The LEAP Ambassadors enjoyed a six-day tour of the East Coast as part of their “Democracy Tour.” During this tour, the students had a chance to visit more than half a dozen art museums, James Beard award winning restaurants, and many historic sites. What follows is their favorites from their experiences.
Favorite Restaurants:
Lehja’s in Richmond received the most votes, with all of the food receiving high marks from the diners. The James Beard nominations appear justified!
Casa Mexico in Philadelphia was a hit among the students, with the barbacoa being particularly popular. This was an altogether pleasant dining experience in an interesting and busy neighborhood in Philadelphia. Chef Christina Martinez was named “Best Chef” in the mid-Atlantic region in 2022 by the James Beard Foundation.
Metzger’s Bar and Butchery was perhaps the most interesting and innovative of the restaurants we visited. While the pork schnitzel was the favorite entree, the “squash sundae,” was the favorite dessert and the biggest surprise.
Ambassadors also found favorites in Katz’s Deli in New York, a restaurant world-famous for its pastrami.
And, of course, we also enjoyed Jim’s South St., which specializes in Philly Cheesesteaks.
FavoriteArt Museum: Olivia and Chrissy visited four art museums in New York, and they split on their favorite, with Chrissy favoring The Whitney…
…while Olivia resisted picking a favorite and, instead, picked a top two: The Met and MOMA. She did, however, have a favorite: The Lovers.
Although smaller and less heralded than its New York and Philadelphia counterparts, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was one of the clear favorites among the group.
The favorites of the group reflected the diversity of the art in the Museum’s collection.
Of course, the most famous paintings among the NY, Philadelphia, and VA museums were also popular among the Ambassadors.
Finally, the group also greatly enjoyed seeing Philadelphia City Hall, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Virginia Capitol Building. For Cinthia, Olivia, and Michelle, it marked the third–the complete collection–of extant Jefferson designs in the world.
While the Ambassadors are always happy to get back to Huntsville and SHSU (or, this semester, Austin and SHSU), they left the east coast with a lot of memories, new-found knowledge, and much nostalgia.
On the third day of our New Orleans trip, we had an exciting itinerary lined up to continue our learning! After grabbing some coffee to start the day, we set off on a 20-minute walk to St. Louis Cemetery.
St. Louis Cemetery Tour
by Chrissy Biello
Traveling through New Orleans, one might notice the cemeteries and how distinct they are from other cities. With approximately forty-two historic burial grounds, our curiosity led us to explore the oldest existing cemetery in the city, St. Louis Cemetery. Thankfully, we had a knowledgeable and humorous tour guide named Denise who could explain things along the way.
Denise discussed the origin of St. Louis Cemetery, which emerged from a pressing need for space. On August 14, 1789, the cemetery opened because the neighboring St. Peter Street Cemetery had become severely overcrowded. During this time, Spanish colonists persuaded the residents of New Orleans to adopt an innovative solution: above-ground tombs that would maximize limited burial space.
Interestingly, there are strict protocols for burial. A new interment cannot occur until two years have passed since the previous burial, allowing for proper decomposition. When a new burial takes place, the remains of previous occupants are carefully collected, placed in a bag, and pushed to the back of the tomb using a long pole; a practice that reportedly inspired the popular phrase, “I would not touch them with a ten-foot pole.”
Turning around, we examined the oven tombs. Denise illustrated that they have this name because they have a wide opening, continuing to say that “they resemble a baker’s oven; can’t you imagine a pizza sliding in there?!”
Moreover, one could not help but notice the striking nine-foot-tall pyramid tomb for Nicolas Cage when he passes away. Notably, it is inscribed with the Latin phrase “Omnia Ab Uno” meaning “Everything From One.”
Continuing on the tour, Denise took us to the Orleans Battalion of Artillery tomb, which holds those that fought, but did not die, in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
Further, the New Orleans Italian Mutual Benevolent Society’s marble tomb. Denise explained that many Italian immigrants, facing financial difficulties, could not afford individual burial plots. To address this, they pooled their resources to collectively purchase and share a communal burial site.
Additionally, the “the Faux Laveau” grave, often mistaken for the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, was adorned with symbolic crosses. In sets of three, they represent the Holy Trinity positioned sideways to signify the completion of crucifixion and resurrection.
Nonetheless, we ended the tour at the authentic Marie Laveau’s grave. Here, Denise explained that while Marie practiced Voodoo, she was a devout Catholic that would attend Mass daily. In her whimsical voice, Denise noted that the over emphasis of the voodoo aspect of Marie Laveau is “all a part of the loooreeee!”
As we exited the cemetery, we felt we had gained a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ unique culture. We would like to thank Denise for a great tour; her captivating storytelling and deep knowledge of the cemetery’s history made the experience both educational and memorable!
3rd Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
by Chrissy Biello
Following the cemetery tour, we began the walk to return to our hotel before heading out to get lunch. To our surprise, a holiday parade was taking place! We learned that this parade is organized by the New Orleans Children’s Hospital and began in 2022.
Starting at the French Market, the parade winds through Downtown. As we watched the floats go by, we saw the Grinch dressed as Santa Claus and the Children’s Hospital float featuring their very own Mrs. Claus.
The best part of the parade was the cheerleaders and dancers. Their performances were fun and festive, bringing energy and excitement to the crowd. They also threw beads to the audience, which many were trying to catch!
St. James Cheese Company – Lunch
by Chrissy Biello
While walking the streets of New Orleans, we came across the St. James Cheese Company. Having passed this establishment before, we had assumed that they only sold cheese. To our surprise and delight, they offer a wide selection of sandwiches, bagels, fondue, and festive drinks.
Since we all greatly enjoy cheese, we decided to order the sharable fondue. Although I may appear quite serious in this photo, I assure you that my expression does not reflect how I truly felt at the time.
The sandwiches also looked especially appealing. Olivia chose the Gruyere Sandwich, while I opted for the Hot Mozzarella Sandwich. Michelle, who tends to make healthier choices, ordered the Soup of the Day, which turned out to be Creamy Garlic and Mushroom Soup!
After finishing our meal, we continued on to our next destination, the National World War II Museum.
National World War II Museum
by Michelle Moya
Following the parade and our meal at the St. James Cheese Company, we headed to the National World War II Museum. As it was National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we felt very reflective and thankful for the soldiers that fought for us. Nevertheless, as a self-proclaimed American History hater, I went to the museum with not much knowledge. However, this tour definitely changed that!
One fascinating feature of this museum was the “dog tag experience.” We grabbed our “dog tags,” each of which was linked to a real soldier’s experience and role in the conflict that you had to find throughout the museum. I got Mike Colalillo!
To begin our walk-through, we started at “the Arsenal of Democracy” on the second level. The museum was a labyrinth of fascinating displays. This section demonstrated all of the great inventions that helped America win the war. Essentially, the “Arsenal of Democracy” was made possible by these tools!
Then, we dove into the heart of the Normandy invasion. My favorite there was the mass of hanging planes, a reminder of the airborne operations that preceded the beach landings that depict the Normandy morning crash.
Noteworthy, the “Personal Accounts” booths that have two-minute oral history programs with soldiers. Olivia walked into the “Night Drop into Normandy” booth and ended up hearing a horrible story about a soldier that got shot in his jaw but proceeded to fight. This goes to show the atrocities that these troops had to endure during this battle.
We then made our way to my personal favorite exhibition, the “Road to Tokyo” exhibit. The museum’s immersive displays, including a recreated jungle environment, provided a glimpse into the challenges faced by American soldiers fighting in the Pacific. The setting was super captivating, and the stories of the soldiers fighting in the Pacific were both inspiring and heartbreaking to hear.
To finish off our tour, we went to the museum store to look at the goodies they had. Olivia ended up purchasing a chocolate bar and Stephen E. Ambrose’s book Eisenhower: Soldier and President. Ultimately, the National WWII Museum not only taught me about a pivotal era in history, but it also inspired me to implement more history knowledge into my life.
I left the exhibition with a deeper appreciation for those who fought for our freedom, which was the overall goal!
For the past 15 years, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum has hosted its Annual Photo Contest, inviting community members to showcase their skills and creativity in photography. It is one of many ways the Museum contributes to the community, and it’s one we look forward to each year!
This year, the participants were divided into two divisions: Amateur and Advanced Photographers, each with categories such as Floral, Animals, Action, Portraits, Fashion, Architecture, Cuisine/Food, and Sam Houston Museum & Grounds.
With LEAP being a multidisciplinary organization, students like myself have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in areas beyond our specific focus, including photography! Encouraged by newfound confidence in my photography, I decided to enter the contest.
SHMM Director Derrick Birdsall with Cinthia Villarreal, President of the LEAP Ambassadors
Photos were due a couple of weeks before the reception, so I had no idea what or who I was competing against. Blindly, I chose to enter the Animal category in the Amateur division (editor’s note: good call on the amateur category) with a photo of a hummingbird I photographed on a LEAP trip.
I also submitted a couple of photos in the Architecture category: one taken in Chicago last year and another in Playa del Carmen a couple of years ago.
Upon arriving at the reception, my jaw dropped. The room was filled with stunning photographs, and a large crowd gathered around to admire them. The evening began with remarks from Jude Routh, the museum’s curator of exhibits, who expressed appreciation for the over 400 submissions.
SHMM Exhibits Curator Jude Routh
With great anticipation, she began announcing the winners of each category:
Amateur Division:
SHMM Grounds 1st place – Darlene Lee Fashion 1st place – Darlene Lee Floral: 1st place – Cheryl Best Architecture: Richard Hunt Cuisine: 1st place – Novalene Thurston
Novalene Thurston
Action: 1st place – Jerry Hunter Animals: 1st place – Jerry Hunter Portraits: 1st place – Aiden Fritsche Best in Show – Isabela Gonzales
Advanced Division: SHMM Grounds: 1st place – Cade Crippin Fashion: 1st place – Gary Readore Floral: 1st place – Cade Crippin Architecture: 1st place – Meghan Burton Cuisine: 1st place – Gary Readore Action: 1st place – Emily Day Animals: 1st place – Veronica Lorine Portraits: 1st place – Celeste Rickert Best in Show – Emily Day
Although my photos didn’t win any prizes, I left the event feeling extremely grateful to be part of a community that appreciates art and celebrates the creativity and talent of others.
Congratulations to all the winners!
The Photo Contest Exhibit will be open to visitors from November 7 to December 22 at the museum’s Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. A special thank you to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s staff for hosting such incredible events that celebrate artistic expression and foster a strong sense of community among us all.
The moot court competition in Fort Worth was a great experience that challenged our critical thinking skills (or the extent of them, anyways) and gave us a chance to grow as advocates. Fort Worth was the perfect host city, combining a world-class law school with a great cultural scene and history.
For the competition, we stayed at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, where President John F. Kennedy spent his final night—which was definitely not a good omen for our performance. The competition itself was held at Texas A&M’s School of Law, which happens to neighbor the Philip Johnson-designed Water Gardens.
As one of LEAP’s favorite architects, Johnson’s work always stands out, and the Water Gardens is an immersive way to experience architecture and ease both law students and moot court competitors’ nerves.
When we had time to explore, we made the most of it. We ensured to make a stop at the Richard Haas mural downtown in Sundance Square.
In the same area, we were lucky enough to stumble across works by James Surls…
…Lichtenstein, and Noguchi—all in one building! Just around the corner, we also found an Alex Katz…
…and Jesus Moroles sculpture.
One of my favorite stops was the Sid Richardson Museum, where we got an extensive look at the works of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Both are staples of Western art, but the range of their work was impressive. The museum also gave us a chance to try our hand at some art of our own, offering postcards for visitors to draw and send.
This ties to Remington, who was not well-versed in writing, and would use illustrations to communicate when words fell short. While some of us had more success than others (we’ll leave the details out), it was a fun and creative way to engage with the experience we shared at the museum.
The trip wasn’t just about law and art—we also enjoyed a range of food experiences. While I stayed on the safe side with a soufflé (my first, and it was great!), Maggie stepped up as the group’s culinary adventurer, trying calf fries, escargot, and quail all for the first time. One of the best parts of LEAP trips is the chance to try new things, and this trip was no exception.
After the competition ended, we headed to Dallas. We made a quick stop to see a giant eyeball sculpture…
…which was interesting to say the least, before heading to Thanksgiving Square, another Philip Johnson design.
The Square offers myriad interesting features, including a Norman Rockwell mosaic…
…a “ring of thanks,” which has an echo feature…
…and, of course, Johnson’s beautiful Chapel.
The spiral design, and the beautiful stained glass capture the “infinite upward reach of the human spirit”.
We ended the trip with a visit to Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK’s assassination. Seeing the Grassy Knoll and the surrounding area was a very fitting end to our adventures in DFW.
Overall, this trip showcased what LEAP is all about: taking multidisciplinary experiences—law, art, history, and food—and tying them together in a way that broadens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Fort Worth and Dallas proved to be the perfect destinations for this, with plenty of firsts, surprises, and connections along the way.
I recently had the privilege of attending the 25th Annual Face-to-Face Scholarship Luncheon at Sam Houston State University. This special event, which allows donors to meet the students whose lives they’re changing, is always a highlight for me.
This year’s theme, “You Are Worth Your Weight in Gold,” emphasized how truly invaluable our donors are to us. Their support goes beyond financial aid—it opens doors and provides encouragement that carries us forward on our academic journeys.
This year, I once again had the honor of being awarded the Martinez Scholarship, generously funded by the Martinez and Scott families. I shared a table with Russell Martinez, along with Wayne and Andrea Scott, longtime supporters of LEAP who’ve become dear friends over the years. It was wonderful to catch up and share what’s been happening in life since we last saw each other.
Also seated with us was Provost Stephenson, who brought valuable insights to our conversation and deepened my appreciation for the supportive community at SHSU.
The luncheon began with an opening speech from Vice President of University Advancement, Matt Bethea…
…who expressed heartfelt thanks to the donors and benefactors present. He then introduced SHSU President White, who spoke powerfully about the impact of scholarships on our campus.
She highlighted SHSU’s dedication to serving first-generation and non-traditional students—students like myself—who often face financial challenges in pursuing higher education. President White’s words were a reminder of just how much these scholarships matter in helping us build our futures.
Throughout the event, I enjoyed connecting with other supporters and university officials who care deeply about our success. Cinthia Villarreal received the “Bertha Kirkley Endowed Scholarship” and sat with Derrick Birdsall, Director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.
Chrissy Biello received the “Phyllis and Walter Pinegar Best and Brightest Endowed Scholarship” and she had the privilege to connect with Walt Pinegar himself.
There was a genuine sense of gratitude and community as we engaged with the people who make a real difference in our lives.
Reflecting on this event, I feel profoundly grateful—not only for the financial support I receive but for the belief in my potential and the encouragement that helps me push forward.
Professor Pavelock Discusses the Importance of Giving
As a first-generation college student, I know how much of a difference it makes to have even a bit of financial stress relieved, allowing me to focus fully on my education. The Martinez family and all the donors who support students like me are changing lives in ways that go far beyond monetary assistance.
Thank you to everyone who believes in LEAP’s mission and in the dreams of Sam Houston State students. Your support reminds us that we’re not alone in our journeys, and that means more than words can express.
After an afternoon filled with costumes and candy at Huntsville Main Street’s Scare on the Square…
…we decided to take our Halloween festivities to the next level by heading to the Haunted Trails at Kate Barr Ross Park. Put on by the Huntsville Parks and Leisure Department, Haunted Trails is like a haunted house…just with way more trees, a few extra screams, and no escape until you reach the end.
Our very own President of the LEAP Ambassadors, Cinthia Villareal, who’s also an intern with the Parks Department, helped organize this outdoor fright fest, so of course, we had to show up and support her creative take on community engagement (read: gleeful terror).
As a group of brave individuals (and maybe a few reluctant ones), we wandered through eerie scenes, from a haunted psych ward to a creepy scarecrows, with each turn holding horrors in and of themselves.
The group was doing fairly well throughout. Well, that was until the clowns.
Michelle, who had been playing it cool all night, took one look at the clowns and immediately shrieked. To my recollection, she went as far as to say “Anything but clowns!”
Naturally, this drew them right to her, making her and Saara the undisputed scream queens of the evening. It’s safe to say Michelle didn’t enjoy the clown house much.
Chrissy, however, in her classic stoic style, strolled through the whole thing dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, barely batting an eye at the frights around her.
Of course, with Chrissy, you can never quite tell what’s happening in her head!
Haunted Trails was a hilariously spooky way to cap off our Halloween celebrations, and we were all proud to support Cinthia in her haunting (and slightly twisted) community efforts. The event was a fun reminder of how Huntsville, with the help of local SHSU volunteers as actors, brings out the Halloween spirit in ways that are frightfully good for everyone involved.
This year, the LEAP Ambassadors had the opportunity to celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Wynne Home Arts Center in Huntsville.
The historic home was adorned with decorations, and tables were filled with traditional treats like sugar skull cookies, pan de muerto, and refreshments.
At the heart of the celebration was an ofrenda honoring Mike Countz, a beloved community leader and Justice of the Peace, whose memory was warmly celebrated.
Dahlia Harrelson opened the event…
…and she soon turned it to Dr. Crimm, a respected historian and community figure, who offered an in-depth look at the origins and meaning of Día de los Muertos.
She explained how the holiday blends pre-Columbian and Catholic traditions, centering on the idea that death is not an end but a connection to our ancestors.
Through ofrendas and symbolic decorations, families invite the spirits of their loved ones back, honoring their lives with personal items, favorite foods, and marigold flowers.
Dr. Crimm’s insights gave us a thoughtful look into the holiday, emphasizing that Día de los Muertos is about celebrating life and keeping memories alive.
Following Dr. Crimm’s presentation, we heard from Patti Countz, widow of Justice Mike Countz, whose ofrenda was displayed prominently.
She shared stories about her husband, painting a picture of his life and the impact he made on the community. Mike Countz was born in Orange, Texas, in 1951, and he moved to Walker County, where he became a star athlete and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1969.
After earning his BBA from Sam Houston State University, he built a distinguished career in criminal justice, starting with the Texas Department of Corrections and eventually becoming the Justice of the Peace for Walker County’s Precinct 2.
Known for his humor, his love for golf and poker, and his unwavering devotion to his family, Mike Countz was the ultimate “girl dad,” who proudly attended every recital, game, and family event.
His legacy extended beyond his public service; he was a beloved member of his church and community, a dedicated Elvis fan, and a friend to many.
His wife’s stories brought the ofrenda to life, filling the room with both laughter and fond memories of a man who gave so much to his family and community.
This event highlighted the Wynne Home’s role as a vital space for cultural education in Huntsville…
…giving students a hands-on connection to a meaningful tradition and an appreciation for the ways we honor those who came before us.
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.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 