For our last Pre-Law Society meeting, all the members engaged in a cross and direct examination exercise! Following our previous meeting with an attorney, Mr. Chris Thompson, who spoke on tips and tricks to successfully cross-examine a witness in the courtroom, we dove into an immersive experience to apply what we learned from him.
As an interactive exercise, all members were given roles and could ask unique questions to either reinforce the case’s witness or discredit them. To start us off a model group came up to present how the exercise should be done with the roles being played by Yvette Mendoza (police officer), Ashley Kinyon (prosecutor’s witness), Anthony Roughton (prosecutor), and Jocelyn Vazquez (defense attorney).
They each presented a crime scene from the famous movie Taxi Driver. In this case, a man is being convicted of second-degree murder but was pleading for self-defense. This was presented in great detail through excellent opening statements that Jocelyn and Anthony gave. The cross and direct examination the model group gave was a great way to see how to either discredit the witness or make your witness look good!
Turning it over to the members, they each got into their groups with the crime scene they had to examine from the movie Dirty Harry. The members were heavily dedicated to their roles! The officers gathered the witness statement from the witnesses, and the attorneys went to watch the crime scene, which was considered “camera footage,” and used the witness statements to articulate their direct and cross-examination questions.
This experience allowed us, as future attorneys, a piece of the pie of what life could be like as an attorney. There was so much excitement and curiosity about this exercise. It was a great way to learn how a trial may work when the attorneys need to examine the witnesses, and we all hope to do it again soon, possibly in a mock trial!
As we close the fall 2022 semester, we would like to congratulate any seniors graduating this semester and wish them a safe journey. We will see the rest of you next semester, and happy holidays!
This past week the LEAP Ambassadors were happy to help–and recruit more help–KSAM radio with their annual “Make A Smile Happen” holiday gift drive for the community.
This drive encourages the local community to provide food items, pet supplies, cash, or toys, and these, in turn, go to one of six non-profit agencies: Santa’s Helpers, Huntsville Independent School District, Good Shepherd Mission, SAAFE House, YMCA, and the Rita B. Huff Adoption Center. It is timed, of course, with the holidays, in the hopes of being able to provide gifts, food, pet food, or other necessities to those in need, and LEAP was happy to help.
Although the tasks associated with assisting are not difficult, they are time-consuming. The drive spans two days: 6 am-6 pm on Wed, Nov. 30th; and 6 am-3 pm, Thu, Dec. 1, and we try to have four volunteers on hand at any given time. Some of the mornings were cold…
…and we were trying to recruit volunteers during finals, but given the importance of this cause, we were able to find sufficient volunteers and have fun helping others.
Our tasks were manifold:
(1) hold signs marketing the event to the high-traffic area on 11th street;
(2) help donors load and unload donated items from their vehicles;
(3) organize and count the items;
…and (4) come up with creative marketing tools.
And, of course, other duties as assigned.
We were better at some tasks than others.
Along the way, the students had the wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from new people: Tim Johnson, the station’s General Manager;
…radio personalities such as Bryan Reader, Glenn Edwards, and Carlos Zimmerman; and several sponsors and other volunteers.
In all, KSAM did a great job getting the word out, and we were happy to help. Our final count is 429 toys, 1,517 cans of food, $6,979.84, and 865 pounds of pet food.
It was a fun and productive two days, and we would like to thank all the volunteers who came out to help and the sponsors who assisted with overhead. And, of course, major thanks to KSAM who orchestrates this event every year!
A global leader of influence is recognized by the WAC as an individual who has helped the City of Houston to increase its status as an international city. This year eighteen business leaders were recognized and awarded:
. . . that’s seven more than were recognized in 2021!
Over the summer, the ambassadors nominated Professor Yawn for Educator of the Year and we were extremely pleased (but not at all surprised) to find out that he was selected!
Professor Yawn graciously accepted the award as the “International Professor of the Year.”
This was, in fact, the first-ever awarding of this recognition, and WAC Program Director, Ronan O’Malley, noted that “The council is truly fortunate to have Dr. Yawn so earnestly involved with the council; and we are delighted to have his bright and poised LEAP students take part in our events.”
Professor Yawn has taken students to more than 100 of the WAC events, ranging from tours of the Holocaust Museum, meeting Condi Rice, hearing from author David Brooks, learning from General Stanley McChrystal, to meeting heads of state.
Ms. Lori Lambropoulos, the principal of Energy Institute High School, was selected as K-12 Educator of the Year.
Lastly, Greg Hill, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hess Corporation, was awarded the 2022 International Citizen of the Year for helping Houston become the energy capital of the world.
It wouldn’t be a World Affairs Council event without one of their remarkable speaker sessions, so after Mr. Hill received his award and while we ate the delicious meals we were treated to a dialogue between Mr. Hill and current House Minority Leader U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy. Among other topics, they discussed our country on the international stage and how they each came to be where they are now.
Before we could finish our desserts (delicious mini cheesecakes with glazed berries on top) we found ourselves being ushered upstairs with the other students for something even more special: a small-group Q&A with Representative McCarthy and Mr. Hill. We all posed for a group photo before settling into our seats. The room was filled with students who had several questions for both speakers. Alas, time did not permit all questions to be asked. However, I thought that one of the best questions was what would be next on the agenda if Republicans took back the house and Rep. McCarthy was selected as Speaker of the House. His response: focus on our economy (property tax and inflation), a parent’s bill of rights, and much more.
Both Rep. McCarthy and Mr. Hill left us with some advice regarding our actions as aspiring leaders. The message from both men was to never give up—if we get knocked down eight times then we should get back up nine times. With the midterm elections right around the corner, they closed by impressing upon us the importance of young people like us getting out and voting.
As a nice extra, we also had a chance to meet Congressman Brady again. He was honored for his 20 years in Congress.
A big thank you and congratulations to the World Affairs Council staff for yet another successful Jesse H. Jones Luncheon! We look forward to attending many more of the Council’s events in the future. Lastly, thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Oyolu who sponsored our table, and to all other sponsors of student tables for allowing us the opportunity to attend this event! Finally, many congratulations to Professor Yawn for being the International Professor of the Year!
As the season changes (although the weather may not) there is no better way of celebrating the Christmas spirit than with Main Street’s annual Christmas fair! Main Street Director, and former President of the LEAP Ambassadors, Annel Guadalupe organized the great event and brought Christmas cheer to the community, with the help of the current President of the LEAP Ambassadors and Main Street Intern, Jessica Cuevas.
In the typical Main Street fashion, the Fair decorated University Avenue and Rather Park with hoilday cheer. The City of Huntsville’s Parks Department did a wonderful job of creating a winter wonderland of Rather Park, and Main Street brought great music to the middle of downtown, courtesy of the Sleigh Riders.
Perhaps the best attraction of the day was the beautifully decorated photo-op with Santa! At the Courthouse Gazebo, community members posed with the Christmas icon and whispered items from their Christmas lists.
In addition to family fun, the Christmas fair is a great opportunity to get all your holiday shopping done! Vendors displayed handmade jewelry, expertly carved cutting boards, toys for the littles, and much more.
LEAP Ambassadors, Yvette Mendoza, Ingrid Cuero, and I enjoyed volunteering with Santa and capturing some great photos in the process. We were even fortunate enough to get our own photo with Santa!
The first Saturday in December was truly one to remember. A day full of smiling faces, happy shoppers, and amazing Huntsville spirit!
On behalf of the Ambassadors, thank you to Annel, Jessica, and the City of Huntsville for making this great event possible. Merry Christmas!
Once a semester, KSAM’s Larry Crippen hosts the LEAP Center for a discussion that airs on “Around Town.” The program focuses on one person or organization, but since LEAP is an engagement organization, the program inevitably covers many aspects of the University and the community.
This semester, for example, we have worked with the Huntsville Police Department, the Walker County Courthouse, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Boys and Girls Club, Main Street Huntsville, the World Affairs Council, the Freshman Leadership Program, Texas Tech University, the City of Huntsville and we’ve attended events hosted by Student Activities, the Alumni Association, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, the Art Department, the Texas Tribune Festival, and the Popular Culture Association.
And so it was the LEAP Ambassadors, along with their advisor Mike Yawn, met with Crippen in the Holcombe Room for a short discussion of the fall semester and even looking ahead to the spring.
We were able to discuss our first-ever “Beyond Bars” program, our trip to Austin for the Texas Tribune Festival, our trip to New Orleans for a conference, and our normal volunteer work.
It was one of several collaborations with the media this year–undertaken by us and our advisor. And while we may never get accustomed to speaking into a microphone or camera, it was an enjoyable event, in part because we also work with KSAM every fall on their Make A Smile Happen gift drive.
Although the semester isn’t over–we have finals and papers!!!–it’s nice to look back on a semester where we able to accomplish quite a bit!
For the past 101 years, SHSU has presented an annual tree-lighting ceremony, and for the last 15 or so, the LEAP Ambassadors have been involved.
And for the last five or so, the Pre-Law Society has also been involved. And this year we had delegates from both organizations, including: Amari Gallien, Jacelin Daniel, Yajaira Gutierrez, Emeralda Espinal, and Michelle Cardenas.
It’s one event where many administrators, staff, faculty, students, and organizations come together for a celebration and appreciation. This year’s event was spearheaded by Evie Covarrubias, with help from the entire Student Activities Department.
Organizations sign in around 5pm, and the program officially kicks off at 6pm. And it literally “kicks off,” because following introductions by the SHSU Homecoming King and Queen–Braden Wright and Uri-El Jackson…
the Orange Pride dancers were one of the first acts in the program.
The SHSU Chorale also performed, with their outfits reflecting the unseasonably warm temperature of the evening.
The Student Activities staff did a great job of handing out candles and other illuminating devices, making for an immensely attractive lighting ceremony.
Following the hanging of ornaments–including both the LEAP Ambassadors and the Pre-Law Society–Provost Stephenson did a lively countdown for the tree of lights.
Owing to a brief technical malfunction, the University had the opportunity to experience the countdown excitement twice before seeing the lighting.
The wait was worth it! Following the lighting, the always-gracious Charlie Vienne spoke, announcing the Alumni Association’s awarding of numerous scholarships…
…alumnus David Smith, Director of Good Shepherd Mission, discussed partnerships between the University and community…
…and the crowd was again entertained additional by the Orange Pride dancers.
All of us–the LEAP Ambassadors–are now juniors, and we’ve had an opportunity to get involved with the University traditions. This is one of the best, and we look forward to the year ahead (after, of course, wrapping up finals), and participating in more of SHSU’s traditions, and maybe starting a few of our own!
After months of applying, interviewing, and apartment-hunting, the Austin Internship Program is getting real for nine SHSU students. These nine students, Jessica Cuevas, Morgan Robertson, Yvette Mendoza, Ingrid Cuero, Ashlyn Parker, Jayelynn Bordeaux, Morgan Dawson, Amor Sheffield, and Breanna Demyers, will be beginning their Austin internships one month from today.
To prepare, they received an orientation from two top-notch employees of SHSU: Ms. Julie Schwab and Dean Shani Robinson. With moderation by Intern Director Mike Yawn, Robinson and Schwab discussed tips for navigating office politics, dressing for success, defusing conflict, and making a first impression.
In the latter case, Dean Robinson noted that people’s first impressions are often made in seven seconds, while also complimenting the students on their first impression–students stood up, walked forward, extended their hands, introduced themselves, and welcomed the presenters.
Ms. Schwab brought some swag, including padfolios to help the students on their road to professionalism and a Brene Brown book (“Imperfect”). Professor Yawn also provided students with business cards, a book (“How Important People Act,” by Ambassador Chase Untermeyer), and a business card holder.
With finals still before the students, the meeting was kept short, but the participants lingered as new advice was thought of and new questions were asked. Robinson and Schwab were generously supportive of the students, and despite the short length of the meeting, there was some bonding involved–leaving the students with some additional supporters and a larger professional network.
Returning to the Old Town Theatre in downtown Huntsville is the best Elvis tribute artist in America: Travis Powell, accompanied by the four talented ladies in Shake, Rattle, and Roll.
Many would say that I was “wowed” by his past performance and attribute it to the reason why I decided to see him again. Although it is a show that I would encourage everyone to attend, I was accompanying former LEAP Ambassador Victoria McClendon-Leggett with a hidden agenda to ensure that she got the full experience . . . and little did she know.
On Sunday, November 6th, the Old Town Theatre was the place to be and sure enough, both Victoria and I had tickets to see the Elvis Tribute show. Beginning with the performance of Shake, Rattle, and Roll to help set the tone and mood of the night . . .
We were in for a surprise when Steve, Travis Powell’s manager, “jumped” on the stage and announced that there would be a surprise performance by a young man whom he found on the Walmart parking lot with sideburns, what a small town! Before we knew it there was another man dressed as Elvis, or maybe Roy Orbison, in the theatre. His name was Colin Dexter, and he performed a couple of songs, one of them being Pretty Woman, while playing the guitar, in preparation for an audition at the Voice.
Stealing the thunder of the night, was Travis Powell, as he came out and performed in his all-black leather suit for the first half of the show. . . performing crowd favorites, including Suspicious Minds, Jailhouse Rock, and Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.
There was a moment during one of these songs where he asked ladies to join him on the steps of the stage, and of course, I took the opportunity to have Victoria join him . . . but she would only go if I did.
Soon after intermission, he was dressed in an all-white suit with sequins and handing out scarfs to the women in the crowd who came rushing up to him, including Victoria, and the occasional men. Stealing our hearts was the moment when he gave one to the young girl whom he had previously danced with as he retreated from the stage and walked around the theatre getting to know his fans.
As he prepared to wrap up the show, he extended an invitation to the audience to see him at the lobby after the show and to join him at 7 Leguas for dinner. Victoria and I waited in line to get a selfie with him and have him sign her scarf and other fun items!
Thank you to the Old Town Theatre for putting on amazing shows for the community and for all your hard work. For those of you who missed Travis Powell’s show in the Spring and Sundays, he will be coming back in Summer ’23 on July 9th (Be sure to buy your tickets early!).
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 