As Sine Die 88th Texas Legislative Session comes to close, SHAIP interns began to reflect on the end of their internships. Interns from Sam Houston State University have enjoyed the past five months in Austin working for legislators around the state. To commemorate their great work, SHAIP students were recognized on the House of Representatives and Senate floors by the Texas Legislature.
There was a bit of waiting around at the beginning…
…as the House appeared slow to rouse. But this gave us time for important conversations and work…
Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez began the proceedings by introducing the House Resolution highlighting SHSU students’ “outstanding service to the Texas Legislature during this 88th legislative session.”
On a personal note, Rep. Martinez highlighted SHSU student Jayelynn Bordeaux as the intern working in his office.
The other representatives that attended were able to thank their interns personally as well. Rep. Will Metcalf took the opportunity to thank Yvette Mendoza for her hard work and following his support, offered an exultant “Go Bearkats.” (He is an SHSU alum!) Rep. Rafael Anchia…
…thanked Amor Sheffield and expressed how “proud [he is] of her service to our office and the state of Texas” while also noting how excited he was for her bright future.
Rep. Martinez finished the resolution by bringing to attention the work that Ashlyn Parker and Morgan Dawson are doing for Rep. J.M. Lozano and Rep. Senfronia Thompson, respectively.
With all the students enjoying some recognition in the end.
Afterward, students hustled to the Senate Gallery, where Senator Schwertner and Senator Hughes presented a resolution to recognize the Sam Houston Austin Internship Program.
Sen. Schwertner began the resolution by providing background on the SHAIP program and stating that “[e]ach of these students should be commended for their hard work and service to the State of Texas.”
He informed the Senate that three of the nine students had been working in Senator’s offices, five have been working in the House, and one student, Breanna Demyers, has been working for the Texas Association of Counties. Jesicca Cuevas and Morgan Robertson were highlighted by the Senator, as they have been working in his office during the session.
Sen. Schwertner emphasized their hard work and professionalism, thanking them profusely.
Senator Hughes then took the floor to extol the virtues of Ingrid Cuero. After noting that Ingrid was his “first SHSU intern,” he emphatically noted, “We want more!” He praised her for her kindness, work-ethic, and smile.
This summer, Ingrid will be continuing her education in politics working with US Congressman Sessions.
The recognition process can be lengthy, and it cuts into the work that the legislators can do, so we are very grateful to the House and Senate for taking time to recognize the hard work of SHSU students and the merits of the SHAIP Program.
We are also very grateful for our students, who are putting late hours for 140 days, about six weeks longer than a regular semester!
The LEAP Center would like to thank Scott Jenkines, Chief of Staff for Armando “Mando” Martinez. Mr. Jenkines has been a great mentor to dozens of interns, and he has helped place SHSU interns since the program’s inception.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 