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Tag: Reagan Dinner

Reagan Dinner: Version 2020

by Esmeralda Mata

For at least the 12th year, the LEAP Ambassadors were on hand to assist the Republican Party host the annual Reagan Dinner.  This year, GOP Chair Linda McKenzie arranged to have the dinner at the beautiful Elkins Lake Clubhouse and managed to have Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick serve as the keynote speaker.

Nearly 220 local Republicans and elected officials attended the dinner, making it one of the more successful of the party’s dinners.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

For our part, we assisted signing in guests and seating.  It was a great opportunity for us, because not only were we able to help, but we also had a chance to meet new people and say hi to community people and elected officials we hadn’t seen in a while.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

Guests arrived at 6pm for a reception and cash bar hosted by the Walker County Republican Women, and when Lt. Governor Patrick arrived, he enthusiastically took photos with guests and made conversation with the many grateful guests.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

At seven, County Chair Linda McKenzie welcomed guests and introduced the elected officials in attendance, including Judge Matt Johnson, District Judge Don Kraemer, District Judge Hal Ridley, County Court-at-Law Judge Tracy Sorensen, and many more. Shortly after the brief introductions, Carol Skidmore, WCRW President, took the podium to present the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Judge Kraemer.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Judge Don Kramer

Guests enjoyed their elegant meal with enjoyable conversations around the table.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

The evening’s dinner included chicken cordon bleu served with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and bread.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

We were seated at Congressman Brady’s table with tickets donated by him, along with his campaign manager, Craig Lewellyn, and his field director and LEAP alumni, Brian Aldaco; Melanie Schoettle, a Montgomery County political consultant, was also at the table and contributed to the easy-going conversation.

After dinner, Tom Fordyce, board secretary for the Texas Board of Criminal Justice…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

…formally introduced Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick spoke about his admiration for President Donald Trump and the importance of keeping Texas a Republican state—“if we lose the state, we lose the country.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

He emphasized that, while Republicans won 239 of Texas’s 254 counties in the last election, the 15 counties the party lost were among the largest in the state.  In his latest tweet about the Reagan Dinner, the Lt. Gov. used the hashtag #KeepTexasRed!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

Following Patrick’s speech, State Representative Ernest Bailes took the podium to further inform the guests about the importance of voting for the primaries and general election, and the productive 2019 session in the state legislature.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Rep. Bailes both highlighted the education reform by increasing teachers’ salaries and training, introducing more trade school resources, and changing schools grading model from good and bad to A-F. State Rep. Bailes also mentioned his new point of focus: supporting small businesses.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

Next, Senator Charles Schwertner briefly discussed his experience working as senator.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

County Chair Linda McKenzie again took the podium for the closing remarks…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

…and her husband, Jim, led the closing benediction.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

After the event, we took a picture with the Lt. Governor.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

Our biggest take-away of the night was educating others on the importance of voting and appreciating the welcoming aspect of our local community.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

We would like to thank Congressman Kevin Brady for donating tickets to make our attendance possible; and Linda McKenzie for thinking of us when filling seats.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Walker County Republican Party, Dan Patrick, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner, Reagan Dinner

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 16, 2020Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, Politics, VolunteerTags Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Linda McKenzie, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Reagan Dinner, SHSU, Texas Representative Ernest Bailes, Texas Senator Charles Schwertner, Walker County Republican PartyLeave a comment on Reagan Dinner: Version 2020

2019 Reagan Dinner: Honoring a Legacy of Service

This year’s Reagan Dinner featured Jim McIngvale (aka Mattress Mack), honored Ronald Reagan, and celebrated the lives of Andrew and Ila Martinez, two members of the Huntsville who community who exemplified the concept of public service.

The event began at 6pm, with guests enjoying refreshments and conversations. At seven, Linda McKenzie, the chair of the Walker County Republican Party, began the remarks, with welcomes and introductions.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

Our primary role during these initial periods was to greet and seat, which we were happy to do.  Indeed, this is the 12th “Reagan Dinner” at which we have assisted.

Following brief introductions, guests enjoyed their meals and light table conversation.  That was easy for us, because we were seated at a table with fun guests.  Representative Ernest Bailes and his wife, Courtney, sponsored and were seated at the table; as were Councilmember Tish Humphrey and her husband, Russell; and Ed and Rissie Owens.  Another of the LEAP students was at Senator Charles Schwertner’s table, where he sat with Schwertner’s District Representative, Annel Guadalupe and her husband, Dylan.

After dinner, Congressman Kevin Brady, the Republican Party of Walker County…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

…and the Walker County Republican Women honored Andrew and Ila Martinez.  In their memory, the Party, the Women, the Martinez family (led by Andrea and Russell Martinez), and private donors contributed to a scholarship fund directed toward students who provide public service.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

Speaking in front of a large, projected photo of Andrew and Ila Martinez, Russell Martinez announced that the scholarship will go to a LEAP Student, which was an immense honor for us.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

But the real honor is to the entire Huntsville community, who benefited from the spirit of service that has animated the Martinez family during their nine decades in Huntsville.

Andy Martinez lived a long life, and he lived it well.  He worked for TDCJ; owned his own business; was a founding member of LULAC; served as a pastor; was elected to both the Huntsville City Council and the Huntsville School Board; and served on numerous boards in the community.

Andrew Martinez

His partner in this service–for 63 years–was Ila Martinez, who raised a large family while putting many hours of volunteer service, most commonly with the Walker County Republican Party and the Walker County Republican Women.

Ila Martinez

Perhaps with that example of public service in mind, Representative Bailes spoke next, offering a non-partisan and informative overview of issues likely to be addressed during the 86th Legislative Session.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

He noted that school finance was likely to be one of the most important of these issues and, with his wife Courtney being a third-grade teacher, that issue has special importance to him.

Congressman Brady again took  the stage to give an overview of national politics, and he offered some red meat to the Republican crowd.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

The guest of honor for the evening was Jim McIngvale, better known around the greater Houston area as “Mattress Mack.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

He spoke about the importance of a positive attitude during life’s trials and tribulations. He told different stories about people with positive attitudes living their lives in ways that helped others, and used the late George H. W. Bush as one example.

When the event was over, we assisted with the event, but we also had a chance to meet with Congressman Brady and Mattress Mack.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Mattress Mack, Russell Martinez, Kevin Brady, Ernest Bailes, Charles Schwertner

It was a wonderful event, and our take-away from the night was the value of life-long public service, reflected in an entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy (Mattress Mack), holding elective office (Brady, Bailes, Martinez), and volunteering countless hours to improve your community (the Martinez family, Linda McKenzie, many others at the event).

We would like to thank Representative Bailes and Senator Schwertner for sponsoring tickets to make our attendance possible; Linda McKenzie for thinking of us when filling seats; and to Andrea and Russell Martinez for thinking of us when creating this scholarship.

 

 

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 23, 2019February 23, 2019Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, PoliticsTags Andrea Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Charles, Ernest Bailes, Ila Martinez, Kevin Brady, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Mattress Mack, Reagan Dinner, Russell Martinez, Schwertner, SHSU, Walker County Republican PartyLeave a comment on 2019 Reagan Dinner: Honoring a Legacy of Service

Reagan Dinner 2.018

by Ryan Knesek

After getting to meet personally with Commissioner Craddick, everyone headed down to the Lowman Student Center Ballroom for a  special dinner.  Done in celebration of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan, who is an icon among the Republican community, the dinner brought together many elected officials, community members, and students.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

The event gave the LEAP Ambassadors the opportunity to converse with elected officials of Walker County, including Senator Schwertner, Representative Bailes, and many more.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

With merriment, everyone enjoyed conversation…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…and catching up with old friends…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…including us!

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

Chair Linda McKenzie opened the proceedings…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…giving way to a (rather strange) invocation…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…and other speakers.  A highlight was having Ariel Traub–a former LEAP Ambassador–introduce her boss, Senator Charles Schwertner.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

And he, in turn, introduced Kaitlyn Tyra as the TSUS Student Regent and his former intern:

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

But the biggest highlight of the night was when Commissioner Craddick addressed the audience.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

Known as the “Texas Oil and Gas Queen,” she talked about the state of Texas…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…discussed the state’s rosy employment picture…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…and captivated the audience, alternating between policy-wonk details…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…and big-picture optimism for the future.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

Chairman Craddick was particularly generous in praising “the young students I met tonight who give me hope for our future. ”  A positive note on the night was Chairman Craddick’s obvious emphasis on the future, an emphasis reinforced by her hopes for the world her young daughter will live in one day.

Winding down after a rousing finish, Chairman Craddick headed back to the Huntsville airport, where her plane waited her return to Austin and her family.

The Ambassadors, however, mingled additionally, making a particular point to meet with Chief Justice Tom Gray of the 10th Court of Appeals.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

They also spent time with Representative Ernest Bailes…

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

…and helped clean up, while all the elected officials in the community got together for one more photograph.

Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, Linda McKenzie, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors

Thanks to Senator Charles Schwertner and Congressman Kevin Brady, who sponsored student tickets for the event.  Thanks, too, to Republican Chair Linda McKenzie for coordinating this event annually.

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 2, 2018Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, PoliticsTags Chief Justice Tom Gray, Christi Craddick, LEAP Ambassadors, Linda McKenzie, Reagan Dinner, Representative Ernest Bailes, Senator Charles Scwhertner, Walker County Republican PartyLeave a comment on Reagan Dinner 2.018

Reagan Dinner 2.017

By Jessica Northam

Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Women, LSC, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

While some Bearkats celebrated Sam Houston’s birthday in Austin, others stayed in Huntsville to honor one of the greatest Republican presidents. On February 28th, the LEAP Ambassadors had the opportunity to volunteer with the Republican Party of Walker County to help host this year’s Annual Reagan Dinner. Held in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom, the dinner brings community members, elected officials, and students together in order to honor positive civic leadership.

When the Ballroom doors opened, I joined other volunteers Makayla Mason, Ashley Nell, and Stephanie Fors to greet guests, sign them in, and escort them to their tables. When the ceremony began, everyone took their seats to prepare for the wonderful dinner ahead of them. At our table we had the pleasure of spending time with the guest of honor, Land Commissioner George P. Bush. There were many other officials present during the reception including County Judge Danny Pierce, Walker County Republican Women President Terry Stivers, and 10th Court of Appeals Chief Justice Tom Gray, to name a few. We even had the opportunity to get a picture of all the officials present at the end of the ceremony.

Walker County Elected Officials, Walker County Republican Party, Reagan Dinner, LEAP Center, SHSU, LSC, George P. Bush
Photo by D.J. Shafer

As the introductory ceremonies began Makayla was asked to lead the pledge, and did a great job!

Makayla Mason, Pledge of Allegiance, Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Party, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

After a quick remarks from WCRP Chair Linda McKenzie, Vice Chair Richard Yawn…

Richard Yawn, Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Party, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

…and an invocation from Justice Gray, dinner was served. As the evening progressed, the students also had the chance to chat with State Republican Executive Committee Chairman Mike McCloskey and Chairwoman Nita Davidson and Senator Schwertner’s College Station District Director Jordan Strauss.

When everyone was finished with dinner, Jordan Strauss introduced George P. Bush for his speech. Commissioner Bush was an excellent speaker who shared a personal story of his experience with Ronald Reagan.

Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Party, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

Throughout his speech, he emphasized the great respect he had for President Reagan. He viewed President Reagan as one of the best Presidents in history. He then went on to talk about his plan as Commissioner and even took questions from the audience. Considering his position in government, we all thought it was very brave of him! He was a very charismatic speaker and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy his speech.

Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Party, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

After he concluded his speech and the dinner was over, everyone lined up to take photos with many of the respected leaders in our community. We too waited patiently and snapped a few photos with Commissioner Bush and Chief Justice Gray.

Chief Justice Tom Gray, Reagan Dinner, Walker County Republican Party, George P. Bush, LEAP Center
Photo by D.J. Shafer

As guests left and we stayed to help with cleaning, we reminisced on the enjoyable evening with had. We would like to thank the Republican Party of Walker County for inviting us to such a wonderful event!

Author mikeyawnPosted on March 6, 2017March 6, 2017Categories Civic Engagement, Politics, VolunteerTags And Politics, Center for Law, Engagement, George P. Bush, LEAP Center, Reagan Dinner, SHSU, Walker County Republican PartyLeave a comment on Reagan Dinner 2.017

Reagan Dinner: Version 2.016

Following a busy day of classes and entertaining guests, we looked forward to a similarly busy evening of entertaining guests and ourselves at the Reagan Dinner.  LEAP Ambassadors arrived early to help greet guests as they arrived and escort them to their seats. Because we had a large slate of volunteers, we also had the chance to socialize with each other, something that happens less than you might expect.Ryan_Mitchell_Megan_Austin_WebDuring the reception, hosted by the Walker County Republican Women, we had the opportunity to spend more time with the guest of honor, Ambassador Chase Untermeyer, and with many community members.  Among the guests were County Judge Pierce, Judge Sorenson, Congressman Brady, County Chair Linda McKenzie, WCRW President Terry Stivers, and numerous others who are currently running for local office.Ambassadors_McKenzie_Stivers_Web

It was at this time that many LEAP Ambassadors took the opportunity to have Ambassador Untermeyer sign our books. He gladly agreed and discussed his book eagerly with us. How Important People Act: Behaving Yourself in Public gave us many pointers on how to act when we are in the spotlight, no matter how big or small. Ambassador Untermeyer speaks from years of experience from multiple levels of government. Ambassador Untermeyer worked under multiple Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan, making him a perfect speaker for the Reagan Dinner.

In that book, he notes that your actions should be appropriate for the occasion. He noted, for example, that a President should not take a selfie at a funeral.  At a festive occasion such as this dinner, however, there are no such prohibitions:

Reagan_Dinner_Selfie

Once the invocation and the pledge of allegiance was given, dinner began. Students were fortunate enough to sit with a variety of respected individuals such as: Ambassador Untermeyer; State Representative Candidate Wesley Hinch; Tenth Court of appeals Chief Justice Tom Gray; Field Representative for Dr. Schwertner, Hayden Paul; John McManners; and Mac and Leanne Woodward.

Woodwards_Web

U.S. Representative Congressman Brady spoke for a few moments about his new position as the Ways and Means Committee Chairman and his plans with committee. He also thanked the LEAP Center for their work in Walker County! It was a real honor for the Ambassadors to be recognized by our U.S. State Representative.

Brady_Students_Informal_Web

Next, Professor Yawn introduced Ambassador Untermeyer for the keynote address of the evening. Ambassador Untermeyer outlined the qualities President Reagan utilized in the White House to be a successful leader of a divided house.

Untermeyer_Speaking_3_Web

First, his optimism allowed him to focus on much more of the positives rather than the negatives. He also used courage and compromise to get bills passed in Congress. According to Ambassador Untermeyer, President Reagan was not afraid to reach across the aisle in order to promote cooperation between parties. He encouraged our current elected officials to do the same. The final quality Ambassador Untermeyer discussed was President Reagan’s sense of humor at the proper time. His ability to be lighthearted is vastly different from the politics of today.  Following Untermeyer’s speech, one of the Ambassadors noted, “I wish all candidates shared those views.”  It was a sentiment we all shared.

Untermeyer_Pan

Ambassador Untermeyer observed all of these qualities while working as Reagan’s appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Ambassador Untermeyer’s years of experience provided the audience much insight into who President Reagan was. With President Reagan’s birthday approaching, The Reagan Dinner was a wonderful way to commemorate President Reagan’s legacy.

Concluding the evening, LEAP Ambassadors utilized the opportunity to take pictures with some of our favorite community members and elected officials.

Brady_Gray__Ambassadors_1_Web

Thank you to the Republican Party of Walker County for hosting a wonderful evening and for allowing the LEAP Ambassadors the opportunity to participate in the evening. We enjoyed ourselves immensely.

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Also, thank you to Ambassador Untermeyer for spending the day in Huntsville and speaking at the Reagan Dinner!

Untermeyer_Ambassadors_Whole_Group_Web

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 5, 2016February 5, 2016Categories Civic Engagement, Politics, VolunteerTags Chase Untermeyer, Education, Kevin Brady, LEAP, Reagan Dinner, Republican Party, SHSU, Walker CountyLeave a comment on Reagan Dinner: Version 2.016

Students Explore Reagan Legacy

By Kaitlyn Tyra,

Although only an emerging Republican myself, I know that when Republicans have a chance to celebrate the legacy of Ronald Reagan, they will gather and celebrate.  Not surprisingly, almost 200 students, local Republicans, and elected officials gathered last week for the annual Walker County Republican Party’s “Reagan Dinner,” to celebrate the legacy of the nation’s 40th president.

The event, held at the Lowman Student Center Ballroom on SHSU’s campus, featured a three-course meal, posting of the colors by the Cadet Color Guard from the Civil Air Patrol Sam Houston Composite Squadron, fine fellowship, lively entertainment from SHSU’s Jazz Band, and speeches by Congressman Kevin Brady and Dr. Jon Taylor, Chair of the St. Thomas University Political Science Department.

It was perhaps appropriate that Dr. Taylor was the keynote speaker, inasmuch as the event provided a political and community education for the SHSU students on hand, including myself and other members of SHSU’s Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics.  With our seats sponsored by Representative John Otto and Senator Charles Schwertner, we were able to converse with and learn from legislative staff.

We also received a crash-course lesson on local community leaders.  Republican County Chair Linda McKenzie welcomed us and the many elected officials that were on hand.  District Judge Don Kraemer gave the invocation.  Justice of the Peace Mark Holt (Pct. 3) led the US and Texas pledges. County Court At Law Judge Tracy Sorensen sat with students, and provided insight on the duties of a newly-elected judge. Other local elected officials on hand included: 10th Court of Appeals Justice Al Scoggins, District Judge Hal Ridley, County Judge Danny Pierce, District Attorney David Weeks, Sheriff Clint McRae, Tax-Assessor Collector Diana McRae, County Clerk Kari French, Justice of the Peace Janie Farris (Pct. 1), Justice of the Peace Mike Countz (Pct. 2), Justice of the Peace Stephen Cole (Pct. 4), and Constable Steve Hill (Pct. 3). For a group of students transplanted to SHSU, it was a welcome introduction to Walker County.

Walker_County_Elected_Officials
Walker County Elected Officials (Melanie Thibodeaux’s Great Photo!)

 

Congressman Kevin Brady provided a thorough update on the US Legislature, particularizing on the push to create middle-class jobs in the US and on Congress’s recently-passed legislation to allow for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Brady_Students-2-1

Dr. Taylor, while keeping with the national theme, focused on Reagan’s Republican legacy and, especially, “his optimism, his utter faith in this nation and her people, and his belief that our best days…are always ahead of us.”

Taylor_Speaking_3

For students in their late teens and early 20s, it was an appealing message and an appealing evening.  It was an evening filled with lessons on President Reagan, the responsibilities of elected officials, and enjoyable conversations.

The LEAP Center at SHSU is a bipartisan organization offering unique learning opportunities related to fine arts, history, civil rights, literature and, in particular, law, engagement, and politics.  The students recently attended an event sponsored by the Harris County Democratic Party featuring Sissy Farenthold and former Governor Mark White, and will be touring Little Rock, Arkansas this week, with stops at Little Rock Central High, the Douglas MacArthur Museum of Military History, the Clinton Presidential Library and The Old Mill, the last surviving set of Gone With the Wind.

 

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 23, 2015February 25, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Law, PoliticsTags Congressman Kevin Brady, Judge Danny Pierce, LEAP Center, Linda McKenzie, LSC, Reagan Dinner, SHSU, Walker CountyLeave a comment on Students Explore Reagan Legacy

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