The ongoing brewing coffee pots and late nights of studying were bid farewell when the Ambassadors arrived at the elegantly decorated home of Dr. and Mrs. Deahl. For the last couple of years, the LEAP Ambassadors have enjoyed the Walker County Republican Women’s Christmas Party and this Thursday, December 8, was no different.
The Ambassadors drove through the cold December winds and walked up the luxuriously decorated home where the WCRW’s Christmas party was hosted. Upon arrival, the Ambassadors followed the LEAP spirit of volunteerism and got right to work. Everyone quickly and efficiently prepared bread bowls, cheese and cracker trays, cookie plates, brownie bite trays, Christmas punch, fruit bowls, and many other holiday hors d’oeuvres.
Coincidently, after the food was set, the guests began to arrive. Observing the happy arrival of guests, we politely and happily greeted everyone that crossed the holiday-themed threshold.
Since the main task of creating and setting platters was complete, the Ambassadors mingled with the rest of the guests. This jolly assembly included Representative Bailes, Mayor Brauninger, Judge Ridley, Jordan Strauss (district director for Senator Schwertner), Mrs. McKenzie (Walker County Republican Party Chair), Councilmembers Joe Emmett and Joe Rodriquez, and Mrs. Terry Stivers, the President of the Walker County Republican Women.
Accompanying the mingling guests was the soothing sonatas of SHSU’s own talented pianist Eduard Gavril, entertainment generously sponsored by Congressman Brady.
Many of the Ambassadors took this time to catch up with community members that they had not seen in a while. Additionally, the Ambassadors also took this time to talk to new acquaintances met this year. (Two curious Ambassadors were even able to talk to Judge Ridley about an ongoing murder trial!) The night progressed in a blur of conversation, music, and laughter as everyone rejoiced in the accomplishments and friendships fostered thought-out the year.
There was a pause amongst the chatter when everyone congregated around the chimes of a silver spoon clanking against a fragile crystal glass.
After the crystalline dings signaled the beginning of a cheerful discourse, Kay Deahl and Terry Stivers thanked everyone for attending and for their generous support through the year.
They also announced exciting plans to travel to Washington D.C. for the inauguration and reminded members to renew their membership. Once the speech was over, the crowd dispersed and the sound of conversation continued with piano riffs in the background. With the celebration at its near zenith the Ambassadors were rounded up for pictures in front of the Christmas tree.
After many pictures, conversations, and brownie bites, the crowd began to subtly depart as the clock drew closer to 9:00. Despite attending this event annually, this night was cherished dearly by the Ambassadors. As much as the LEAPsters love their wonderful community, a Christmas break, a semester of out-of-town internships, and graduations will have the LEAP Ambassadors away from their beloved Huntsville. The night roused feelings of cheer and nostalgia as the Ambassadors realized that this would be their last event together in a long while. Following long goodbyes, the Ambassadors set out into the brisk winter winds and made their way to their cars, leaving reminiscent chatter behind the doors of 2016’s Walker County Republican Women’s Christmas (LEAP farewell) Party.
One of our favorite activities is meeting up with the Alumni Association, so when Asst VP Of Alumni Relations, Charlie Vienne, asked us to a luncheon, we said, “Yes!”
The primary purpose of our presence was to discuss with anyone interested our involvement in the Austin Internship Program. Six LEAP Ambassadors (and at least three others) will be participating in the Austin Internship Program this spring and two of us (Christina Perez and Karla Rosales) were able to attend the luncheon.
Also present were two former LEAP Ambassadors, Ariel Traub and Melva Gomez, both of whom participated in the Austin Internship Program in 2015. One of us (Christina Perez) had never met either, so the lunch was a great way to connect current Ambassadors with former Ambassadors. Melva is now working with the Texas PTA, and Ariel is the District Representative for Senator Charles Schwertner.
It was also a great way to connect with SHSU Alumni. Meeting with successful professionals is always a bit intimidating, but fortunately we had friends such as Charlie Vienne and Leanne Woodward on hand to introduce us to people and break the ice.
We also had a chance to hear from President Hoyt, who provided an update of what the University had in progress. That was enlightening, and it is always good to spend time with President Hoyt.
Charlie also asked Ariel to say a few words, and we thought she gave a fine extemporaneous talk about what her time at SHSU meant to her, and what the support of alumni and other donors did for her career. It was a nice speech, and I think that everything she said applies to us as well. Without the support of the community, administrators, professors, and alumni, it would be very difficult for us to have taken the opportunities we have.
Appropriately, this event occurred less than a week before Thanksgiving, and it was a great reminder of all we have to be thankful for at SHSU.
The cadence began and we, the SHSU ROTC, stepped with our left foot first, beginning to march. Gripping the flag as tight as I could, I remembered all those who once fought for those colors. The Texas flag lowered, and the National Anthem began. The audience proudly sang along. As we posted the flags, I looked up to make sure the Texas star was facing the silent audience. I quickly took a left turn, faced the American flag, and saluted. I was honored to represent ROTC and the LEAP Center at the HEARTS Museum’s Annual Veteran’s Day Gala.
As we marched away Col Dennis Beal (ret) began to introduce the Huntsville Men’s choir. They sang “America the Beautiful” and the “Armed Forces Medley”. It was a breathtaking site to see the veterans stand up and honor their branch.
For attendants of the Gala, the Men’s Choir is always a highlight of the evening. When the Army song played, I stood up at attention, and listened. I couldn’t help but sing along and this time I tried really hard to listen to each word: “Count the brave; count the true, who have fought to victory.” These words repeated themselves in my mind all evening resonating as the reason we honor veterans every year. After the medley was sung, LTCOL Bill Miller gave the invocation and Executive Director of the HEARTS Museum, Command Sergeant Major (ret), Mark Robinson welcomed guests signaling the start of dinner.
As a member of ROTC and a LEAP Ambassador, I had dual duties. With the colors presented, I transitioned to my role as a LEAP Ambassador. The Ambassadors volunteered to run the silent auction throughout the evening. We were responsible for the auction by monitoring the bidding, and collecting the money and donations at the end of the evening.
This year, the silent auction proceeds supported the ROTC Martinez Scholarship. The Martinez Scholarship is awarded to an ROTC cadet each year and honors a pioneer family–Sam and Maria Martinez. The LEAP Ambassadors were grateful to be a small part of such a worthy cause.
The silent auction consisted of many delicious desserts, patriotic gifts, paintings, and jewelry.
The auction closed following dinner, signaling the Ambassadors to collect the bid sheets, notify winners, and prepare the items for pickup. This was undoubtedly the most challenging aspect of our job because we only had a short window of time to prepare before the program ended.
U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady was present at the Gala to thank veterans and show his support. We were fortunate enough to speak with Congressman Brady and thank him for his Congressional service. It is always rewarding for LEAP Ambassadors to visit with our elected officials and learn from them.
C.F. Hazelwood then gave a benediction to end the Veterans Day Gala. The auction winners were instructed to pay and receive their items as they walked out. Some bought one item, while others took home more than four.
We ended the event with Mrs. Clark (the HEARTS Museum Officer Manger) by discussing the event in After Action Review (AAR) format. Overall, the event was successful, and we are excited for the next HEARTS Veterans Museum event! Thank you to the HEARTS Museum for allowing the Ambassadors to volunteer each year in support of our local veterans.
With eager spirits, the LEAP Center took to the road to visit Oklahoma City. With the end of the semester ever so close, travels involving art, history, and food was a lift to the spirit. Our first objective, however, was to attend the Oklahoma Political Science Association Conference, where Brian and Professor Yawn were presenting separate papers.
Following a stop at Cuppie and Joe’s for some morning coffee, we headed to the conference for the morning session, in which Brian was scheduled to present his paper on economic development in Mexico.
Morning Session, by Brian Aldaco
United as a team of proud Bearkats, we walked into the Starkey Building on Oklahoma City University’s campus. With a stomach full of nerves and delicious Chi-Latte, I looked for room 100. My panel was composed of students from East Central University, University of Central Oklahoma, and University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, and we were all eager to begin.
As the first research projects were presented, focusing on the use of social media by Oklahoma legislators (Lauren Stafford and others)…
Kaitlyn Finley and Co-Authors Present on Educational Funding in OK
…the morality of athletic programs in universities (Allyson Wilcox)…
Allyson Wilcox Discusses Ethics and Athletics at the University Level
…gender as defined by the supreme court, and public opinion concerning the raise in teacher’s wages, I revised by notes in last-minute preparation of my presentaiton. With twelve minutes allocated to each presentation (some composed of groups), my turn soon came to step up to the podium and present the research I had conducted on economic policy throughout Mexico’s history.
Brian Aldaco Presents at OPSA
With a palpitating heart, I began, occasionally stumbling, but nonetheless detailing the various economic periods of Mexico and how industries are currently affected by globalism.
After a short Q&A session from the audience…
we retired to the audience seats where my encouraging LEAPsters congratulated me on a well delivered presentation, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Innocence Project, by Kaitlyn Tyra
After the interesting and informative student panel, the conference recessed briefly to gather lunch and reconvene in the conference room for keynote speaker Vicki Behenna. Executive Director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project at the Oklahoma City University School of Law, Ms. Behenna discussed the project’s objectives, the factors contributing to wrongful convictions, the opportunities provided for law students in connection with the project, and Oklahoma’s latest exoneration. The Oklahoma Innocence Project aims to help exonerate wrongly convicted individuals and to provide a unique educational experience for law students.
Vicki Behenna Discusses the Innocence Project
During her discussion, we learned that there are many reasons citizens can be convicted for crimes they did not commit such as inaccurate eyewitness testimony, procedural errors, evidence misinterpretation, and false confessions. We were surprised to learn that it takes 6 to 10 years for an inmate to be exonerated from the time the Innocence Project receives the case. Although this time period seems lengthy, the Innocence Project stays busy with more than 100 cases on their current case load.
Proudly, Ms. Behenna described Oklahoma’s most recent exoneration of Malcolm Scott and De’Marchoe Carpenter in July 2016. The crime involved a drive-by shooting which killed one women at a party in 1994, where the young men were convicted of the murder at age 18. The then young boys would serve 22 years in prison for a crime they had not committed before the innocence project was able to successfully exonerate them. Ms. Behenna discussed the specific case and the continuous amount of work they have to do on current cases. For LEAP Ambassadors, after meeting Michael Morton last year (who was wrongfully convicted in Texas), the keynote address carried extra meaning and an emotional connection with us.
American Topics Panel, by Mitchell Sanchez
After Ms. Behenna’s eye-opening presentation, we decided to split up to have a chance to listen from various discussion panels. With our plan set in motion, Brian Aldaco, Sadie McLaughlin, and I decided to attend an American Topics Panel in which SHSU’s very own Mike Yawn would present his paper. This panel, led by Dr. Bob Darcy, covered many different aspects of political science making it a thought-provoking session. It kicked off with Oklahoma City University professor Dr. Darcy and Dr. Mark Payton’s, “A Fresh Look at Fair Apportionment”, which dove into how the number of representatives for each state is actually decided.
Dr. Brett Sharp from University of Central Oklahoma then discussed his research on political history through editorial cartoons and how they paint a colorful picture of many key political times throughout the US and world history. The third presentation was given by Dr. Aaron Mason, professor from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and covered constitutional theory of American Indian Tribes. Native American Tribes were a particularly interesting aspect to Oklahoma political scene, which Dr. Mason so wonderfully presented to us Texans. Thomas Taylor from Redlands Community College looked at the decline and possible demise of Democrats in Oklahoma, a very timely piece with the recent election results.
Transitioning from topic to topic finally led us to our very own Professor Yawn. Professor Yawn presented his research on, “City and County Use of Social Media” where he discussed how advancements in technology and growth in social media could prove very beneficial for county use.
Criminal Justice Discussion Panel, by Kaitlyn Tyra
After the rest left to the neighboring conference room, Ashely Allen and I stayed in room 100 to listen to the very interesting conversation about recent reform in Oklahoma’s Criminal Justice System. The panel discussant was Former State Speaker of the House, Kris Steele, along with a team of specialized individuals who headed the campaign on the state propositions. Each provided their insight and background making the panel lively and personal. The speakers were passionate, citing a number of statistics showing the issue of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System. The panel discussed solutions and how to improve the system. It was an engaging way to learn about one of Oklahoma’s major issues!
Views on Class and Support for Right Wing Policies Panel, by Mitchell Sanchez
Deciding that it was better to divide and conquer the conference’s discussion panels, we again split up where Sadie, Ashely, and I went into the Views on Class and Support for Right Wing Policies Panel. With recent election results, this panel was particularly interesting. Dr. Woo Jin Kang from the Kyung Pook National University presented his research on, “Income and voting Behavior in Korean Politics: Why Do the Poor Support Conservative Political Parties?” Looking into the politics of another country helped give some perspective to the occurrences of our own country. Following Dr. Kang, Dr. Bob Darcy delivered a passionate presentation and discussion of support for Donald Trump. This relevant topic was intensely, and at times contentiously, discussed.
Pubic Administration Panel, by Brian Aldaco
While Mitch and his group analyzed the elections more in depth, Kaitlyn and I learned of public administration policies dear to Oklahomans. With discussion on the diversification of revenue sources for the state budget, the preferred paradigms of public officials, and policy regarding gambling revenue from Indian Territory, we were exposed to the differences of public policy needs as compared to those of Texas.
Concluding Thoughts
The day brought forth an exchange of many interesting ideas. For most of us, this was our first conference, and our major takeaways were as follows:
Presenting papers is difficult, with much research going into a topic. But the result is an exchange of ideas that can be beneficial to the presenter and his/her audience;
The election of Donald Trump is likely to remain controversial;
The presence of Indian tribes in Oklahoma poses interesting challenges and opportunities that are not really on the public agenda in Texas.
For us, the conference presented many opportunities to learn and to embark on professional growth, and together we look forward to learning more about Oklahoma City.
Amidst the political commotion of the current Presidential Election, LEAP Ambassadors participated in educational civic engagement by hosting Mock Elections for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students at Estella Stewart Elementary School. We arrived as the school bells signaled the start of the school day. To prepare for our students, we set up our polling stations inside the library, relying on colorful voting stations and patriotically designed ballot boxes.
Our goal was to teach the elementary students about the election process and to habituate them to the act of voting.
When the first group of students arrived, they were promptly seated for their first lesson aimed at teaching them about local government. LEAP Ambassadors acted as teachers, educating students about who our government leaders are, how those leaders get elected, and how to participate in the electoral process.
From group to group, the conversations with students varied depending on their questions, but each lesson ended with excited students lining up to cast their votes.
First and second graders were given ballots with pictures to help them identify their choice for president, while fourth graders were given regular ballots with only the candidates’ names on them. The rules for voting were enforced to ensure that our mock elections were as realistic as possible. Talking and looking at others ballots were prohibited. The children were so used to this routine that some, after casting their votes, were worried that they had not written their name on their ballots. We calmed them down by explaining the anonymity of the voting process.
As each student slipped their vote into the ballot box, it was rewarding to see the smiling students excited about voting in their first election! Wearing their “I Voted” stickers with great pride, each student left the room ready to turn 18 and cast their real votes.
Although though the true results will come to light next week, for these mock elections the ballots were counted with Hillary Clinton winning with 64% of the vote.
We suspect that the actual election will be much closer, although we suspect the end result will be the same.
With the jolly goodbyes from a group of happy little voters…
…we left the elementary excited by the children’s excitement in civic engagement. Thank you to Estella Stewart Elementary School for allowing us to visit and contribute to the success of a future generation of voters!
With the nearing of Veterans Day, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum hosted a flag dedication ceremony to honor the men and women who have served our nation. Organized by Jeff Bradley, and executed by the great staff at the HEARTS Veterans Museum, the ceremony brought in some of our elected officials and many local notables.
Mark Robinson, the director of the HEARTS Museum, began the ceremony. The Huntsville Men’s Choir led “The Star-Spangled Banner” and everyone joined in. A few special guests were introduced: Senator Charles Schwertner; Mayor of Huntsville Andy Brauninger; Todd Stevens, the District Director for Congressman Brady; and others.
Following the introductions, the flags were dedicated. The United State Army Flag was donated by Champe and Virginia Miller in honor of Captain Robert H. Rucker and Captain William A. Miller. The United States Navy Flag was donated by Phyllis and Walt Pinegar in honor of W.M. Bill Pinegar and W.E. Walt Pinegar. The United States Marine Corps Flag was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Freeman in honor of Captain Stephen P. Freeman. The United States Air Force Flag was donated by Sue Trammell Whitfield in honor of William F. Whitfield. Lastly, the United States Coast Guard Flag was donated by Tom and Charlotte Oleinik in honor of Clarence Magee.
While the flags were being raised, the Huntsville Men’s Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley. It was a beautiful ceremony full of love, respect, and pride for our country.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the guests were welcomed into the Museum for refreshments and desserts. In order to continue honoring of veterans and the Armed Forces, the HEARTS Museum remained open with free admissions until noon that day. Some wandered through the museum enjoying the articles from past wars and learning about our military’s history, while others enjoyed conversation with current military members and veterans who were in attendance.
As noon came around, people began to shuffle out and thanked the staff for a wonderful ceremony.
With the flags flying high and the echo of the Men’s Choir’s chants resonating in our ears, we all made our way out from the Museum feeling proud of attending the ceremony.
As has been SHSU’s tradition, every legislative session the LEAP Center finds exemplary students to intern at the capitol with the state legislators. From a week of mid-terms to a weekend of new legislative terms, the LEAP students traveled to Austin to tour the capital, interview in legislative offices, and explore the rest of the city.
Interviews, by Vincent Melore
It was six o’clock in the morning when we LEAPed out of bed, awaiting the opportunity of a life time. Donning our newly pressed suits, we eagerly anticipated the ride to the capitol, where we would interview with three staff members representing various legislative candidates. When we arrived at the front gates of the capitol we were struck with awe. Magnificent coal black gates surrounded a structure like no other in the state of Texas. The capitol, dressed with genuine Texas red granite and topped with the gorgeous guardian of liberty, was truly a testament to all the opportunities that Texas provides.
LEAP Center Students Sit in on Appropriations Committee
Soon after the group arrived at the capitol, we interviewed staffers from numerous offices including: Benjamin Williams, Director of Administration for Representative Jim Murphy; Eiman Siddiqui, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Tom Oliverson; and Nick Raymond, future chief of staff for Representative-elect Ernest Bailes. The interviews were indeed a learning experience as potential Austin interns Vincent Melore, Christina Perez, and Isabela Gonzalez were interviewed simultaneously for their first interview of the morning. During the interview, the group was asked typical interview questions, hypothetical interview questions, and some questions that seemed unusual but were used to get an understanding of our unique personalities and whether or not they would fit well in their offices.
As we continued interviewing throughout the day, we also toured through a few of the offices to gain a feel for the environment and expectations of each office (just in case we get placed). We soon understood how important it would be to maintain a professional and positive attitude. As the frontline of the representative’s office we would be responsible for ensuring the integrity and security of that office. Although we all knew we would be in for the workload of a lifetime, this in no way stifled our determination and drive to serve the legislature.
Site-Seeing, by Victoria McClendon-Leggett
Meanwhile, with a muggy and dull sky, LEAP students without impending interviews began their day differently. As we poured out of the van, we filed through the gates and paused as we took a moment to gaze up at the Texas State Capitol. “I’m going to go park. Will you see about getting a tour?” Professor Yawn said to Beatriz. She turned on her heels and began to lead the group towards the edifice that towered in front of them. The façade looked almost pink in contrast to the grey sky. The building was a beautiful example of the renaissance revival style. The walls were smooth, polished red marble. Columns surrounded the rotunda that rose high above the rest of the building, and all around it the pediments of each individual wing came to form four separate peaks.
Some of the students had been here before, but we were all just as mesmerized by the ornate capitol details surrounding us. While waiting for the next tour to start we had time to admire the general splendor. The floor was terrazzo marble that somehow managed to gleam in what little light from outside had found its way in through the 900+ windows that functionally adorn the Capitol building. Professor Yawn eventually joined us and we followed the tour guide as he ushered us up wrought iron staircases, down hallways with more than twenty identical doorways, and past portraits of former Texas governors.
The tour itself lasted only about forty minutes, and then afterwards the group had to go their separate ways. Some had interviews for prospective internships, some had already landed their internships and simply wanted to visit different offices…
LEAP Center Students in Senator Schwertner’s Office, with Staff Member Deandra Porter
and some were left to amuse themselves for the day. Eventually, we all made our way through the winding halls and tunnels of the capitol and regrouped at the Reference Library before going to lunch.
LEAP Center Students, Ever-Studious, in the Capitol Reference Library
Food, by Christina Perez
After an adventurous morning at the capitol, we headed to Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria. The options for pizza pies seemed endless. The first suggestion was pepperoni, but we all decided that we should explore different options. After a vote across the table, we decided to order the “Chairman of the Board” which was Frank Sinatra’s nickname after he founded Reprise Records in 1960. We also decided to try “white pizza.” This take on pizza strays away from the path of familiarity for some of us as the tomato sauce is replaced with alfredo. In true Austin spirit, we embraced the change and decided to go for the strange. While enjoying the delicious pizza pies, with expressive eyes we discussed how we could see of the town. Eventually we figured out the best routes through the city that would take us through housing options for the spring.
More Food, Brian Aldaco
Tired of looking through countless apartment complexes, a bit weary from the costly Austin living, we found it apt to unwind with a visit to the ever favorite Clay Pit. From the Guadalupe St rumbling echoes of traffic, we crossed into the cozy, calm Indian cuisine restaurant. As we were seated, the spicy aromas which filled the air prompted us to get ready for this trip down savory lane. As their eyes met the different menu items, students who had never been to an Indian restaurant looked perplexed, perhaps even frightened. Items such as Goat Curry, Lamb Roganjosh, Boti Kabab, (whose pronunciation was just as ambiguous as its ingredients) were met with curiosity but ordered nonetheless.
For dessert, we agreed on the savory treat of creme-brulee, Gulab Jamun, and the Hot and Cold Love (a unique combination of vanilla ice-cream and specially prepared carrot puree). After hearty conversation, good food, and a couple of table mishaps here and there…
Sadie McLaughlin, Following a Water-Drinking Mishap
…we managed to get off our seats and take a night walk through UT Campus and the Capitol.
We strolled through the city until we reached the UT Campus. As we neared the glowing UT Tower, we surveyed the South lookout from our viewpoint.
Standing on that pebbled ground we stayed contemplating at the bright vista of a very beautiful Texas Capitol dome. Night crawling through more of Austin we re-visited the State Capitol and pensively strolled down the perimeter of the legislative building.
With a day full of weary and a tomorrow full of mystery, it was nice to walk worry free, soaking in the pleasant moon glow and shine from our Texas seal. Our little weekend adventure had come to its end.
With a drive back to Huntsville in the morning, we took our last glances of the capitol, gave our last sighs, and agreed on how pleasant the day as a whole had been. Even though nerves ran high, and results are yet to be seen, at least we got to spend an adventurous day at Austin with great friends.
The breeze blew in the trees, and the sun shone down on the flowers that surround SHSU’s beautiful campus. Amidst this scenery, most students made their way home from class, hearing the last chimes of the clock tower echoing around the brick buildings on campus. But for the LEAP Ambassadors, the 5 o’clock chimes were a call to gallop to our volunteer duties at the Walker Education Center for the western-themed Republican Roundup.
We all were assigned our stations and were ready for the rowdy crowd to come. Some of us were in charge of check-in tables…
…front and back, check-in tables…
….while other were in charge of serving an all American cuisine composed of hot dogs, potato salad, sweet tea, Blue Bell ice cream, and apple pie!
As the crowds drew into the decorated ballroom and found their seats amongst the sunflower center pieces that brightened up each table, Mrs. McKenzie, Chair of the Walker County Republican Party, welcomed people to the event.
After the applause died down from the crowd, the time most of us were most looking forward to had come – time to meet November’s candidates! Each candidate whose name will be on the upcoming November-election ballot was introduced and those with contested positions made their concise speeches while asking for everyone’s support. Once each candidate finished speaking, the crowd applauded them for their courage to run for office and make a difference in their communities.
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Even though the event was quickly wrapping up, many stayed to mingle (while enjoying dessert)…
….with candidates and those who already hold a position in office.
As the night ended with many shaken hands, the crowd made their way towards the doors ready to make an informed decision on the upcoming elections.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 