Volunteer – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Fun, Games, and Education: Volunteering at the Senior Center

With the first month of the semester almost complete, LEAP is thoroughly ensconced with volunteerism across the community and, especially, at the Walker County Senior Center, where there is much fun to be had.

Nataly Elizondo and Bailey Hopkins at the Senior Center

Our routine is straightforward: introductions, five games of Bingo, and then selecting from myriad games at different tables. But the possibilities are numerous, fun, and intriguing.

We began again with Bingo, this time with Nataly taking the lead as most other volunteers sat at the tables.

Normally a quiet sort, Nataly flashed some smiles, enunciated loudly and clearly, and had great teamwork with her co-host Mikaela Baires. She even received some cheers from the congregants.

Of course, not as many cheers as the winners.

Following the Bingo game, students sat at different tables, interacting with seniors and other volunteers. In some cases, such as Ashton’s, it meant learning new card games from others at the table…

…and eventually she won, making everyone happy!

At other tables, the students taught the seniors new games.

And all the games were new for Mikaela, whose family doesn’t play cards.

While there, we ran into a familiar face: Dottie Fulton! Ms. Fulton is one of our favorite people to plant flags with for the Lions Club Flag Project, and we relish each time we get to see her.

One of the things that LEAP students soon learn with volunteering is that many of the same people show up at diverse venues: people who donate their time and resources do so across a variety of causes, and they are the individuals who make communities better places to live.

And, of course, that is exactly what makes the Senior Center a worthy place to donate time and money.

Fun and Flavor: Chilly at the Lodge Festivities

It was a cold and windy day, but that didn’t stop LEAP students from doing what they do: volunteering, having fun, and learning a little. Over the course of a thirty-hour period, students helped organizers of “Chilly at the Lodge” set up their two-day chili competition, did an afternoon tour of vendors and chili cooks, and also served as chili judges.

Chilly at the Lodge–Set Up

Chilly at the Lodge was founded to provide community fun, while also raising funds for the Josey Scout Lodge, one of a small number of Huntsville structures on the National Historic Register.

The more money the organizers save, the more funds can go to the good cause of maintaining the structure. Thus, LEAP students–Jacob Wessels, Luke Hempfling, Michelle Cardenas, and Brittlyn Jackson–found themselves on the grounds of the Lodge at 6:30am in 28-degree weather.

This early morning stint involved assisting cooks with moving equipment and items from their vehicles to the grounds.

The effort soon warmed us up, and the friendliness of the cooks enhanced the warmth further.

Following a short break to hear competition regulations from Don Cullum (a champion chili cook and one of the organizers of the tournament)…

…we continued our work helping vendors move their equipment to the grounds. In all, there were approximately 80 vendors and chili cooks.

We capped our 2.5-hour volunteer stint with a surprise tour of the grounds, led by Gene Roberts. This tour included a visit to the Caretaker’s Cabin, which not even Professor Yawn had seen! It was a fitting end to a rewarding morning.

Fun at the Chilly Fest

With a bit of a break in the morning, some of us returned with a new crew to enjoy the chili, the food, and the entertainment that is the hallmark of Chilly at the Lodge.

All of us–Victoria McClendon, Stephanie Fors, Mike Yawn, Gavin Dimen, Kayla Fleming, Michelle Cardenas, Isis Hollis, Allie Plunk, Robin Houghton, Marley Hendrix, and Nathan Barron–enjoyed the different vendors, with a special fondness for honey, baked items, and, for a couple of us, leather goods.

We also really enjoyed the music, especially the work of Steve Idlett, who performed a nice mix of music, including a “A Good Day to Die.”

But, of course, what we most enjoyed was the chili…

…(with the exception of Victoria, who, as a judge, could not interact with the cooks, lest she form opinions that might bias her “blind judgment” in the official contest). In all, we had about 80 samples of chili, trying almost all of them: the good (a lot), the bad (very few), and the chili with skittles (thankfully, only one).

When the day was over, we had a nice surprise, a tutorial from Don Cullum on how to cook chili, adding an educational flair to an afternoon of fun.

The Judging

The serious side of the chili contest is judging, and fortunately, you don’t have to be a chili expert to be a chili judge. This is a role LEAP Ambassadors have enjoyed for the past three years, and we continued the tradition this year.

Following a training by the ever-present Don Cullum, we began our judging process.

In all, we judged three categories: two rounds of Traditional Red and one round of Vegetarian. The Vegetarian was the easiest because there were only eight entrants, which means that a judge can get by with about 15 spoonfuls of chili.

The Traditional Red, however, had 18 entrants, which meant that, at a minimum, we were consuming at least one spoonful of a dozen and a half different bowls of chili. But this first foray into the chili tasting is really just to rule out bowls. A second round of tasting is necessary to taste the five or six bowls you think are in the running for first, second, or third place. And then, at least for some judges, a third round of tasting is needed to help suss out the top three in order. So, we had quite a lot of chili!

And this doesn’t even count the palate cleansers that are mandated between each sample–tortilla chips, sour cream, and water.

Of course, this is only part of the fun. While we were judging, we had a chance to run into some of our favorite people: Thomas Leeper, Dr. Gene Roberts, Mandy Dunbar, Judge Tracy Sorensen, Derrick Birdsall, Paul Trevino, and Jennifer Alexander, not to mention event organizer Karla Christian.

It was, in all, a wonderful way to spend a winter weekend in Huntsville, TX.

Highlights from the Senior Center

Just before classes began, LEAP students took advantage of their last moments of free time to volunteer at the Walker County Senior Center and to learn more about the Meals on Wheels Program, while also contributing to their ongoing work on the Empty Bowls program.

Stacey Loll, the Director of the Walker County Senior Center, introduced the students–Mikaela Baires, Jacob Wessels, Katie Wilson, Brittlyn Jackson, Nataly Elizondo, and Crystal Hearren–and Professor Yawn, and shortly after, they began enjoying various games.

The games soon gave way, however, to the bowl-glazing, when Angela Robinson of the Wynne Home dropped off dozens of bowls to be glazed.

As noted elsewhere on our blogs, the bowl-work is part of the Wynne Home Arts & Visitors Center’s “Empty Bowls” program, which encourages the arts while also feeding the hungry. It’s a multi-stage process, with City staff and volunteers getting grants to pay for supplies, for artists to lead classes on ceramics, and then a glazing and painting process.

These bowls can then be purchased–along with lunch–on March 4 at the Wynne Home, with the funds going, appropriately enough, to Meals on Wheels!

This type of work exemplifies intergenerational bonding or, in social capital terms, “bridging capital.” Basically, it brings people of different backgrounds and ages together for a common purpose. And while bowls, bingo, and other games were part of the fun, the common purpose was simply to enjoy the day and each other’s company.

Whatever the importance of bowls, we learned that nothing gets in the way of Bingo, so promptly at 10:15am, we set aside our bowls for the moment, and with Katie and Mikaela volunteering to serve as Bingo callers, got down to some serious business.

We soon found out how serious: several of the participants offered helpful suggestions on how better to fill the role of Bingo Caller. The suggestions helped, and Katie and Mikaela soon proved to be expert callers.

While Katie and Mikaela toiled away, the other LEAP students got to sit back, enjoy the games, and make new friends.

No matter their role, however, it was fun for all the volunteers, and we hope, for the regulars as well.

Following the games, we engaged in various activities: finishing bowls, playing more games, doing interviews for Postcards Magazine, and having lunch.

But our day wasn’t over, because we were also there to learn more about the Senior Center. We got a tour of the building, where we saw the impeccable cleanliness of the kitchen (they get one of the highest health-inspection ratings in the city), the offices, and their conference room.

Beyond the daily games and fun, the Senior Center utilizes volunteers to drive meals to more than 200 people who face food insecurity. The volunteer drivers follow the same route each “shift,” which allows them to provide not only a familiar and friendly face to individuals who may be lonely, but it also gives them the opportunity to notice apparent changes in health. “Our drivers,” notes Loll, “may be the only person our seniors see over a period of days or even weeks, and it’s important they have that interaction.”

The interaction and the education was also important to us. We learned a lot about the mission and operations of the Senior Center, the community groups and volunteers that support it, and the Center’s current needs–all while making new friends and having fun.

The Senior Center can always use volunteers or donations. To learn more, contact Stacey Loll at staceyloll@mowwctx.org or call (936) 295-6151. To donate, go to this site, where you can support a worthy cause!

A MASH Wrapup

As Christmas approaches, some children will find more gifts under their trees thanks to KSAM’s annual Make A Smile Happen (M*A*S*H*) event, which works with local community volunteers (i.e., the LEAP Ambassadors) to collect toys, food, pet supplies, and necessities for families in need.

For the sixth year, LEAP students assisted with the event, covering 21 hours of shifts, participating in “sign and wave…”

LEAP Students with HISD Asst Superintendent Paul Trevino

…help with unloading vehicles…

…and organizing, sorting, and counting items donated…

…doing some radio interviews…

…while also having fun with social media to help advertise the event.

Over the course of a cold and rainy day, this led to a lot of fun, spurred on by a lot of generosity by sponsors and local residents. Indeed, the community’s generosity kept LEAP students busy and resulted in full tents!

Over the course of the two days KSAM’s event generated 1,628 food items, 1,057 toys (including what was probably a record number of bikes!), 300 pounds of pet food, and $6,149 in cash.

These items were distributed to local non-profits and government agencies, including Santa’s Helpers, Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, CASA of Walker County, HISD, Good Shepherd Mission, Rita B. Huff Animal Adoption Center, and the SAAFE House.

Thanks to KSAM for spearheading this event for the 19th year and for asking the LEAP students to assist with a worthy cause.

Making A Smile Happen in Huntsville

The holiday season is a time for generosity, community spirit, and simple acts of kindness—and few events capture that spirit as fully as KSAM Radio 101.7’s annual M*A*S*H* (Make A Smile Happen) Christmas Gift Drive. As Huntsville residents prepare for the festive season, KSAM is once again inviting–and LEAP is also assisting–the community effort to make the holidays brighter for local families, children, and even four-legged friends.

Located in the HEB Parking lot, M*A*S*H* tents will be open for 21 hours on Wednesday and Thursday (10am-6pm, 6am-4pm, respectively), providing a convenient drop-off spot for donors. Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new toys, and pet supplies, with LEAP volunteers on hand to help unload, sort, and inventory.

Notably, all of the donations stay in Walker County, including Good Shepherd Mission, CASA of Walker County, the Walker County Boys & Girls Club, Santa’s Helpers, SAAFE House, HISD Social Services, and the Rita B. Huff Adoption Center.

When deciding how to allocate their time, the LEAP Ambassadors ask several questions, including:

Does this fit our mission?
Is this a meaningful contribution to the community?
Do we have the resources to do this well?
Can another group do it better?

With M*A*S*H*, this is an easy call, and it is the fifth year the Ambassadors have assisted with the program–long-term relationships being another hallmark of LEAP operations.

For KSAM Radio, the MASH Gift Drive is more than an annual event—it is a reflection of their longstanding involvement in the community–in fact, they just celebrated their 86th anniversary of being on-air in Huntsville!

For LEAP Ambassadors, it’s a way to contribute to their community while learning more about it. And for community members, it’s an opportunity to give back in a meaningful, tangible way–and to Make a-A Smile Happen!

M*A*S*H* will be in operation again today from 6am-4pm in the HEB parking lot. Stop by and say “hi”!

Celebrating Citizenship and Community: A Launch to the Next Chapter at The Woodlands Center

After months of anticipation and careful planning, we opened the doors to our Citizenship Celebration at The Woodlands Center–an evening that marked not just a milestone, but the launch of an exciting new chapter for our existing citizenship program.

The celebration brought together naturalized citizens, aspiring citizens, LEAP friends and alumni, all united by a shared support for those on their journey toward citizenship and the program.

What began in 2008 as a local initiative in Walker County has grown far beyond its original scope. Thanks to National Partnership for New Americans, the program now reaches into Montgomery County, creating new connections and expanding the community in meaningful ways.

One of the many goals for this celebration was to ensure every guest left with a meaningful takeaway. This is always easier when everyone shares a common purpose. For us, this growth brought new connections in the Montgomery area, including volunteers from Caney Creek High School…

…who joined SHSU students to create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere for the guests as they arrive.

As guests arrived, they settled in with plates of delicious food–empanadas, beef satay, ceviche, and an array of other cultural dishes–setting the stage for an evening of culture and connections. The room itself was beautifully decorated with a patriotic theme symbolizing the civic pride and sense of belonging that come with citizenship.

The ceremony began with Professor Yawn, who welcomed attendees and explained how LEAP’s citizenship program is expanding beyond Walker County.

The audience included familiar faces like Gregoria McGuire and Roxana Woychesin, former course participants, alongside eager newcomers ready to begin their journey.

LEAP alumni–Brian Aldaco, Bianca Saldierna, Ademide Adedokun, and Megan Chapa–also in attendance, perfectly timed to coincide with LEAP’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebration and the launch of new initiatives.

I then had the chance to offer my own words of welcome — thanking everyone for their incredible support and emphasizing that this event was truly a celebration for all: those who had been naturalized, those beginning the journey, and those supporting this civic milestone.

Then came the moment I’d been looking forward to — introducing Christina Sato, who so graciously agreed to share her journey and beautiful words with us. Christina Sato is an accomplished actress, singer, and University of Texas at Austin graduate who interned for former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and has built an impressive career bridging entertainment and public service.

Christina spoke beautifully about three important themes, with one particularly powerful message about the importance of an invitation…

…recalling that she first met Professor Yawn in an elevator, three years ago. That chance meeting, followed by some networking, led to the invitation to speak at this event.

She tied this concept perfectly to the crowd and their purpose, making everyone feel the significance of being present and being welcomed into community.

Her story was one of unexpected turns and beautiful detours. Sato shared how she began her career with aspirations in public service, only to find life taking her down different paths-through entertainment, through various roles and opportunities that she never initially imagined. Rather than viewing these changes as setbacks, she embraced them as part of life’s natural rhythm. Her journey wasn’t linear, and she owned that truth with grace and authenticity.

For the naturalized citizens in the room– many of whom had taken long, winding roads to reach that point–her story struck a personal note. For those still on their journey toward citizenship, her message offered hope, encouragement, and a reminder that every experience brings us closer to where we’re meant to be.

The evening then shifted to something wonderfully fun–Lotería! For those unfamiliar with this traditional game, it’s similar to bingo but with a uniquely cultural twist.

We played a couple of rounds, giving away prizes to lucky winners throughout the evening, with the help of volunteers Andrea Torres, Olivia Discon, and Laura Juarez Ordonez.

It was a beautiful reminder that while we gather for serious purposes – citizenship, community, growth – we also come together to celebrate, to play, and to enjoy each other’s company.

As the celebration concluded, we announced the next phase of our program: our Spring 2026 Citizenship Course. This course will be held on April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th at The Woodlands Center, to support immigrants as they work toward their citizenship, providing the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this evening possible: the volunteers and LEAP alumni whose ongoing support sustains the program, Christina Sato for generously sharing her time, inspiring story, and wisdom, and most importantly, the naturalized citizens and immigrants whose journeys continue to inspire this program and remind us of why it initially started.

Here’s to the journey ahead–and to all the events yet to come!

For more information about LEAP’s citizenship program or our upcoming Spring course, email Professor Mike Yawn at mikeyawn@shsu.edu.

Connecting with Global Leaders: LEAP at the Jesse H. Jones Awards Luncheon

Over the course of the year, the World Affairs Council brings in approximately 100 speakers in their mission to promote a “better understanding of the world.” This makes for busy day-to-day operations, but their workload is amplified once a year, when they host the Jones Luncheon and present the “Jones Award” for International Citizen of the Year. This year, with speakers such as Ambassador Mark Satterfield, author Daniel Yergin, and Bruce Neimeyer, they awarded their “International Citizen of the Year” Award to Michael Wirth, CEO of Chevron.

LEAP Students were sufficiently fortunate to attend, leaving at 8:15am from Huntsville for Houston…

…and volunteering with check-in and some basic set-up, while also continuing to benefit from the World Affairs Council’s extensive generosity to students. For us, this was another learning opportunity, folded into a volunteer opportunity as a bonus.

Ten LEAP students attended, helping as needed. Volunteers greeted guests at the entrance, distributed name tags, managed sign-ins, and assisted with table assignments, while others welcomed VIP members to their private lounge. Their professionalism and enthusiasm reflected LEAP’s continued commitment to civic engagement and hands-on learning experiences.

The awards ceremony featured a three-course meal.

…followed by remarks by many of our favorite people: the World Affairs Council Staff: CEO Maryanne Maldonado…

…the “International Citizen of the Year” Award Winner Wirth…

…Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley…

… Chief Advancement Officer Sandija Bayot…

…Director of Programs Jahan Jafarpour…

…Director of Education Ethan Eyre…

…Data Analytics and Engagement Coordinator Eli Quezada…

…and local luminaries…

…and we also had the chance to work with Leo Scarparo, Maria Guarache, Cheri Rocha, and David Dennis, making it an enjoyable experience for us all.

Author and energy expert Daniel Yergin moderated a discussion with CEO Wirth, and the two discussed extensively the massive changes in the energy sector over the past forty years.

And even with these changes, eighty percent of all energy is derived from fossil fuels, which remain the most affordable and accessible sources of energy. And Texas, as it turns out, is the country’s largest producer of gasoline and natural gas–about twice as much as Florida or Pennsylvania, which rank second in the nation.

Following the moderated discussion, the World Affairs Council staff presented their “Global Leader Awards”–recognizing leaders in various contributions of international relations. With as many WAC events as we attend, it’s no surprise that we knew some of the winners, and it was nice to see some of our friends such as Emilio Armstrong be recognized for their good works.

While the main ceremony was wrapping up, the students had a chance to visit with Bruce Neimeyer, President of Shale Exploration with Chevron, discussed career opportunities in the industry, energy, and a general discussion of energy making. The students were well prepared, and we had an opportunity to see the students of Eric Tanner at Caney Creek High School, with whom we are partnering on a major project over the next year!

The key takeaway of this segment was that key skills can aid individuals in career diversity, allowing them to learn and grow, moving in different directions. Being open to opportunities and challenges was a key theme in the overall program, and a rewarding one for students who are seeking to understand themselves and others.

For most LEAP students, this was their first time attending the Jesse H. Jones Awards Luncheon. Regardless of experience, all agreed it was an inspiring and rewarding day; one that strengthened their understanding of global affairs and reaffirmed LEAP’s mission to connect students with leaders shaping the future.

CASA’s Christmas in July: Giving & Games

The SHSU Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom was filled with the warmth of holiday spirit and community generosity this past weekend, as CASA of Walker County hosted its annual “Christmas in July” Bingo Fundraiser.

With nearly 500 attendees–including, of course, LEAP students–there to support CASA, the event was a reflection of the community’s commitment to children in foster care.

The event featured 15 lively rounds of bingo…

…which was expertly MC’d by Terrence Bell…

…a silent auction, and a live auction of artwork created by children involved in CASA programming.

Raffle prizes included high-value items such as a $1,500 VISA gift card and diamond jewelry, while (some) guests embraced the evening’s “Gingerbread Christmas” theme with the contradictory summer holiday attire.

The fundraiser supports CASA’s ongoing efforts to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who serve as advocates for children involved in the child welfare system. And while CASA is a national organization, it is managed locally, with dedicated staff such as Kim Weiser (Director)…

…Laura Green (Development Director/Event Planner)…

Rachel Drake (Program Director), Sharee Brabits (Advocate Supervisor) and Katy Thompson (Advocate Supervisor) overseeing Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties.

Also on hand were many of its board members, including SHSU’s own Victoria White, who helped MC the event–she also won a Bingo game!

Greg Smith with the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home;

…and Malori Martin, Assistant District Attorney with the Walker County District Attorney’s Office…

…among many others.

For LEAP, it was a great opportunity to bring together students who have spent at least part of the summer in disparate places. Michelle Cardenas spent much of the summer interning in Austin for Governor Greg Abbott; Makenna McDaniel moved from internship (in Austin, with Rep. Will Metcalf) to another (Huntsville, with Rep. Trey Wharton)…

Olivia Discon has worked at the City of Huntsville; Sofia Soto moved to Huntsville to intern with the City;

Michelle Moya is still living in Montgomery County, while commuting to Huntsville and working for Rep. Trey Wharton; and Olivia McCaughan drove in from Prosper, TX, specifically for this event.

Together, we had the opportunity to see many leaders of the University and the community. We spent a little time with President White…

…whose husband, Elliott…

…helped sponsor the event and gave everyone a Christmas ornament!

We also saw Mayor Humphrey and City Manager Scott Swigert;

…had a chance to catch up with Jolynn Wharton;

…said hi to council members Karen Denman and Vicki Mackenzie;

…caught up with Chamber President and CEO Jason Brandolini and his wife, Kendra Windisch…

…as well as many other community leaders.

And, of course, we had a chance to see a lot of people celebrate their victories in Bingo, including our own Stephanie Fors!

With events that are much fun, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that the true spirit behind the event is to do good for the area youth. But with the presence of the many good people in the Walker County community, much good did occur: more than $130,000 was raised for CASA, funds that will go to expand training and support for volunteers, bolster outreach efforts to underserved regions, and provide essential resources for children in need.

For these children, and for all who care about others, the event was truly a Christmas in July.

	Highlights from the… on Glazing-A-Trail with Lauren…
	The Civic Leadership… on Foundational Activities of the…
	The Civic Leadership… on The Philosophical Foundations…
	LEAPing Into Action… on The Philosophical Foundations…
	Jada Cook on SHSU Students LEAP Across Five…