Volunteer – Page 2 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

An East Texas Easter at the Wynne Home

by Chrissy Biello

The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, which began in 2008, is an event that families look forward to all year.

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.

But in Huntsville, there are always upcoming events to look forward to, including the CASA for Walker County Kids EXPO and General Sam Houston Day on April 26, Sundown at Sam’s hosted by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library on May 1, and the start of the Huntsville Main Street Program’s Summer Music Series on May 10.

Celebrating Sam— the Capitol Way!

by Olivia Discon

To celebrate the legendary Sam Houston’s birthday, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) puts on a fabulous annual event to honor the former president of Texas and to bring light to the great things going on at SHSU.

Organized by the President’s Office, under the leadership of the incredible Tabitha Shanley, Jennifer Alexander, and Dr. McCartney Johnson, the LEAP Ambassadors have been fortunate to assist at the event over the years.

A number of Texas representatives, senators, legislative staff, and key figures, along with SHSU alumni, are invited to take part in the celebration in our state’s capital.

Although Houston’s actual birthday is March 2, we celebrated a bit early, a function of scheduling obstacles and venue selection. Speaking of which, the event was held in a stunning historic home, a perfect for networking and catching up with those who care greatly about our university.

President White briefly took the stage to pay tribute to Sam Houston, the man, acknowledging that while he may not be the conventional hero, it was his wit, passion for others, and brilliance that made him a true leader.

As LEAP students, we strive to exemplify the values of our university: service to others, doing things the right way, and having fun while doing it. Sam Houston had one maxim: “…do right and risk the consequences.”

This is also, of course, an appropriate principle for Sam Houston State University, whose mission it is to offer accessible, high-quality. The years go by, seasons change, but the value of education lasts a lifetime and, through the impact of generational transfer, even beyond.

Friendships also can last a lifetime, and the friendly, hospitable culture of SHSU was on full display.

For us, this meant deepening ties to our fellow students, the SHAIP interns, who were enjoying the event after a day’s work at the Texas Capitol.

Even better, we had the opportunity to reconnect with former LEAP and Junior Fellow alumni, seeing generations of the LEAP Center at Sam Houston shine.

The program has fundamentally changed lives, shaping not only the communities we serve as LEAP Ambassadors but also those we impact beyond. LEAP and SHSU cultivate public servants, and this event was a powerful reminder of that.

TSUS Puts “Fun” in “Fundraising”

Each legislative session, the Texas State University System hosts a Gala that raises funds for its member institutions. This year’s Gala honored staff in the Texas Legislature and featured Brad Paisley, who provided much merriment over the course of the evening. On hand to assist were the SHAIP Interns, who, after working a long day in the TX Legislature, helped check-in a record number of attendees, and then enjoyed the evening!

Chancellor Brian McCall introduced the event…

…providing an overview and humor while introducing guests. Regent Charlie Amato also said a few words, before encouraging guests to eat, drink, and be merry–advice the guests took to heart.

For most of the SHAIP interns, it was their first time at the Moody Theater / Austin City Limits, and just being there was a bit of a history lesson.

And, of course, the students had a chance to experience some of that history while listening to Brad Paisley.

The real treat and lessons, however, came in the chance to meet people who attended the event. This included spending time with President White and Dr. McCartney Johnson…

…meeting former Speaker of the House–and member of the Presidents Circle–Gibb Lewis…

..and meeting or reacquainting ourselves with LEAP Alumni and just getting to know each other better.

For TSUS, it was a great way to elevate the profile of the System and its member institutions, highlighting the many ways the institutions benefit the state of Texas and raising money for students.

The event was a great success, which of course was to be expected, given that it was overseen by Vice-Chancellor Mike Wintemute, Derrick Alexander, and Malu Gonzalez. The event, and the people involved, provided a great introduction to Austin and the Austin City Limits to the SHAIP interns.

Combatting Food Insecurity with Art at the Wynne Home

by Olivia Discon

Over the past couple of months, the LEAP Ambassadors have had the opportunity to contribute to one of Huntsville’s most impactful community events: Empty Bowls. This annual event supports the community by combining art, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping those in need.

The Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Empty Bowls involves a series of activities promoting the arts which culminate in a fundraiser for the Senior Center, a local non-profit that, among other things, combats food insecurity.

With grants that provide clay to the Wynne Home, local community members–under the tutelage of skilled ceramicists–create bowls; they then gather again to glaze the bowls; and then the community comes together to purchase soups (donated by local restaurants), obtain a commemorative bowl, and support the local Senior Center.

Creating Our Bowls

Under the guidance of instructor Leara Phillips, we created nine ceramic bowls as part of the Empty Bowls project. For many of us, it was our first time working with clay, and Leara made the process both accessible and enjoyable.

Glazing Our Bowls

After our bowls were put in the kiln, we went in shifts (necessitated by the fact that some of us are in Austin doing internships; and others are in Huntsville) to the Wynne Home, where we glazed and painted our bowls.

One of the many pleasant aspects of this process is getting to meet or reengage with people. For example, we (Cinthia and Saara) had a chance to meet Dr. Maria Botero, who is a professor of Philosophy at SHSU, while also spending time with our instructor (Dakota Dube) and other community members.

Supporting the Community

The beauty of Empty Bowls lies in its ability to bring the community together. It’s not just about making or purchasing a bowl; it’s about creating something tangible that supports a larger mission. Each bowl symbolizes community service and the art of paying it forward, reminding us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

Our student group is honored to be part of this initiative. This semester, we’re looking forward to helping with the painting process and assisting at the event on March 5. We hope everyone will come to the Wynne Home on March 5 between 11am and 2pm to purchase a lunch ($15), pick out your souvenir bowl, and support some great causes!

Join the Fun: Chili Cookoff & Community at Josey Scout Lodge

If it’s the first Saturday in February, then the LEAP Ambassadors are at the Chilly at the Lodge–along with, as it turns out, much of Huntsville! With numerous vendors, almost 100 bowls of chili available for tasting, and tours of the lodge available, there was quite enough fun for everyone.

The central feature of the event is a chili cookoff recognized by the International Chili Society. In fact, on hand to guide the judges was Don Cullum, an SHSU Alum and the 2024 ICS Homestyle Champion.

And under the guidance of Karla Christian and the entire Josey Scout Lodge Foundation Board, Cullum and the “celebrity judges” helped select the winning contestants in the categories of (1) Homestyle, (2) Traditional Red, (3) Chili Verde, and (4) Vegetarian Chili. In addition, chili enthusiasts could opt to compete in “community adult” or “community youth” categories. (See categories and rules here).

Even casual attendees can participate in the judging by filling out their “community ballots,” voting on their favorites as they roam the chili booths on the Josey grounds.

On those grounds were vendors from the region, with items such as t-shirts, objects of art, tamales, spices and herbs, and other goods for the curious shopper.

The real attraction, however, was the chili on the grounds. Cooks from all over the United States were on the grounds, offering samples of their chili. For five dollars, visitors can get six tickets, each of which is a ticket to a booth. Or, for more hearty eaters (which applied to at least one of the LEAP visitors), a $20 armband can provide an unlimited number of tickets.

The event organizers also provide entertainment for visitors in the form of music, with more than a dozen musical acts on hand for performances throughout the day.

But the serious work is the judging, where community members assess the chili cooks’ entries, and this part of the process takes two days, Saturday and Sunday.

With dozens of entrants–including six world champions–it’s a competitive process.

Organized by Leanne Woodward and overseen by Don Cullum, the process worked smoothly.

Moreover, the winning contestants in each category have the opportunity to go on to the ICS World Championship in Myrtle Beach later this year. Accordingly, Cullum and others identified the winners…

…and put the scorecards on a color-coded score board.

Two of the LEAP Ambassadors were judges, and we enjoyed the opportunity to judge the chilis.

For us, it is an opportunity to explore our culinary interest, meet new people, spend time with friends and community leaders, and, of course, to support a good cause.

Of course, with such a long day, some would inevitably get tired and thirsty…

But we held up well and greatly enjoyed the event.

Many thanks to the Josey Scout Lodge Board for hosting such a wonderful event!

LEAP Students Help to Make Smiles Happen!

by Olivia Discon

One of LEAP’s most rewarding acts of volunteerism is the annual donation drive hosted by Huntsville’s local radio station, KSAM. Named after the iconic 1980’s television show, M*A*S*H* allows the Huntsville community to Make A Smile Happen!

For this holiday drive, community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, pet food, children’s toys and games, and monetary gifts.

In turn, KSAM distributes these items to key local non-profits and community organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, SAAFE House, CASA of Walker County, Huntsville Independent School District, Good Shepard Mission, Santa’s Helpers, and Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County.

This drive occurs on December 4 and December 5 (and if you’re reading this December 5, 2024–yes, you can donate today!) KSAM gathers the donations amidst a live radio broadcast in the HEB parking lot (look for the military–M*A*S*H*-themed–tents).

LEAP students always enjoy participating in this event, and this year was no exception! Despite the cold weather and rainfall, the students were invigorated with the spirit of giving this year, with many of us soliciting donations by holding out signs for the passersby–despite the less-than-ideal weather.

And although it took some of us longer to get into the spirit…

…I was warmed (metaphorically) by this particular group’s enthusiasm. From Niya and Timi’s inventive cheers, Cinthia’s sign spinning skills, Michelle serving as LEAP’s cheerleader, to the sheer number of honks Victoria and Yajaira were able to elicit from passing truckers, the vivacity of the students on a gloomy day was inspiring and encouraging.

We also assisted the generous people who made donations throughout the day by collecting items from their cars…

…and sorting them into designated piles.

We were happy to see some friendly and familiar faces such as Dr. Bill Hyman…

…Shannon Hollis, Eric Fugate, and Mac and Leanne Woodward.

Their generosity goes without saying, but each of their continued contributions to M*A*S*H* extend to their investment to support the Huntsville community.

Cinthia, who has been ever-improving in her radio-communication skills, took a go at a live interview with KSAM’s Glenn Edwards. She did a tell-all discussion on her studies, volunteerism, and Christmas.

While we can’t yet speak to the final contributions, we ended day one having collected 599 toys, 230 food items, and more than 100 pounds of pet food.

We are optimistic that the Huntsville community will come through with even more contributions on the second day of the event.

In all, making smiles happen for a day was an especially rewarding experience. We greatly appreciate all of the volunteers who came out and to KSAM for organizing an all-encompassing and thoroughly enjoyable community event.

LEAPing into Halloween: Celebrating Scare on the Square with Huntsville Main Street

Saara Maknojia

Every year, the LEAP Ambassadors come together to participate in and volunteer at the annual Scare on the Square, hosted by the Huntsville Main Street Program. This year was no different!

In keeping with our tradition of selecting a new theme each year, we decided to dress as the cast of The Wizard of Oz!

While we didn’t officially set the level of creativity for our costumes, some of us went all out, while others kept it simple but stayed true to the “heart” of the theme—except for our very own Tin Man, who cleverly carried hers in her shiny silver purse!

Before the event started, we were visited by McKenna Nonnenmann, the Main Street Intern for the fall semester.

She shared her experience of assisting in organizing this year’s Scare on the Square, something she enjoyed planning from start to finish. Angela Robinson, the Event Coordinator for the Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center, and Amanda Schillaci, the Main Street Program Manager and the organizer of the event, also stopped by to greet the group and see the setup.

As always, students from Professor Yawn’s classes participated in the event, bringing even more fun to the festivities.

The University 1101 team showed their Halloween spirit by dressing up as the characters from Scooby-Doo. They set up a game of “Spin for Cornhole,” which proved to be a popular attraction.

Simultaneously, the team from the Local Government class, which consisted of Roberto Cardenas, Kayona Denver, Logan Skelton, and myself, was also tuned into the action. For those looking for a bit more difficulty, we hosted a ring-toss game which attracted kids and even parents. Some even participated multiple times in hopes of winning extra Halloween treats!

Scare on the Square is a wonderful opportunity for local businesses, organizations, and the community to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and play fun games.

This year, the event exceeded expectations, providing a safe and enjoyable space for children to celebrate Halloween and make lasting memories.

Thirty Years Later: Sam Houston Statue Still Standing Tall

by Chrissy Biello

Thirty years ago, David Adickes unveiled “A Tribute to Courage” – an iconic 67-foot statue of Sam Houston that has become a landmark in Huntsville. As a pivotal historical figure, Sam Houston left a legacy of resilience and integrity that has left a great impact on Huntsville. The installation of this statue has significantly boosted Huntsville’s tourism, contributing $8.5 million in local and state revenue this year alone.

Following our recent attendance at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum celebration, the LEAP students were honored to support another special Huntsville event: the 30th anniversary of Adickes’ towering Sam Houston statue, hosted by the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the beautiful fairy lights that lined the path to the statue. While exploring the illuminated trail would come later, we first needed to attend to our duties. We had the privilege of welcoming many distinguished guests, including Mary Laura Gibbs, Mayor Russell and Tish Humphrey, and the celebrated artist himself, David Adickes, alongside his guest Linda.

Also, it was particularly special to see the two descendants of Sam Houston again, Lindsey Hughes and her mother, Penny.

The reception room, beautifully transformed by Tracy Chappell and her visitor center staff, provided an elegant backdrop for the evening.

They created a perfect atmosphere with carefully curated historical artifacts, mementos, and photographs from the statue’s inception, and an impressive charcuterie spread. A personal favorite of our group had to be the “Big Sam” cookies– they were almost too beautiful to eat!

Just as we had done the previous evening, we seized the opportunity to capture a photo with Mr. Adickes. He warmly agreed to join us in front of the designated “selfie area.”

To our great surprise, Mr. Adickes graciously signed miniature Sam Houston statues for each of us. We were absolutely thrilled by this personal touch, and it truly made the evening even more special.

The evening became even more memorable when Cinthia, Olivia, and I had the chance to take a photo with Miranda Estrada, the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Huntsville. As a former LEAP Ambassador herself and a former intern in the Economic Development Department while at SHSU, Miranda went on to become our supervisor during our own internships in that department. Having all of us together made for a heartwarming reunion and a reminder of how impactful the LEAP experience is.

As the celebration wound down, we finally ventured down the beautifully lit path to view the statue. We stopped for photos at the giant Sam Houston head statue along the way before reaching the main monument. This was only my second time seeing it up close – the first being when I was around one year old, a moment I recently discovered in my older sister’s scrapbook!

The girls could not resist photographing their newly signed miniature statues in front of the large statue (Olivia was especially eager to take photos of them taking photos!).

The night ended with us taking a group selfie with the impressive statue. Overall, the opportunity to meet Sam Houston’s descendants and to speak to David Adickes twice in one week made for two perfect nights in Huntsville!

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