Category: Uncategorized

Boston or Bust!

After arriving in Boston early Friday morning, LEAP officially kicked off our visit to New England! We’re here for the Council of State Governments East conference, but like any LEAP trip, we make time to absorb the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of the region.

Massachusetts State House

by Olivia Discon

Even as we approached the building, we noticed the gold dome, and we used that as a guidepost for directions to the structure. The dome, as we would later learn, was originally covered with wood shingles, but as they deteriorated, the government opted for a sturdier material. They chose Paul Revere to plate the dome, but as it weathered and turned green, another element was sought. They settled on 23-karat gold, which is, of course, distinctly different. Interestingly, the original gilding cost $3,000 (in 1872); but they expect to cost approximately 3,000,000 dollars to refurbish it today.

We learned all this from Luke, our tour guide, who gave us a great overview of the building, which was designed by Charles Bullfinch, who also designed the Maine Statehouse, University Hall at Harvard, and the updating of the US Capitol.

A highlight was the beautiful rotunda, which featured stained-glass windows and murals depicting scenes from the founding of the country. The room was built with imported Italian stone and craftsmanship, reflecting the influence of Massachusetts’ large Italian immigrant population.

From there, we entered the Great Hall of Flags, which displays 351 flags, one from each municipality in Massachusetts. The design wasn’t just symbolic, though; the flags also help improve the room’s acoustics, making it suitable for ceremonies and events.

Having seen 12 state capitol buildings, I’ve learned that the legislative chambers are often the most interesting aspects of the statehouses. In Massachusetts, the House of Representatives has 160 members, each serving two-year terms. In and of itself, this is not unusual. What is unusual is this one features a fish: a cod. The cod is such a central symbol of Massachusetts’ maritime roots that the chamber refuses to conduct business without it, although that didn’t stop Harvard students from stealing it in 1933, stopping legislative business for three days, before it miraculously returned. The sculpture is today so valued, it is known as the “Sacred Cod.”

Across the building, the State Senate chamber is home to 40 senators, also elected for two-year terms and representing roughly 175,000 people each. Their chamber is arranged in a round-table style, designed to encourage equal discussion, which is of course different from the tiered seating most state legislatures use. Indeed, Massachusetts takes this to great lengths. To ensure full equality, they actually change the heights of each chair around the table in a manner designed to ensure that each member is of equal stature while literally and figuratively occupying a Senate seat.

And because the House wouldn’t share the Sacred Cod, the Senate decided they would have their own divine creature: the “Holy Mackerel.”

In all, this visit to the Old State House was a great way to kick off the trip. It was the perfect precursor to the rest of the day and almost certainly to our time in New England. 

Freedom Trail

by Michelle Moya

While the Massachusetts’ State House can serve as a standalone site, it is also part of Boston’s official Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path (fully paved with red bricks) that winds through downtown and connects 16 historically significant sites. The trail proved to be the perfect introduction to the city–part history lesson, part sightseeing tour–allowing us to stand where many of the pivotal moments in America’s fight for independence unfolded.

In most states, a capitol built in 1798 would be the old state house but not in Massachusetts. The Bay State’s “Old State House” was built in 1713 and is Boston’s oldest surviving public building. Its Georgian architecture stands in stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers surrounding it. For decades, it served as the seat of the Massachusetts General Court and a symbol of royal power in the colony. But it also became a birthplace of revolution: on July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud from its balcony for the first time to the citizens of Boston, transforming this seat of British authority into a herald of American freedom.

Just steps away lies the Boston Massacre Site, marked today by a simple ring of cobblestones. Modest as the marker may be, this spot witnessed a tragedy that would galvanize the colonies. On March 5, 1770, angry Bostonians clashed with British troops stationed in the city. What began with snowballs, sticks, and insults escalated when confusion gave way to gunfire. Private Hugh Montgomery, knocked down by the crowd, fired his musket, and others followed suit. Amid escalating tension, five colonists were killed: Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, Samuel Maverick, and Patrick Carr. 

The consequences of that night are poignantly reflected at the Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660 and one of Boston’s three-oldest cemeteries.

Though only about 2,300 headstones remain visible, nearly 5,000 people are believed to be buried in this hallowed ground, including some of the Revolution’s most illustrious figures such as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and among these is one of the five victims of the Boston Massacre, Crispus Attucks. Of African and Native American descent, Attucks was a sailor and dockworker who stood at the front of the crowd that evening. His death marked not just the beginning of America’s struggle for independence but also highlighted the diverse coalition of people who would sacrifice for that cause. 

A few blocks away, the trail leads us to the Paul Revere House, built around 1680 and now the oldest surviving home in downtown Boston. Modest in size and structure, the weathered wooden dwelling still fits in among the varied architectural buildings of modern-day Boston. Revere lived here from 1770 to 1800, balancing his work as a silversmith with his pivotal role in the Patriot cause, including his famous midnight ride that would become the stuff of legend.

The Freedom Trail offered a concise, firsthand look at Boston’s role in the nation’s founding. The trail provides both residents and visitors a clear window into the events and figures that shaped early America, making it a must-see for anyone looking to understand Boston’s historical significance and, for us, a great start to exploring a new city.

Lunch and Larks

Befitting our historic tour, we had lunch at the Union Oyster House, which opened in 1826, making it the United States’ oldest restaurant. The building in which it is housed dates back even further–at least 250 years, although no firm date has been established. In addition to some Boston staples (New England Clam Chowder, oysters, Boston Cream Pie)–which we enjoyed–the restaurant has also hosted many notable public figures. Daniel Webster was a regular customer as was John F. Kennedy. Indeed, Kennedy had the Oyster House’s Clam Chowder shipped in for his inauguration.

We also plotted out paths to some sites we wanted to see that didn’t fit a themed route. This included the remnants of a partially obscured Richard Haas mural at 31 Milk Street, which someone, inexplicably, decided should be covered up by a parking garage. For a city that cares about its history–or for any city–it was an unfortunate decision.

Also of interest to us was Ten Post Office Square, which was originally home to the Boston Latin School (1635), the oldest public school in the United States. Luminaries such as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Cotton Mather, and Benjamin Franklin attended here. Franklin, however, dropped out, a fact which partially prompted city fathers to erect a statue of him on the site in 1865, the first such public statue in the city of Boston. The site was also been home to the Suffolk County Courthouse and, in 1865, the City built a new Town Hall on the site. It is the structure that occupies the location today, a building that provided office space for 38 separate mayors, including John Fitzgerald–the future President’s grandfather.

Boston Museum of Art

After a packed first day in Boston, we headed to the Museum of Fine Arts to see “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits”- the MFA’s first Van Gogh exhibition in 25 years. With 23 works on display, many borrowed from all over the country, this represents the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work currently showing in the United States.

The exhibition focuses on Van Gogh’s 26 portraits of the Roulin family-his neighbors in Arles, France. Fourteen of these paintings are displayed together here, something that rarely happens given how scattered they are across museums worldwide.

Joseph Roulin, a local postman, appears in several portraits wearing his postal uniform…

 His wife Augustine dominates the “La Berceuse” series, where Van Gogh painted her as a maternal figure meant to comfort sailors and working people.

Their three children each get distinct personalities: Armand with his serious expression,

young Camille caught between childhood and adolescence,

and baby Marcelle with tender vulnerability.

The exhibition also includes other works from Van Gogh’s productive Arles period. The Bedroom immediately caught my attention, given its bold, simplified colors.

Alongside these, Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait from this period shows the artist at his most direct, painted just months after his breakdown in Arles…

The curators also included works by artists who influenced Van Gogh, including pieces by Rembrandt, creating a clear artistic lineage that shaped his approach to portraiture.

The exhibition ends with Van Gogh’s actual letters, written during his mental health struggles in Arles. 

Continuing On!

By Olivia Discon

From there, we wandered through the rest of the museum, trying to take in as much as we could before the end of day one.

Michelle is still figuring out her taste in art, so this visit was a great chance to see a wide range of styles and time periods all in one place.

In the American Art collection, we started in a way that mirrored the country’s own development. Early American painters leaned heavily on European influences, but as we moved forward, you could see the work gradually step into a style of its own.

Moya has grown fond of the transcendentalist crowd—Heade, Thomas Cole, and Bierstadt especially.

For me, highlights included John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, and Rodin.

We also stumbled on an Andy Warhol that needed a little context. After I explained the, let’s say, “golden phase” of his work, Michelle was no closer to being a Warhol fan.

There was also an impressive lineup of Monets, including one from his cathedral series. That 33-painting project captures the same cathedral at different times of day. This is pivotal to art history, and I was pleased to have seen one of them in person. 

And then came Degas’ Little Dancer. One of the 28 bronze casts, it’s indeed an incredible piece. However, if you’d rather not become disillusioned with another art piece in this blog, you probably shouldn’t ask me the backstory on this one.

On our way out, we caught sight of some Alexander Calder pieces! The wooden sculpture was particularly striking to me, and an excellent find on our way out of the museum.

Concluding Thoughts

It was such a busy day, it was easy to forget that we woke up in Houston, Texas, and spent only a partial day in Boston, MA. Nonetheless, we managed to spend a full twelve hours seeing sites, exploring a part of the country that is new to us, and reflecting anew on our nation’s history and the meaning of freedom.

Unfolding Law Enforcement Corruption and Cover-Ups

By Mayra Sofia Soto

Today we joined an exciting virtual session hosted by the Houston Area ACFE Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.

The event was led by Lawrence P. Smith, President and Founder of the STIRM Group Inc, which conducts complex investigations for law enforcement, legal entities, and private clients.

Smith, who also hosts the podcast Bribes, Lies & Alibis, is releasing a new book this fall– Six Degrees of Corruption: The Fleecing of a City– detailing corruption at the heart of institutions designed to protect the public.

The case began when a police chief approached Smith in late 2021 to investigate a forged training record tied to a former Methuen Police Department officer. What seemed at first like a simple case of document fraud unraveled into something much larger: a pattern of systemic corruption involving fraudulent certifications, fake officers, conspiracy, and significant Brady v. Maryland implication. Smith’s background in document fraud, including years with Homeland Security, allowed him to immediately spot the forgery. But the deeper he dug, the more the issue grew– from one fake cop to institutional complicity at the highest levels.

Central to the scandal was the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), the body responsible for overseeing municipal police training statewide. Smith initially gavethem a professional courtesy call, as is customary in law enforcement when an officer is under investigation. Instead of honesty, he encountered what he believed was direct involvement andcriminal negligence by the executive director. Despite presenting overwhelming evidence such as forged academy records, evidence tampering, and false arrests. The case was rejected 11 times by the Attorney General’s Office, the District Attorney, and even the Department of Justice.

The report was not only turned down, it was impounded. Officials cited “not enough evidence” and tried to use prosecutorial discretion to avoid action. Smith detailed how elected officials and politically connected figures shielded the MPTC leadership from accountability. The MPTC agency stripped metadata from requested records, withheld documents from investigators and the media, lied to investigators and tampered with evidence. Those responsible, including Robert Ferullo, the MPTC’s executive director, faced no charges even as evidence of their active involvement increased.

These failures rippled outward. Every officer trained by the MPTC, every conviction they played a role in, now comes under question. The legal, financial, and reputational damage is profound. The scale of corruption and political protection in the state as Smith noted “is mind-numbing.”

When an accreditation body is compromised, the entire justice system is at risk ranging from civil rights violations to erosion of public trust. The fallout includes not just criminal liability, but also obstruction of justice, conspiracy and accreditation loss.

Smith emphasized that this case isn’t about money or value but it’s about protecting human rights. At the end of the day, the greatest badge of honor is honesty.

Partnership, Photography, and Philanthropy: Boy Scouts of American and the LEAP Ambassadors

The concept of helping other people is central to the BSA “Scout Oath,” while also being integral to the mission of the LEAP Ambassadors. It was perhaps no surprise, then, that these two organizations would eventually work together and, in doing so, would help others.

The partnership was prompted by Troop 114’s end-of-the-school-year celebration, a need for photography, and a request from Gene Roberts. So, in mid-May, with temperatures hovering around 95, the LEAP Ambassadors came armed with cameras to do individual, family, and group photos of the Scouts.

The immediate result was more than 200 photographs of young people, their families, and scout leaders.

The young people did a good job in the face of heat, delays, and the youthful discomfort of being the center of attention in a crowd of peers and the camera’s gaze.

It was a learning process for us as photographers. While we have a competence with the technical aspects of the camera, we do little formal photography. We also don’t do a lot of posing of other people, particularly young children and groups with extreme height differences. So, it was a little overwhelming at times, trying to keep up with camera settings, posing and positioning, backgrounds, impatience, and changing light conditions, not to mention the heat. In turn, this led to longer wait-times for the photography, which must have been frustrating to the Scouts and their families.

Nonetheless, we were able to take more 1,500 photographs in a matter of an hour, with some of the children showing an inclination for attention.

We stayed for another hour or so, photographing the Scout meeting…

…and we were generously offered meals from the Troop’s potluck dinner, and in the process, learned more about Scouts, their mission, and the contributions to those involved and to the community at large.

Indeed, although we offered to do the photography for free, many generous parents/leaders donated $360 to LEAP. In turn and in the spirit of the community-minded impulse that animates the Scouts, we matched the donation and contributed it to the Salvation Army of Kerry .

Insights from a “City Fellow” Experience

by Macey Schank

As a City Fellows intern, I’m spending the summer working with the Huntsville City Manager’s Office and learning all about how a city operates. As part of this well-rounded experience, I attended a City Council meeting to gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how various municipal departments collaborate through the council’s leadership.

This was my very first time attending a council meeting, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Before the meeting began, I had the chance to reconnect with several city officials from different departments, including my former supervisors Penny Joiner, the Parks Director, and Kristy Wheeler, the Parks Administrative and Recreation Coordinator, from my previous internship with Parks and Recreation.

The meeting opened with a call to order and a proclamation from Mayor Humphrey declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the vital role the department plays in enriching our city. From there, the agenda moved into voting on public improvement projects and grant funding, including items related to airport improvements, water erosion issues, and enhancements to the public library with a new makerspace. The meeting itself was structured and efficient, a far less confusing experience than I had imagined. It moved smoothly from one item to the next, with each discussion focused and purposeful.

Observing the council in action was much more engaging than I expected. It gave me a practical look at how parliamentary procedures are applied and how council members and city staff work together to serve the public.

Attending the meeting helped me connect the dots between the work I’ve done this summer and how those efforts support broader city goals. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort and preparation that go directly into the policy discussions and project planning at the council level.

Before becoming a City Fellows intern, I had no idea how much coordination and planning go into city operations. This internship has not only helped me build real-world skills that will strengthen my resume, but it has also made me a more informed and engaged member of the community. I now have a better understanding of how local government functions, and these firsthand experiences have given me a foundation to build on in future roles.

An Opening Reception to Remember: Elkins Artisans at Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center

by Olivia Discon

On July 8, 2025, the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center–a pillar in the Huntsville community for the arts–hosted an opening reception for its newest art exhibit featuring a local art group known as “Elkins Artisans”. The gallery features 13 local artists from the Elkins Lake community–and a variety of mediums at that!

One of the artists, Jeannie Boyle, commanded the room with a brief opening statement about the group and the important work they do to support the arts in the Elkins Lake and Huntsville community. Many of the artists are good friends with one another, some are even related or married! This goes to show that community engagement and the arts go hand in hand.

Each artist in attendance took turns discussing how they entered the art world, the kind of work they do, and most interestingly, why they love what they do! It was really fun to see each of the artists emerge from the audience and light up at the chance to speak about their work. Some do it as a hobby, and others, professionally. Nevertheless, each had a unique story to tell. 

Donna Coulter is a ceramicist who got her start into pottery on a Groupon deal. From that point on, she cites that experience as a turning point in her life. On the piano in the gallery, Coulter had 10 pieces on display–inspired by an Australian ceramics class. 

Mike Gaultz, a wood turner, had a lovely set of bowls on display. So lovely, in fact, some were immediately sold 15 minutes into the event! The patron was visibly proud of his newest piece of art.

An artist that stood out to many was Gale Pruitt and her work called “Life’s Just a Game Anyway”. The bronze sculpture features a mirror image of two women looking into a reflection of how they perceive themselves. While that was thought-provoking in and of itself, she also noted that they were both standing on a checkerboard floor, as life is just a game anyways!

There were several watercolor artists featured in the gallery–Mary Wolfskill, Pat Fekete, Tonia Brown, Jeannie and Bill Boyle. While each artist was definitely distinct from one another, they individually expressed a relative sense of enjoyment with the medium and the ability to experiment with it.

Among the oil paintings, I have to say Barri Green’s Jazz Singer was my favorite piece. The expression on the musician’s face was very realistic and filled with emotion. It’s hard to articulate other than I found it extremely refreshing and visually appealing.

There were also some incredible pieces in oil paint from Trish Roberts and Betty Liles. Macey enjoyed Betty’s painting of the cattle that hung on the mantle.

Randy Carlson, a gemologist and gemstone artist, specializes in the official cut of Texas, known as the Lone Star Cut. He also took the time to educate Macey on the official gemstone of Texas, which is Blue Topaz for any curious readers. After the remarks, Randy did a demo of the Lone Star Cut for those who were curious about the process. While we only saw a piece of the puzzle, I could only imagine how intricate and time consuming this process might be! 

In all, this event was fabulous. It not only served as a gathering place to celebrate the efforts of a local art group, but it also provided a sense of pride to Huntsville by extension of the community they’ve built. It was an opportunity to meet new people, connect with old friends, and feel good about the good things going on in our community.

I would highly recommend you check out this exhibit at the Wynne Home, which will be on display until September.

Reflections from the Capitol: A Day of Service, History, and Perspective in Austin

by Olivia Discon

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Texas Capitol and share a few reflections from my term as student regent. I was invited by the Governor’s Appointments Office to speak to the newly appointed student regents, which was a real honor—and a full-circle moment I didn’t take lightly. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity and my time in Austin.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was being invited to the Governor’s Mansion. After a quick security check by DPS, I had the chance to tour one of the most historic and iconic buildings in Texas. The Greek Revival-style mansion was designed by Abner Cook—who, interestingly, also supervised the construction of the Walls Unit in Huntsville. That connection alone was enough to trigger my compulsive need to tie Sam Houston into everything.

Photo Courtesy of The Office of Governor Greg Abbott

I’ll admit I was a little photo-shy walking through the mansion, but that didn’t stop a few photos from happening. To my surprise, I got to greet Governor Abbott again and take a quick photo with him—inside his house, no less. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being appointed as a student regent during my undergrad was an incredible opportunity, and I’ve felt supported at every level of my college experience. That support made moments like this possible.

As we made our way through the mansion, we passed through rooms filled with stunning 18th-century furniture—and, of course, nods to Sam Houston in almost every one. They even have a room named after him. Seeing this more glamorous side of Houston’s life, and then comparing it to his final years at the Steamboat House in Huntsville, was oddly moving. He was so committed to his principles that he gave up comfort for conviction. It’s just one of the reasons Huntsville has such a strange charm to me. Somehow, all roads in Texas lead back to it.

Even though the Governor’s Mansion is a historic landmark, it’s still a lived-in space. Just outside the window, we caught a glimpse of the Abbott family’s three golden retrievers playing in the yard. The timing of the visit couldn’t have been better—it was a great reminder of how historic homes can still be part of everyday life, thanks to organizations like the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion.

Photo Courtesy of SHSU LEAP Center, 2016

Later that afternoon, I joined Chris Covo, a former student regent for the Texas State University System, and Luke Shwartz, who was recently appointed student regent for the UT System (congrats again, Luke!). We sat down with Brent Connett for a moderated conversation about the role, what surprised us, and what advice we’d offer.

For me, the biggest takeaway was this: being a good representative can open more doors than you might expect. Investing in your professionalism, doing your research, and showing up prepared—not because you’ve “made it,” but because you’re serious about learning—goes a long way. When you present yourself as someone competent and curious, people take notice. You get to be in the room for real conversations and real opportunities.

After the panel, I stopped by to see my good friend Michelle Cardenas, who was deep in the legislative trenches as session wrapped up. She took a much-needed breather and walked me through the Governor’s Reception Hall. Watching her in action, compared to where we started—back when we walked into the Capitol for the first time with LEAP—was surreal. We’re in completely different places now, but there’s something meaningful about knowing LEAP brought us both here.

Electric Gravy
For dinner, I continued on my sappy tirade by joining Cinthia Villarreal and Michelle Cardenas at an Indian fusion restaurant—Electric Gravy.

It’s been getting a lot of local attention, including a recommendation from former LEAP Ambassador Saara Maknojia.

We started with the curry queso (which was excellent), and then I had the chicken tinga curry, Cinthia got the chicken masala, and Michelle went with the pork vindaloo. All of it was solid—definitely a fun place worth checking out.

Mount Bonnell
To wrap up the day, I visited Mount Bonnell for a great view of Lady Bird Lake. It ended up being the perfect spot to close out a long day—quiet, scenic, and full of the kind of quirky passersby you can only find in Austin.

The sun didn’t set until about 8:30 p.m., but once it started going down, it dropped fast.

I might be wrong, but I think this was the first time I ever intentionally watched a sunset. It was a nice experience!