the Bryan College Station area. One feature about Café Eccell that we all enjoyed is that there seemed to be something for everyone. For a starter we shared the Mediterranean Plate (not pictured – sorry, it was too good) that featured hummus, tzatziki, and tabbouleh, and baba ghannouj. Our entrees featured a traditional pork gyro, and chicken and waffles with kickin bourbon maple syrup.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Cafe Eccell

A table favorite was the Chicken Eccell, which included a ball of friend herbed goat cheese.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Cafe Eccell

We opted out of dessert and headed back to Huntsville to finish the evening!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bush School of Public Affairs, Texas A&M, Jim Olson, Lindsey O'Rourke, Austin Carson

An Entrepreneurial Education: Scott McClelland

Although SHSU may be most known for its Criminal Justice and teaching programs, it is currently undergoing tremendous growth and innovation. Chief among these are new programs such as the School for Osteopathic Medicine, a Nursing Program that is excelling, and an Entrepreneurship program that is showing great growth.

The program began in 2003, with a major in Entrepreneurship added in 2012. Now, we have more than 140 majors and minors in the program, and an “Entrepreneur in Residence” program that highlights the work and principles of key business people. Last year, for example, Mattress Mack spoke on campus, and this year, the Entrepreneur in Residence is the “H-E-B Guy” Scott McClelland. The LEAP Ambassadors happily volunteered at both events.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Entrepreneur in Residence, Scott McClelland

Scott McClelland is currently the President of H-E-B. The grocery company opened its first store in Kerrville, Texas in 1905, and it is now a 25-billion dollar retailer with almost 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Of course, to many Texans, he is known for his HEB ads with celebrities (with many featuring the Houston Astros).

With hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and locals in attendance, President Hoyt introduced McClelland….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Entrepreneur in Residence, Scott McClelland

…who described how his company grew from a single-store enterprise to one of the largest chains in the country.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Entrepreneur in Residence, Scott McClelland

McClelland emphasized a couple of themes, beginning with the idea that companies must evolve. If they don’t, they will go out of business. To punctuate this point, he showed a list of leading grocers who have gone under.

McClelland discussed the importance of staying curious and being paranoid. Curiosity should prompt you to want to learn and encourage innovation. And “paranoia” can be good if it means you are always looking for ways to grow and to be aware of competitive trends.

The entrepreneur shared that H-E-B will be making history by opening a completely kosher store in a Jewish community in Texas. Everything in the store from the homemade tortillas to the fresh sushi will be kosher. He described the in-depth research they did in order to truly serve the Jewish community.

In one of the more colorful discussions, McClelland also admonished budding businessmen to “sell shit they don’t,” if they want to be successful. This succinct message was met with much approval.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Entrepreneur in Residence, Scott McClelland

McClelland finished by discussing Hurricane Harvey and how the employees of H-E-B rallied together to help the community. This represents the culture of H-E-B and how the employees feel like a family.

After a few questions from the crown, McClelland was sent off with a great round of applause. We thought it was a great talk and we learned so much about H-E-B and the entrepreneurial spirit!

The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Rachel Allison for the opportunity to volunteer, and SHSU’s Entrpreneurship Program for offering interesting speakers on campus.

Reviewing Voir Dire: PLS in November

If the semester is winding down, we are gearing up for our last Pre-Law Society meeting. This one was much different from others as we had a hands on exercise with our guest speaker and even a surprise at the end of the meeting!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

We started out by recognizing two PLS members who participated in the Ethics Bowl earlier this month. Cydnii Richard-Daniels (sophomore) and Emily Lindahl (freshman) were a part of the the SHSU team who placed 3^rd in the competition.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire, Cydnii Richards, Emily Lindahl

By placing so high, they have qualified for the competition held in Atlanta. The entire team deserves recognition (including coaches Joe Agin and Professor Bachman) for getting the team to Nationals on their first try at competition! SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire, Ethics Bowl

After some housekeeping by our President, Sawyer Massie….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

…Professor Yawn introduced us to our guest speaker, David Moorman of Haney, Moorman, Paschal, P.C. He led an exercise in Voir Dire, which is the process of selecting the jury from a summoned panel.

Sixteen of us volunteered, and we were given background descriptions earlier in the day. Our job was to embody those personalities and “play a jury.” Our “jurors” varied: from a country music singer, a retired bachelor, city workers, an aspiring “Instagram Influencer” and everything in between.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

Mr. Moorman began by portraying the prosecution, and he did an excellent job of examining jurors who might favor prosecution.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

He went over strategies of how you might approach a witness, the importance of not turning jurors against, the danger of a forceful juror tainting other jurors, and the like.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

At the end of the voir dire, everyone, not just the jurors, could say they walked away with some new found knowledge of the jury picking process.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

We learned new terms, such as strike, removal for cause, challenge for cause, along with some others. A key thing Moorman highlighted on, do NOT ignore your jury duty summons.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

We ended our meeting with a surprise scholarship drawing. Jean Loveall, Stephanie Fors, and David Moorman picked three students randomly out of a bucket. The three students picked … *drum roll please* … Karen Rodriguez, Michael Freeman, and Paris Fields!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Pre-Law Society, David Moorman, Voir Dire

Congratulations to these three members on winning the scholarship!

This was a successful way for us to end our semester. Our next meeting will be January 22^nd, along with our infamous Ice Cream Social. The Ice Cream Social is open to returning members, as well as prospective members. We can’t wait for the new year!

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