For fourteen consecutive years, the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State has been proud to host the Texas 10th District Court of Appeals on our campus. With a newly elected Chief Justice, Matt Johnson, a newly appointed Justice, Lee Harris, and 3 thought-provoking cases, the LEAP Center was grateful to help coordinate and host this event for the Huntsville community.
Appellate Courts are fascinating, due to the fact that they have, of course, been heard in trial court previously. Distinctions between interpretations of case law, the handling of the case, and legalese can be found at the 10th Court of Appeals.
The other unique thing about this experience is that each attorney has three minutes reserved for a brief overview of their argument, during which they can turn to the audience to speak.
It is here that attorneys can provide context about the initial case and its history, along with their chief arguments they will make before the Justices.
The lawyers then have twenty minutes each to make their argument, along with a five-minute rebuttal from the appellate attorney.
For the Ambassadors, the primary tasks were to (1) ensure the room was ready, and Ms. Rowley from the Criminal Justice Center was very helpful in this regard; (2) ensure all the equipment worked; (3) provide questions and the identities of elected officials to the Justices and Clerk Williamson;
…and (4) to take photos.
Having the opportunity to view legal proceedings of this nature on our campus is an incredible opportunity.
We had several community friends join us for the day, including Pat Graham, City Councilmember; Linda McKenzie, GOP Republican Party Chair; Scott Swigert, City Manager; Judge David Moorman of the 12th District Court; Dr. Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace of Jacinto County, Pct. 4. Will Durham, District Attorney of Walker County, was of course in attendance, given that they were the Appellee on 2 of the cases that day!
After the 11am case, the court graciously opened up for a brief Q&A session with our students. We got some new insights on the manner in which the courts are organized and how they make it to the 10th Court of Appeals.
We then had lunch with the Justices before the final case of the day. This experience is always a pleasure, and having the opportunity to connect with such esteemed individuals as students who are interested in the field of law is incredible.
After a full day of court hearings, and a Pre-Law Society meeting to attend to later that day, we sadly concluded an event full of learning, law, and community.
Thank you so much to Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Lee…
…for your dedication and for continuing this opportunity for our students.
Tucked away in Houston’s vibrant Museum District, the Asia Society Texas Center is a cultural gem that embodies the rich diversity of Asia through architecture, exhibits, and innovative and cultural experiences. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the building is LEED certified, making it a visual delight and a wonder to experience.
As you enter the museum, the North Gallery provides a welcoming space with five touch screens arranged in a circle around a central pillar; each screen contains a globe with the Asian countries shaded in different colors.
Once a country is touched, the person “travels” to the country through a screen that shows the nation’s capital as well as the local time and how many miles it is from Houston.
Similarly, the most Instagram-worthy spot in the entire center is a wall covered with Asian culture-inspired neon signs. Ranging from a glowing lucky cat sign, a bowl of pho, and even one displaying Bellaire Boulevard. Each experience implements an interactive way to learn about Asia’s culture.
The “Gathering Table” interactive section highlights different foods of Asia and, most importantly, where you can find that food in Houston.
This area also offers a scent station that adds a sensory dimension to the experience.
The central section of the Asia Society is the two-story Grand Hall, lined with Jura limestone and wall paneling with American cherry wood. Each of these elements is used throughout the interiors for warmth and connection to the local landscape.
Also in the building is the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theatre, featuring perfect acoustics, created through carefully designed architectural elements. The stage is an Appalachian white oak, with the maximum capacity at 273 steel-gray seats and acoustic cherry wood wall panels that ultimately create a sumptuous atmosphere.
We also explored the “LEO Bullet Train,” which is a digital bullet train ride through Asia.
This rectangular room is filled with screens shaped to look like windows on a bullet train.
As the ride takes place, videos of all the countries scroll past on the screens, displaying a little touch of different cultures.
On the second floor, the mood shifts to serenity with the Water Garden Terrace. The display is filled with 12,000 gallons of constantly recirculating water. Large glass windows also connect the space to its natural surroundings while designed to withstand 110 mph winds, meeting Houston’s stringent glass structural codes.
Situated next to the water garden is the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery, which is composed of the minimalist installation by artist Lee Ufan, named Relatum. It consists of a raw stone and steel plate, arranged in a way that emphasizes spatial relationships and the quiet tension between man-made and natural forms (we assume). Relatum doesn’t demand attention; rather, it provokes the viewer to think, so the perception is up to the viewer.
The gallery also displayed intricate Japanese art pieces of cutting and using paper stencils to dye textiles. The art combines contemporary international design with an understated elegance that reflects Asian aesthetic principles.
My personal favorite of all Museum pieces was a miniature version of the building.
The exhibition space features rotating shows of traditional and contemporary Asian art, from holograms and push-button lessons on how to say words like “Houston” and “Texas” in Japanese and many other languages.
The Asia Society Texas Center blends both modern design with traditional Asian style. From the exhibitions to the building itself, it combines contemporary international design with modest beauty and calm one may associate with Asia. It’s a special place in Houston where people can learn about and connect with Asian cultures in a meaningful way!
Despite a packed day in Huntsville—with Junk-a-Palooza and the Pineapple Run taking place simultaneously, and Rotary’s “Wine Fest” and a Sip N’ Shop event scheduled for later—the Wynne Home remained a go-to destination for local families eager to celebrate the season, drawing more than 200 people in attendance.
This year’s event was led by Wynne Home and Economic Development Events Coordinator Angela Robinson, along with Wynne Home Director Andrea Howard, and Administrative Assistant Lauren Payne. They were supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, including LEAP Ambassadors (some of whom drove in from Austin where they work as SHAIP interns in the Texas Legislature)…
…City Fellows Interns, Pre-Law Society members, and longtime community contributors Lois Stehlik, Nancy Ormsby, Janette Roesler, Stephanie Fors (our in-house chef!), and City Fellows intern Liv Hernandez.
To prepare for the festivities, volunteers arrived early to hide eggs—some tucked away in much trickier spots than others.
To make sure the games ran smoothly, a few volunteers even did a “test run” of the activities beforehand.
By 11:00 am, families began to arrive, and the children wasted no time jumping into the fun.
There was something for everyone: chalk, bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes,
From cornhole…
Ring toss…
Velcro darts…
And the ever-tricky egg-and-spoon race.
This game is no easy feat, but that did not stop kids from giving it their all—even if it meant using a few creative tricks to stay balanced and win.
For those who preferred a quieter activity, the crafts table with Lois Stehlik and Nancy Ormsby offered a space to sit down and create something festive.
Not to mention, visitors could bring home their very own balloon art. Some opted for swords, while others wished for animals or flowers!
Then came one of the most anticipated moments of the day—the arrival of the Easter Bunny! Most children welcomed the Bunny with big smiles, hugs, and high-fives. A few were a bit unsure, but the Easter Bunny remained cheerful and kind throughout.
To fuel up before the big egg hunt, Stephanie generously prepared lunch for everyone—grilling around 200 hot dogs, served alongside chips and (hopefully not too messy) mustard and ketchup.
At 12:45 pm, it was finally time for the main event: the Easter Egg Hunt! Children were divided into two age groups—5 and under, and 6 and up. When the signal was given, kids took off running, eagerly scooping up eggs in every direction.
With 800 eggs hidden for the older group and 700 for the younger group, there were around 1,500 eggs in total—more than enough for every child to fill their basket.
Although the event officially ended at 1:00 pm, many families stayed afterward to play a few more games or proudly show volunteers the eggs they had collected.
The Easter Egg Hunt at the Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center continues to be a heartwarming tradition that brings the community together for a joyful Saturday morning.
A long-lasting tradition in Huntsville, Texas is a music series, Sundown at Sam’s, which is hosted by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. This event was started by Economics Professor Darren Grant and Birdsall to introduce local artists to the loving Huntsville community.
Derrick Birdsall Opens with Introductory Remarks
This year’s event showcases three different themed performances: Blues Night with Lowery Bridges and Mighty Orq; Americana/Country Night with Katy Bell and John Toland, also featuring Joey McGee; and Gospel Night with Dave McMahon and Praise on Purpose.
On the Americana/Country night this week (April 10), the audience was full of SHSU students, Huntsville locals, and some Pre-Law Society members, such as Olivia Discon, Christina Biello, Michelle Moya, Nataly Elizondo, Neehal Ahmed, and Jose Carreno (Hunter Hogan also showed up, but he sat with his other, lesser friends).
First to perform was Katey Bell and John Toland. Katey Bell is an East Texas Singer/Songwriter who has been writing songs since she was a little girl. John Toland is a singer and musician associated with the John Toland Trio which is a funk and soul collective of like-minded artists. Their voices and guitar playing brought smiles to all those in the audience as their music filled the air.
John Toland and Katey Bell
My favorite song was Tornado Watch by Katey Bell. Katey sounds so emotional when she is singing this song and it highlights her voice range and beautiful guitar playing, and it also references Walker County!
Last to play was Joey McGee, who plays a harmonious combination of country, rock, and soul music.
Joey McGee
His guitar and harmonica playing were very impressive. He is a very bubbly and funny person, which was shown when he would tell jokes in between songs while changing harmonicas.
To go along with the amazing music, you could buy pupusas, quesadillas, and sodas from Delmy’s Food Stand and beverages from Sam’s Table. It was so nice to see the community gathered at such a historical and significant place in Huntsville.
If you want to experience this event, Sundown at Sam’s will have one more date during this semester on May 1, themed “Gospel Night,” and it promises to be another heavenly experience with angelic voices!
Michele Miller has spent over five decades documenting the world through her lens. Since beginning her photography career in the 1970s, she has captured scenes from across the globe, producing images that reflect both her technical skill and her keen eye for everyday beauty.
Her most recent exhibit, Canvasing the World, opened at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with more than 50 guests in attendance. The event, coordinated by Wynne Home staff members Angela Robinson, Andrea Howard, and Lauren Payne, welcomed community members for an evening of art and conversation.
A highlight of the exhibit was a display of Postcards Magazine issues, a local family-owned publication founded in 2009 by Karen and Wes Altom. Their son, Marshall Altom, has since joined the business, and the publication continues to be a staple in the Huntsville community. Miller has made a lasting contribution to the magazine, with 12 of her photographs featured on its covers.
During her speech, Miller reflected on her time as a photographer, explaining how her photos often resemble paintings due to being printed on canvases. Though she once aspired to be a painter, she felt she could achieve the same artistic affect through other means, so she turned to photography as a way to express that vision.
She then shared some of the stories behind her most memorable works.
One such piece is her photograph of Kylemore Castle, located in the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland. Originally built as an estate, the castle has served as a home for an order of nuns for the past 100 years.
Miller also recounted capturing an image of a rare lotus flower from West Lake in Hangzhou, China, noting how difficult it is to find such a bloom and explaining the specific conditions required for lotus flowers to thrive. To further immerse the audience in her experience, she even brought lotus seeds to show the attendees.
Olivia McCaughan, with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Another captivating story came from her Canadian polar bear photographs. Miller described a rare opportunity to step out of a vehicle and photograph the bears. While others in her group carried large firearms for protection, she remained focused on capturing the polar bears as they played with one another in the snow.
Other notable images in the exhibit included the northern lights over Ireland, a hawk from the Galápagos Islands, the Oldest Wrought Iron Bridge in Birr Castle, Ireland, and a close-up of the Texas State Capitol Dome.
LEAP Ambassador Michelle Moya with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Miller’s photography encourages viewers to pause and observe the world with intention. Her images, taken from years of travel and observation, reveal the quiet beauty found in distant landscapes and everyday scenes.
Nataly Elizondo with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Canvasing the World will remain on display at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center through June, giving the community the opportunity to visit the exhibit if one did not have a chance to attend the opening.
LEAP Students with Photographer Michele Miller
Carbonero Rotisserie
Since 2009, Carbonero Rotisserie has introduced Huntsville diners to the tastes of Salvadoran and Latin American cooking. Situated on 11th Street, the restaurant draws not only local residents but also travelers passing through, offering a flavorful experience that highlights authentic dishes from across Latin America.
The menu at Carbonero’s is extensive, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the richness of Latin cuisine. Among the most popular items are pupusas, ropa vieja, and crema de camarón. With so many options available, it may be difficult to choose, but diners are unlikely to leave disappointed.
One standout option is Combo Plate #4, which includes one quarter of rotisserie chicken, a pupusa, and sweet plantains. A variety of pupusa fillings is available, allowing diners to choose what best suits their taste. Options include pork (traditional), chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian selections such as jalapeños, mushrooms, loroco, cheese, and beans.
Another noteworthy offering is the chaufa rice. This dish features a fusion of flavors with scrambled eggs, cilantro, green onions, and soy sauce. Guests can choose between chicken, vegetarian, or a combination of chicken, beef, and shrimp. The dish is served with a house salad, making it a well-balanced meal.
For seafood lovers, the Mariscada is a highlight. This rich seafood stew includes shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, and tilapia in a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and spices. Its bold and satisfying flavors make it a favorite among returning customers.
Those seeking something familiar yet flavorful may gravitate toward the tacos al carbon. Offered with chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, the tacos are served on corn tortillas and topped with sautéed onions, fresh avocado slices, and pico de gallo. Beans and rice accompany the dish, rounding out a satisfying and hearty meal.
Carbonero Rotisserie stands out in Huntsville for its commitment to authentic Salvadoran and Latin American cuisine. With a menu full of rich, flavorful dishes and a welcoming setting, it offers a memorable dining experience that keeps people coming back. Whether you are exploring Latin cuisine for the first time or looking for a familiar favorite, Carbonero’s is worth a visit.
3 Spoons Yogurt
Next door to Carbonero Rotisserie is 3 Spoons Yogurt, a frozen yogurt shop known for satisfying the sweet cravings of Huntsville residents. It is a popular stop for a dessert or snack, whether after dinner, lunch, or in the middle of the day.
With a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the customer favorites are cake batter; cake batter mixed with New York cheesecake; and strawberry and banana…
Whether you are finishing a meal at Carbonero Rotisserie or simply looking for a refreshing treat, 3 Spoons Yogurt offers a satisfying way to enjoy what Huntsville has to offer. With its multitude of flavors and casual (colorful) setting, it is a sweet stop worth making in Huntsville.
As part of the City Fellows Internship Program, we are continually exploring the inner workings of Huntsville. Our latest adventure took us to the heart of the city’s safety net: the Huntsville Fire Department, where we got an exclusive tour of the facility, led by Chief Greg Mathis.
The tour began in the lobby, where we were greeted by an impressive piece of history—a restored 1927 Huntsville fire truck. Chief Mathis regaled us with tales of the truck’s features and its rich history.
Macey and I even took a picture on the fire truck, joking that we were “officially” part of the fire department now.
Among the artifacts on display, Chief Mathis highlighted a particularly interesting item—a black-ball lottery device. This relic from the past determined whether someone would last as a volunteer firefighter. The process was simple yet harsh: firefighters would vote by placing either a white ball (yes) or black ball (no) in the container.
We then headed to Chief Mathis’ office, a treasure trove of knowledge where we learned the most about the department’s operations. Among his office testaments of pride, we got to see his impressive coin collection, which includes challenge coins from various of his experiences. These coins recognize achievements and build team spirit in the fire department.
He also emphasized that his job extends beyond fighting fires; it also involves securing grants, managing budgets, and ensuring his team can serve the community while staying safe.
We also noted the three hats from his career journey (including one that showed just how dirty the job gets).
Then we explored the residential area of the department, noting a unique feature—the “petrified wood” used in the television design is the same as the fireplace in the Josey Boy Scout Lodge. We also saw the “watch room,” which serves as the department’s nerve center, monitoring all alarms and operations.
As we learned more about the watch room, Chief Mathis emphasized the crucial role that volunteers play in the Huntsville Fire Department. Volunteers undergo rigorous training and are equipped to respond to emergencies alongside career firefighters.
The living quarters were equally impressive, with bunk rooms featuring sliding barn doors and four closets each. They also have access to a private gym with equipment like a rowing machine, treadmill, and Jacobs Ladder.
Finally, we arrived at the apparatus bay, where the fire trucks are stored—representing the traditional perception of a fire department.
Chief Mathis pointed out the physical fitness test equipment outside for the Candidate Physical Ability Test firemen have to pass. Our very strong Macey even tried her hand at the test, successfully lifting to an extent, while Jacob also gave it a go with full strength and managed to lift it off the ground!
Now, my favorite part of the tour. The multi-force wood door device they have been experimenting with lately. It’s designed to simulate various door types and jamb materials, allowing firefighters to practice different breaching techniques. Attempting it once more with Macey! After a lot of effort, she managed to get the door open!
The day showed us not just how a fire department operates but also how city services, budgeting, and management all work together. Not to mention, Macey learned just how hard it is to be a firefighter!
We are grateful to Chief Mathis and the entire Huntsville Fire Department for sharing their time and knowledge with us! We deeply appreciate all they do.
Every Wednesday in the fall and spring semesters, a select group of freshmen meet to learn about leadership. The topics vary, but the emphasis on building leaders persists from week-to-week and, in fact, from year-to-year. For one of these sessions, the LEAP Center offers a program, typically focusing on leadership at the local level, and this year was no different: Professor Mike Yawn and LEAP Ambassador Chrissy Biello adopted roles of locally elected officials to demonstrate how a courtroom operates.
Thus, last week, a simulated voir dire was presented to 24 students selected for the Freshman Leadership Program, as well as program leaders Dante Tamez, and Emily Figueroa. Professor Yawn took on the roles of judge, defense attorney, and prosecutor, while Chrissy took on the role of District Clerk.
Each student was provided a fabricated background, created by Chrissy, to guide the students’ answers as prospective jurors. Some students, for example, had been convicted of various crimes; others had clean records; some were Republicans; others, Democrats; some were unemployed; some were employed, and some were overachievers. Beyond these general biographical details, students could fill in their answers in a manner they believed consistent with the backgrounds provided.
The presentation went through being called for jury; arriving and filling out paperwork, which sometimes contains intrusive questions; the research that is done on potential jurors, both behind the scenes and live, in the courtroom; and the screening process, which can also be intrusive.
Along the way, students asked questions; posed scenarios, some of which were not anticipated by Yawn and Biello; and answered voir dire questions in ways that led to more interesting scenarios. One student even–in her hypothetical world–claimed her “water was about to break” and she “needed to be excused from service.” So much for civic duty…
As it turned out, several of the students are on a pre-law path, providing the opportunity for some additional discussion about courses of action. All of the students, however, are on a path to leadership, and after eight months at SHSU and in the Freshmen Leadership Program, are closer to fulfilling their promise as leaders of tomorrow.
To round off an eventful week, we had the honor of hearing Judge Alberto Gonzales provide both inspiring and informative perspectives. Known for his distinguished career in law, government, and academia–which Olivia Discon shared with us in her introduction…
…Gonzales shared invaluable insights, drawing from his extensive experience as the 80th U.S. Attorney General, White House Counsel to President George W. Bush, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and, most recently, as the Dean of Belmont Law School.
Judge Gonzales began with a visual presentation that showcased personal photographs from his time in the White House, and President George W. Bush, as well as images from his early years.
These visuals setting the tone as powerful reminders of how far a dedicated individual can go—from humble beginnings to the highest levels of government.
But it was principles taught to him by his parents, he explained, that guided him from his humble beginnings as one of eight children born to a construction worker through the highest levels of government service. Gonzales underscored the guiding principles that shaped his path, particularly the importance of “showing up,” his father both literally and figuratively taught him, which he emphasized as a key tenet of the work ethic he hopes to instill in any student.
The presentation seamlessly transitioned into an insightful comparison of Gonzales’ two high-profile roles: White House Counsel and U.S. Attorney General. Judge Gonzales, having held both prestigious positions, offered unique perspectives on these roles that few Americans can provide.
He explained that while both positions serve the American people, they do so in vastly different ways—the White House Counsel advises the President and a select group of legal advisors, while the Attorney General leads the nation’s legal apparatus, overseeing thousands of lawyers, acting as the chief law enforcement officer, and spending a lot of time on television.
Perhaps one of Gonzales’s most memorable moments was being the “designated survivor” by President during the 2007 State of the Union Address.
Using this opportunity to explain the presidential line of succession—from Vice President to Speaker of the House and beyond—and his own astonishment at the possibility that, under catastrophic circumstances, he could have become President of the United States.
Gonzales also focused on the importance of professional networks, sharing his own journey–from serving in the Air Force to attending Rice and then Harvard Law–which led to meeting Governor George W. Bush. This connection would profoundly shape Gonzales’s career–and it is clear his appreciation for this impact remains deeply felt.
When Jacob Wessels asked Gonzales what his most difficult action as Attorney General was, the former AG mentioned the investigation of former Congressman William Jefferson, which involved a search of the Representative’s congressional office.
While law-enforcement officials argued that the search was necessary to nail down a conviction, Gonzales was concerned about long-held principles relating to the separation of powers. He authorized the search, which was challenged in court (eventually being ruled partially unconstitutional), but Congressman Jefferson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison-the longest such sentence imposed on a member of congress.
Having served many prestigious roles, Judge Gonzales distilled his philosophy into three key characteristics: integrity, vision, and discipline—qualities he emphasized as essential for success in both law and public service.
In addition to his reflections on leadership and ethics, Gonzales offered practical advice for students considering law school as Dean of Belmont Law–to which we listened attentively!
His advice was both practical and powerful: highlighting the importance of staying informed about current legal issues and honing strong writing skills—fundamental abilities for anyone pursuing a career in law and government careers. Gonzales also offered advice to students hoping to go to law school, from what to include on personal statements to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores.
Throughout the session, students were able to pose a range of thoughtful questions.
I had the chance to ask about Gonzales’s time on the TX Supreme Court, which he indicated he wasn’t sure was right for him. Gonzales had spent little time in a courtroom, and he had never been a judge before the appointment. Eventually, though, he decided that service was his calling, and this position led to his eventual appointment as White House Counsel and US Attorney General.
For SHSU students, this interactive discussion proved a great learning experience. As a thank you, LEAP ambassador Chrissy provided Judge Gonzales with a signed copy of the “The FBI Code” by former Assistant FBI Director Frank Figliuzzi. Grateful for his time and wisdom, we left the event motivated to dream big and stay committed to our paths of service and leadership!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 