City of Huntsville – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

City Fellows Interns Showcase a Summer of Growth Through Final Presentations

After a summer of serving local government and nonprofit organizations throughout the Huntsville community, interns in the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics (LEAP) at Sam Houston State University concluded the City Fellows Internship Program by presenting their experiences to supervisors, mentors, and fellow interns.

The presentations highlighted not only the projects each student completed, but also the personal and professional growth that occurred throughout the semester. Participating interns included Elizabeth Werts (Fort Bend District Clerk’s office)…

…Brittlyn Jackson (Huntsville Main Street)…

…Estrella Morales-Garcia (Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center)…

…Tania Ramirez (Huntsville Parks and Leisure)…

…Allie Plunk (who completed internships with both The Altom Group and Old Town Theatre)…

…and Christine James (SAAFE House).

The event was well attended by many of the students’ supervisors and community partners, demonstrating the strong relationships that make the City Fellows program successful. Among those in attendance were Kristy Wheeler and Penny Joiner from Huntsville Parks and Leisure; Amanda Sewell and Olivia McCaughan from Main Street Huntsville; Angela Robinson from the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center; Tracy Stoudt and Colleen Garza from SAAFE House; and Marshall Altom of The Altom Group. Also attending were Brian Beasley, Assistant City Manager for the City of Huntsville, and Sandra Rodriguez, Human Resources Coordinator for the City.

Each presentation focused on a significant project completed during the internship. Indeed, this is one key aspect of the City Fellows program: the internships are project based. For Tania Ramirez in Parks, for example, that included coming up with activities for the City’s July 4th celebration and its accompanying parade (where the Parks department one the Spirit Award). The students also discussed the challenges encountered and the lessons learned along the way. Several students admitted they were initially nervous about speaking before an audience, with nearly half acknowledging that public presentations pushed them well outside their comfort zones. By the end of the program, however, each intern confidently shared the accomplishments of the summer and reflected on the skills they had developed.

Many of the students discussed overcoming personal limitations, whether it was learning unfamiliar office software, adapting to a professional workplace, or building confidence in communicating with coworkers and the public. Their stories illustrated that internships provide far more than workplace experience—they foster resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence.

One theme echoed by every presenter was a newfound appreciation for local government and community organizations. Whether engaging in the day-to-day work of the organization or through one of the City Fellows’ tours, the interns gained a better understanding of how many moving parts exist in local government and how each component has to have dedicated staff behind their mission.

It was, of course, icing on the cake to have many of those dedicated staff in the room while the presentations were being conducted, and the LEAP Center remains grateful to the City of Huntsville, SAAFE House, The Altom Group, the Old Town Theatre, and the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office for providing students with rich opportunities.

City Fellows Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at Huntsville Fire Department

The Huntsville Fire Department does far more than respond to fires, and a group of City Fellows interns recently had the opportunity to see that firsthand during a behind-the-scenes tour led by Fire Chief Greg Mathis.

The City Fellows program, administered through the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State University, places students in internships throughout the Huntsville community while providing professional development experiences that introduce them to the people and organizations serving the city. This summer’s interns include Brittlyn Jackson, who is interning with Huntsville Main Street; Tania Ramirez, with Huntsville Parks and Leisure; Christine James, with SAAFE House; and Allie Plunk, who serves with Old Town Theatre and The Altom Group.

The tour began with a look into the department’s history, including a beautifully restored 1928 Huntsville fire truck and several artifacts that illustrate how firefighting has evolved over the past century.

From there, Chief Mathis explained that today’s fire chief wears many hats. In addition to emergency response, his responsibilities include budgeting, securing grants, overseeing personnel, and ensuring firefighters have the training and equipment necessary to protect the community.

As the group toured the station, they visited the department’s watch room, where emergency calls and alarms are monitored around the clock, and learned about the important role volunteers continue to play alongside career firefighters. They also had an opportunity to get some hands-on experiences with the equipment, including the firetruck.

We learned that Allie shouldn’t be trusted with sharp objects, and that Brittlyn might not be cut out to be a firefighter.

Chief Mathis emphasized that modern fire departments handle far more than structure fires. The Huntsville Fire Department maintains specialized capabilities such as a dive team and rope rescue team, allowing firefighters to respond to water emergencies, technical rescues, and other situations requiring specialized training. Of course, not every call is dramatic—sometimes firefighters are even called upon to rescue stranded cats.

Perhaps the most memorable portion of the visit came as Chief Mathis recounted some of Huntsville’s most significant fires. He described the devastating 1954 First Baptist Church fire and the 1982 blaze that destroyed Old Main at Sam Houston State University, illustrating how these historic events shaped both the department and the community it serves.

It was a fascinating afternoon, one that provided an education on how various aspects of the city were interconnected, the training that goes into emergency services, and the many roles played by the fire department–all of which enriched our internships and our education.

Many thanks to Chief Greg Mathis for the tour, the time, the history, and the education.

LEAP’s Summer Interns Enhance Huntsville

Five Sam Houston State University students wrapped up a summer of service to the City of Huntsville by presenting their project-based internship last week, showcasing months of work that connected classroom learning to real-world impact.

The interns—Macey Schank, Audra Munro, Sofia Soto, Ayme Mendoza, and Kelsey Villatoro—major in different disciplines but they shared a common summer experience: making Huntsville a more livable community.

Schank, who interned in the City Manager’s Office, spent her summer digging into data on personnel, salaries, and fee schedules. “It was rewarding to see how much behind-the-scenes work goes into running the city,” she said, noting that her research will inform future administrative decisions.

Munro brought her artistic eye to the Wynne Home Arts Center, where she developed a detailed map of Huntsville’s Cultural District. The map, once published, will guide residents and visitors to the city’s creative spaces. “Art and culture are part of Huntsville’s identity,” Munro said, “and I’m glad to have contributed to highlighting that.”

Soto worked with the Recycling Department, auditing residents’ recycling habits and tracking participation levels across the city. Her findings will help Huntsville improve education efforts and expand its sustainability programs.

Mendoza spent her internship with the Parks Department, pitching in on community events, including the city’s popular July 4th celebration. Villatoro interned with Huntsville Main Street, where she helped organize fall events, managed social media content, and conducted research on downtown businesses.

Some of the students’ intern supervisors were on hand. Amanda Schillaci, from Main Street, attended. Olivia Discon (Assistant to the City Manager) and Sam Masiel (Assistant City Manager), attended to see Schank’s presentation, as well as to support the intern program in general. Sandra Rodriguez, whose work in Human Resources, is crucial to the functioning of both the interns and the City, was also on hand.

The internship is a partnership between the Political Science Department, Chaired by Dr. Jason Enia (who also graciously attended) and the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics. Through this partnership, the students receive at least three hours of credit, while being paid by the City of Huntsville and earning a scholarship through the LEAP Center. Additional interns, not on hand, worked for the state and federal governments.

It is a winning partnership–not just for the students and the City, but also for a community that grows stronger and closer with each project completion.

ZZ Tex: Tops in Texas

If it’s the second Saturday of a summer month–and in Texas, May is a summer month–then it’s time to go the Main Street Music Series. To kick of this year’s series, the Huntsville Main Street Manager, Amanda Schillaci, hosted “ZZ Tex,” a tribute band to the ever-popular ZZ Top at Rather Park in downtown Huntsville. The result was a 90 minute set of the band’s favorites, with almost 200 people in attendance.

The crowd consisted of a cross-section of Huntsville, albeit one veering a bit to the older side. It was also a city-employee reunion of sorts, with Stephanie Fors, Marcy Metz, Aron Kulhavy, Angela Robinson, and Tammy Gann all on hand. We also saw community regulars such as Darren and Marsie Grant; Danny and Sue Slater; and our favorite community volunteer, Lois Stehlik.

The band kept the crowd engaged, playing favorites such as “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Give me all your Loving,” “Legs,” “Give it Up,” and, of course, “Sharp Dressed Man.” The crowd loved them, but it wasn’t until later in the evening that they became fully engaged with the dancing.

Sporing glow sticks and inflatable guitars–all provided by Main Street–the crowd jammed to the signature sounds of ZZ Top, as interpreted by ZZ Tex. The music, along with uncharacteristically wonderful weather (72 degrees, low humidity) and the end-of-the-semester de-stressing allowed for a wonderful time for all.

Did the end-of-the-semester bustle cause you to overlook the event? No worries, you still have the Houston Ensemble (June 14), Zach Jonez & 45s (July 12), and the Texas TBirds (August 9) ahead of you.

Many thanks to Amanda Schillaci and the City of Huntsville staff for putting on this event!

Trivia: In 1967, David Adickes opened a nightclub in Houston, the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, which, if names mean anything, was a groovy and psychedelic experience.

Photograph, Picture of the exterior of Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine. Courtesy of the Univeristy of Houston Libraries. Image available on the Internet and included in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.

According to Adickes, it was where the band ZZ Top first performed and rose to prominence. While Rather Park may not be as trippy as a place known as the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, it was still an enjoyable evening in the company of a lot of good people.

State of the City 2025

by Olivia Discon

On an annual basis, the City of Huntsvillle hosts its “State of the City” address, covering ongoing projects, accomplishments, and future aspirations. On February 25, 2025, community stakeholders gathered to learn just what state our city was in.

The City Secretary’s Office truly outdid themselves this year, taking a different model to the event than in years past. Hosted earlier on in the day, the event had a fantastic turnout. Several community friends, including Michelle Spencer and Tracy Stoudt, were in attendance, along with city staff, directors, and city council.

With a Posting of the Colors by SHSU’s Police Department, the presentation immediately started with what our city’s mission is: Community, mutual respect and reverence for our country, our state, and our city.

The Mayor of Huntsville, Russell Humphrey, took the stage to both welcome the audience, allude to the many incredible and important projects happening within the city, and…

introduce our newly appointed City Manager, Scott Swigert, who was in attendance. We had the opportunity to hear his excitement to serve in this new capacity, and we look forward to him, as a community, to having him serve as a leader. His term begins on March 17, 2025.

Sam Masiel, who has been serving as our Interim City Manager, went on to deliver the State of the City presentation. Covering the I-45 expansion, City Hall construction, and other infrastructure projects, Huntsville is absolutely and positively heading in the direction of growth. And sustainable growth, at that!

Mr. Masiel also covered the housing market in our city, along with other finance and budgetary updates, reflecting the intentional but conservative nature of the city’s budget and the incredible services provided.

In all, the 2025 State of the City address highlighted Huntsville’s progress and the exciting things ahead.

City Fellows: LEAP Offers a New Type of Internship Program

In the fall, summer, and spring, the LEAP Center opens up internship opportunities to all SHSU students. These internships are paid, come with a modest scholarship, and provide unique professional development opportunities.

The program is called “City Fellows,” because students are placed primarily–but not exclusively–with the City of Huntsville. The students may work for Huntsville Main Street, the Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center, Economic Development, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Development Services, the Huntsville Public Library, or in the non-profit sector, with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, CASA of Walker County, the Old Town Theatre, or the like.

Students can earn anywhere from 3-6 hours of academic credit in these positions, while also working on a project-based job. Examples may include helping to plan Scare on the Square, assist with a hiring fair, developing a marketing plan for an office, or putting together a fundraising plan.

Moreover, students have the opportunity for extensive learning. Not only do students learn on the job, but a couple of times a month, they engage in professional development activities. Over the course of the semester, these include (1) leading a tour of their work environments and discussing their class project…

(2) going on a tour of Eastham-Thomason Park to learn about the environment and tax base;…

(3) touring the Huntsville Police Department…

(4) learning Parliamentary Procedures…(5) volunteering in the community…and

(6) presenting to community officials about their work.

The program is designed to meet real needs in the community, while also allowing students to develop needed skills for their own careers and the workforce more generally.

The program begins accepting applications on April 1 for the summer; August 1 for the fall; and November 1 for the spring. Students can learn more here. Government offices, non-profits, or law firms can contact Professor Mike Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu.

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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