Every Election Day, Americans exercise one of democracy’s most fundamental rights–the right to vote. While some head to polling places during lunch breaks or after work, the Lions Club and LEAP center mark the day by planting flags–early in the morning–across the extended downtown in Huntsville, an activity undertaken on most national holidays!
While many are familiar with the process, we meet around 6:15 a.m. to place flags all downtown with the Huntsville Lions Club. For us, it is not only a community-building exercise, but also a way to remind people the significance of their democratic participation.
With an experienced group and an established route, we began bright and early, bundled against a chillier morning. Our task was to carry bundles of flags to assigned routes along 11th Street, Sam Houston Avenue, and throughout the extended downtown area.
Thankfully every flag went up smoothly – however the signs were another story…
The morning’s work also served as a reminder of where this tradition began…
Before 1845, Election Day looked very different across the country. Each state chose its own date to hold presidential elections-sometimes spread out over an entire month. Results from early-voting states often influenced later ones, and the lack of uniformity created confusion in a nation still finding its democratic rhythm.To solve that problem, Congress passed a law in 1845 establishing one national Election Day: the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. The timing was practical for the America of the 19th century-rooted in the rhythms of farm life. November came after the harvest but before winter roads turned to mud, and Tuesday allowed farmers to attend church on Sunday, travel to their county seat on Monday, and cast their vote on Tuesday.
The result was a schedule that balanced faith, work, and civic duty-an early example of how American democracy was built to fit into the everyday lives of its citizens. What began as a matter of convenience has since become a national tradition that still shapes how Americans vote today.
After finishing our routes through downtown, Nataly placed the final flag of the morning – a simple but fitting way to mark the start of Election Day!
In light of Election Day, with many new things to vote on this time, LEAP ambassadors have already done their duty…
Walker County voters can cast their ballots at any of the countywide polling places on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Whether you vote at the Walker County Fairgrounds, University Heights Baptist Church, the Walker County Storm Shelter, or any of the other convenient locations throughout the county, your participation matters!
Thank you to the Lions Club for having us as part of this tradition once again!
After a long day of Moot Court competition and work that persisted late into the night, our LEAP competitors enjoyed the mercy of an extra hour of sleep, courtesy of Daylight Savings Time. But the sun rises even after the longest nights, and we–Madison Thurkettle, Allison Lindle, Katie Wilson, and our Day Two competitors, Ashton Droll and Madison Cawthon–hastened to the Shepard Broad College of Law to extend our Moot Court season.
A Time to Keep…
With admonishments to arrive no later than 9:30am, we arrived early, in time to witness the coin toss that would decide whether we were representing the petitioner or respondent.
Our competition was Connor Rust and Inanna Khansa from the University of Chicago, and winning the coin toss, they chose to represent the respondent–which was fine with us.
A Time to Build Up…
A win in this round would place us at the Preliminary Nationals, scheduled for Virginia in January. For Maddie, who wasn’t expecting to get this far, much of the pressure had been shed from her shoulders. Ashton, on the other hand, animated by what many judges described as “a passion for moot court,” felt the pressure and the need to win. Both, however, experienced the ups and downs of preparing for competition.
Both sensed immediately the elevated level of competition. “We could cite the record and the cases,” observed Droll, “but Rust and Khansa took it a step further. They cited the record and then cited cases within the cases.”
A Time to Speak, a Time to Keep Silence…
Nonetheless, Droll and Cawthon executed their best performances. Heeding the Biblical admonition that “a fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words,” they answered questions directly, demonstrating their knowledge of the cases and applying that knowledge judiciously and to the point. “They were,” noted Wilson, “more polished than they’ve been the entire Moot Court season.”
In the end, however, it wasn’t quite enough. Rust and Khansa edged out Droll and Cawthon on two ballots (one was decided by three points out of 1,600) and solidly on a third. Despite the loss, the team members’ outlook remained undimmed, happy with their portion, and equipped with a focus on a new season and a renewed sense of purpose.
Two Shall Withstand…
The finals pitted Anna Barker and Steven Abraham (University of Central Florida) and Christy Banker and Gaege Gobezie (Liberty University)–the latter of whom had taken the tournament’s first and second-place individual orator honors.
Facing a hot panel–which included the Dean of the Law School (Olympia Duhart), the Director of Advocacy Programs for the Shepard Broad College of Law (Joe Lester), and an animated Criminal Law Professor (Megan Chaney)–
…the four competitors showed impressive knowledge of the cases, verbal agility, and the enviable skill of anticipating the judges’ line of questioning and redirecting it. It was, LEAP students noted, a lesson to learn.
The contest was close, perhaps the closest of the tournament…
…with Anna Barker and Steve Abraham of the University of Central Florida edging Christy Banker and Gaege Gobezie of Liberty University. The match was decided by two points.
Every Man Should Eat and Drink…
With competitions behind us and much before us, we decided on a meal at Rocco’s Tacos, which was recommended by Orlando Magazine and Eater. The recommendation was well founded.
We began with guacamole (excellent), which had just the right mix of tomato, salt, and garlic; chips and a salsa sampler, with the salsa verde and the smoked salsa being the favorites; and sauteed shrimp, which were impressively tender and bursting with flavor. It was a good way to begin the meal.
Our entrees were equally impressive. Half of our group ordered salads, while Ashton sampled the cheese enchiladas (featuring creamy Chihuahuan cheese); Professor Yawn tried the veggie and pork tacos; and Cawthon explored the Chorizo tacos, featuring Cotija cheese.
The food was excellent and filling, and the time at the table offered a respite from a competition and an opportunity for reflection.
Patient in Spirit…
With the tournament receding into a remembrance of former things, we contemplated the transitional and cyclical nature of things.
Each of us has enjoyed a new experience on the trip, whether it be a new food experience, learning photography with a mirrorless camera, or simply our first travel without family in tow. For all of us, this was our first Moot Court competition.
And while it is natural to see a cohort go and a cohort come, four of our five competitors will still be at Sam Houston State University next year and–at least following the high of competition–are interested in participating again in Moot Court, renewing a cycle of education, experience, and exploration.
And with these reflections on the good of our labor, we returned to the hotel, where we looked forward to the sweet sleep of the hard working and to the start of a new day.
After a summer of study and two additional months of practice, LEAP’s Moot Court team made their way to Fort Lauderdale (which, in fairness to the title, is near Miami) for the Sunshine State Regional Moot Court Tournament–part of the American Moot Court Association’s annual national competition.
AMCA Board Member Ben Rathsam Kicking Things Off
The Moot Court Process
The Moot Court process has many moving parts, but the steps are straightforward:
Each team has two members, with one tackling the 14th amendment (equal protection) and one tackling the 1st amendment (speech);
Teams then register for one of 18 regional tournaments across the US;
Teams then compete in the tournament for which they registered, and if they qualify, they move on to a “Preliminary National Tournament” and, if they qualify again, the National Tournament.
Teams are evaluated on four broad categories: Knowledge, Courtroom Demeanor, Response to Questions, and the Clarity and Logic of the Argument.
Michael Dass from NSU
Moot Court at Sam Houston State University (SHSU)
SHSU begins its Moot Court involvement shortly after AMCA releases the Case Problem (May 1). Over the summer, Professor Mike Yawn teaches “How to Win in the Courtroom,” using the Case Problem (and the ancillary 20 other cases) as the curriculum, and culminating with live “hearings.”
In late August or early September, official tryouts are held, and students compete for team spots. The LEAP Center selected five participants this year, making up two teams and a “spare:” Team One is Madison Thurkettle and Allison Lindle; Team Two is Ashton Droll and Maddie Cawthon. A fifth student, Katie Wilson, made the team, but lacked a teammate.
All of these students committed to weekly practices during September and October, with the goal of being prepared for today’s tournament.
The Sunshine Tournament
The Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University hosted the Sunshine Tournament, giving 64 students the opportunity to travel; visit a law school; perform in front of judges, bailiffs, and tournament organizers; and meet other pre-law students from across the country. AMCA Representative Ben Rathsam introduced the event, and Shepard Broad Law Professor Marc Consalo provided additional guidance, helping orient the students, and focusing their minds.
Day One, to use a sport analogy, is the “regular season,” and it consists of three rounds for each team. The first round began at 2:00pm, with Thurkettle and Lindle representing the petitioner and competing at a team from Central Florida; Droll and Cawthon also represented the petitioner, and they competed against a team from Nova Southeastern University. In subsequent rounds, SHSU teams faced competitors from Stetson University, Benedictine College, Liberty University, and the University of Tampa.
Moot Court Self Care
Katie Wilson, although not competing this year, travelled with the team, proving herself an expert navigator, and a quick-learning photographer.
Competing
Although the students have been involved in more than a dozen formal practices and numerous individual practices, the real thing brings a fresh sense of nerves.
“For me, the first round was the worst,” noted Madison Thurkettle, a Junior at SHSU, and a first-time competitor in Moot Court, “and I was able to loosen up in the subsequent rounds.”
Allison Lindle, Thurkettle’s teammate, agreed: “The first round was nerves; the second round, we were able to see some success; and by the third round, we were hitting our stride.”
Only Known Photo of Thurkettle Smiling While at a Podium
For Ashton Droll, who did debate in high school, nerves weren’t a huge issue. But there was still the adapting to representing different parties in different rounds and learning the idiosyncrasies of the different judges. In Round One, for example, one judge gave Droll an average score of 87.5; another gave her an average score of 99.25.
At times, the judges’ feedback can be contradictory. One judge told Maddie Cawthon that she “sometimes got lost while answering questions.” The same round, a different judge told her: “Great responses to questions.” A frustrated Cawthon lamented: “they can’t both be correct.”
Outcomes
One of the outcomes of tournaments such as this is seeing the competition from other schools. Getting students out of the classroom and seeing high-achieving students from other schools is a key part of moot court, and in this setting, there were many strong students representing top universities across the nation.
For Lindle and Thurkettle, it was a steep learning curve, one punctuated by some near misses. On the final round, for example, they lost two ballots by one point each ballot. It was a tough round. Nonetheless, they both had strong showings. On one ballot, Thurkettle averaged a 98; on the same ballot, Lindle averaged a 97.5.
Droll and Cawthon similarly saw some close calls. Two of their ballot losses came from margins of 10 points or less (out of 1600), but they were in the running on every ballot–and this consistency helped them break into the Sweet 16. Indeed, they were seeded 11th out of 32 teams!
This was a victory not only for Droll and Cawthon, but for the entire SHSU delegation. As Katie Wilson noted, “I’ve spent the last couple of months with these girls, and it was rewarding to see them grow and have the opportunity to compete in front of real judges. I am already getting excited for next year’s case!”
Wrapping Up
But, of course, there is at least one more round in this year’s tournament for Droll and Cawthon, a prospect making for a long night (thankfully, Daylight Savings Time will add an hour…). But whatever that outcome, the tournament–and the organizers, judges, and volunteers–has provided the thrill and stress of competition, exposure to new places and people, and the opportunity for growth.
Ever wondered what it’s like to serve as a judge in your own community? The SHSU Pre-Law Society had the chance to find out firsthand during a moderated Q&A with Judge Devan Dawson, Municipal Judge for the City of Huntsville, and Judge Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace for San Jacinto County, Precinct 4.
From balancing private practice with public service to campaigning for elected office, both judges offered honest insight into the realities of serving at the local level and the unique paths that brought them to the bench.
Judge Devan Dawson, a Baylor Law alumna, shared how her path to law began unexpectedly. Originally an English major planning to teach, a family connection introduced her to the legal field, and she never looked back. Today, she divides her time between her private practice and her duties as a municipal judge, where she handles fine-only misdemeanors and civil cases. Her advice to aspiring law students was simple yet meaningful: “You can help people in countless ways, even something as small as a traffic ticket.”
Judge Kim Webb offered a different but equally inspiring journey. A graduate of Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, she began her career in law enforcement and worked her way up to captain before pursuing public administration, and eventually, the bench. As a Justice of the Peace, she oversees fine-only misdemeanors, civil cases up to $20,000, inquests, and evictions. Judge Webb emphasized how women bring valuable communication and empathy skills to both law enforcement and the judiciary, qualities that strengthen fairness and trust within the community.
Above all, both judges reminded us that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done, and that every person should leave their courtroom knowing they were treated fairly.
The students were inspired by their humility, perseverance, and commitment to public service. It was a reminder that pursuing law is not just about cases and codes, but about people, integrity, and making justice visible in every community we serve.
With that renewed sense of purpose, our Pre-Law Society turned their attention to organizational business.
and to the big issue of the night: elections. Ten candidates, both new and returning, presented thoughtful speeches about the positive changes they hoped to bring to the organization.
We are proud to introduce of our newly elected PLS Officers: VP of Marketing, Jackeline Balbuena;
VP of Finance/Treasurer, Nataly Elizondo;
…and Secretary, Madison Cawthon.
Congratulations to our new officers, and PLS is ready to make this an incredible year.
On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas. This past Wednesday, October 22, 2025, marked the 189th anniversary of this event. With a full house…
…including many VIPs, the Museum celebrated in fun style, with the LEAP Ambassadors and a few other volunteers helping with the festivities.
The night started out with an introduction from the museum’s director, Derrick Birdsall, who noted some of the luminaries in the audience, including former President Jim Gaertner…
…artist Lee Jamison…
…Mayor Russell Humphrey…
…Commissioner Bill Daugette…
…General David Glaser…
…Mac and Leanne Woodward, Stephanie Fors…
…and many others. Graciously, he also mentioned the LEAP Ambassadors, who are celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a University group.
More to the point, however, he discussed Sam Houston’s massive legacy.
Matt Bethea also spoke, noting the importance of the Museum to the University and, on a more personal level, observed how this annual celebration was his favorite event!
Finally, Alisa White, President of the university, brought her husband, Elliott Herzlich, to the podium accompanied by much applause.
In a spirited speech, President White extolled many of Sam Houston’s virtues, while highlighting the need to have the courage to lead, even when it can result in mistakes. But everyone, just like Sam Houston, can work to their community better, and in so doing, they are leading.
Birdsall again took the podium, this time to unveil some of the Museum’s new additions. In particular, he pointed to artist Lee Jamison and Bill Dabaghi, who unveiled Jamison’s new portrait of Sam Houston, which will hang in a privileged spot in the rotunda.
Also on display was a new letter that volunteer written by Sam Houston in 1926, when he was a congressman from Tennessee. The letter was found on Ebay, by volunteer Bruce Wiliford…
…and he referred the find to Birdsall. After some sleuthing, Birdsall pulled the trigger and purchased the letter, which shines some light on Houston’s personal life and also larger issues, such as widespread dissatisfaction among elected officials with the electoral college.
We spoke with Mr. Jamison about the painting of Houston along with his painting of Old Main, both of which show how great he is at putting life into his artwork. Through these conversations, we learned about the attention to detail that goes into portraying such historic figures.
The night was filled with engaging conversations, laughter, and lots of learning. From the start of the evening when greeting doors, to the end of the night getting to walk around the museum the event was enjoyable and a great way to get more involved with the community.
Thank you to Derrick Birdsall for inviting us to such a wonderful event, it truly was a joy to hear and learn from everyone who attended!
We look forward to all of the continued impact the museum will have on our town!
Working with children–especially ones who have experienced trauma–is difficult, but these are the exact situations in which deescalation techniques are most needed. Deborah Sweet and Julie Stanwood–experts in working with children with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children–discussed techniques for working with children as part of the Student Legal and Mediation Services “Conflict Resolution Month” programming.
Strategies for Before, During, and After Trauma Response
Children who have experienced trauma will respond differently to potential conflict, and it’s important for caregivers and professionals to know how to manage those situations. Establishing routines is part of this process, allowing the child to see that his/her expectations are being met and establishing a sense of predictability.
When stress is introduced to the environment, it’s important for the caregiver to notice it, and to respond prior to its escalation. Children who have experienced much trauma will respond to stress differently, and these reactions may resemble a “shutdown” or “defiance,” but which are actually just coping mechanisms to what the child has experienced previously. When possible, the caregiver should offer choices to the child–but not too many!–offering a sense of control.
When stress is escalated, it’s important to stay calm, to validate feelings, but to not overwhelm the child with too much discussion. The motto “Connection First–Correction Later” is good to follow.
Following a period of high stress, allow the child to re-regulate while reinforcing the child’s safety and belonging, giving the student the opportunity to “repair.” When appropriate, brainstorm with the child to think of solutions to the problem or ways to prevent such situations in the future.
Conclusion
Through a reliance on the three “R’s”–Regulate, Relate, Reason–caregivers, teachers, social workers and others can respond to trauma-affected children effectively. By following the tips provided by Stanwood and Sweet and by relying on a belief that all interactions are an opportunity for healing, children’s emotional stability can be improved which, in turn, improves society.
Many thanks to Dr. Gene Roberts and the Student Legal and Mediation Services for offering this program.
Another inspiring evening for the LEAP Ambassadors and fellow students took place at the World Affairs Council event featuring John B. Sherman, Dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University. The event was held at the Junior League in Houston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, developing women’s leadership, and improving communities through service, providing a fitting backdrop for an evening focused on public service. Even away from Huntsville, connections to home were everywhere, including a plaque honoring Junior League donors such as the Houston Endowment, which has ties to our hometown.
The evening began with Maryanne Maldonado, CEO of the World Affairs Council, who shared the Council’s mission and upcoming events. Dean Sherman was then introduced by his childhood friend, TJ Raguso, who spoke warmly about Sherman’s lifelong commitment to public service. From a young age, Sherman’s dedication to serving others was evident, and his friend’s introduction captured that spirit perfectly.
Dean Sherman shared insights from his remarkable career, which spans over 30 years of leadership in national security and technology. A Texas A&M graduate and former Corps Commander of the Corps of Cadets, Sherman has held senior positions at the CIA, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Most recently, he served as Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Defense, overseeing the Pentagon’s global IT and cybersecurity operations.
He recounted stories from his time in public service, including being in the Situation Room during 9/11 and taking on unexpected leadership roles that required quick learning and high-stakes decision-making. Sherman emphasized that public service is not about money or prestige but about the fulfillment that comes from serving the nation and community. Reflecting on the words of President George H.W. Bush, he reminded us that public service is a calling–a commitment to something larger than oneself. He encouraged students to embrace opportunities, saying, “When an opportunity comes through, you always say yes.” His advice resonated deeply with many of us who have grown through LEAP, learning to take initiative and step into challenges.
Dean Sherman also discussed the Bush School and how it prepares students to lead through both rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on real-world experiences.
He encouraged students to pursue public service at any stage of life, noting that meaningful experience can come from unexpected places. He also highlighted that the Bush School is a top feeder into the CIA, illustrating the real-world opportunities available to students willing to embrace leadership roles.
Throughout his talk, Sherman addressed the evolving nature of global security. Leading the Pentagon’s IT and cybersecurity operations, he explained how modern warfare extends beyond physical combat to cyber attacks, satellite operations, and information breaches. Protecting the nation now requires innovation, vigilance, and strategic thinking in technology as much as in traditional defense.
He concluded on an uplifting note, encouraging everyone to be engaged citizens, contribute to their communities, and embrace innovation, particularly in technology. After the talk, we had the privilege of meeting Dean Sherman, who spent time speaking with students individually, asking about our goals and offering thoughtful guidance. For those aspiring to be attorneys, he encouraged us to follow our dreams. For those interested in public service or foreign affairs, he highlighted the fulfillment that comes from serving others, reminding us that career paths are not fixed and that each new skill, experience, or challenge can prepare us for opportunities we cannot yet imagine.
Following the formal event, we had a great opportunity to spend time with Dean Sherman in small groups, while also saying “hi” to Wendall Braniff, who has been very generous to us at various WAC events.
This kind of individualized interaction is a key part of what keeps us returning to the World Affairs Council events, but even in large groups, we have great opportunities to learn.
Dean Sherman’s guidance reinforced the importance of stepping into opportunities and giving back to the community– principles that are at the heart of the LEAP Center. Whether it is organizing events for the local community, participating in city and state internships, or serving through other civic initiatives, LEAP students actively embody the spirit of public service. Experiences like this event remind us that engaging with the world around us, learning from leaders, and stepping forward in our own communities are all part of preparing to be the next generation of public servants. Public service truly is a calling and through LEAP, we are already answering it.
Shortly after Election Day 2025—and just in time for the season of gratitude—the LEAP Center invites you to join us in celebrating what it means to be a citizen. The event will feature finger foods, Lotería with a civic twist, a guest speaker, and special recognition of newly naturalized citizens. Guests will also have access to information and resources for those interested in beginning their own journey toward U.S. citizenship.
The event is made possible through a grant from the National Partnership for New Americansand continues the LEAP Center’s long-standing commitment to civic education and community engagement.
A Tradition of Civic Learning
Since 2008, the Huntsville Public Library and the LEAP Center have partnered to offer a free citizenship preparatory course designed to help local immigrants prepare for the naturalization process. Over the past seventeen years, the program has served nearly 300 immigrants from 23 countries.
Led by Professor Mike Yawn with support from LEAP student volunteers, the course provides an overview of the naturalization process, from paperwork to oral interviews to English tests, and the civics portion consisting of 100 questions that immigrants must know. Immigrants enrolled in the course receive guidance on the 100-question civics test, as well as encouragement and practical support throughout the process.
The grant from the National Partnership for New Americans allows LEAP to extend this work to Montgomery County, beginning with the November celebration and continuing with a preparatory course in spring 2026.
A Community Celebration
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., the celebration will take place at the SHSU Woodlands Center. The event serves a dual purpose: honoring individuals who have recently achieved U.S. citizenship and welcoming those interested in learning about the naturalization process.
The program will feature a guest speaker who will share a few words on the importance of civic engagement and community participation. Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy conversation, fellowship, and rounds of Lotería—reimagined with a civic theme to honor the spirit of citizenship.
By bringing together naturalized citizens, aspiring citizens, and students, the celebration underscores the power of connection and culture. Citizenship — often taken for granted–embodies both rights and responsibilities; it provides a sense of confidence, freedom, and unity that strengthens our communities and our democracy.
In conjunction with this event, the LEAP Center will also announce the launch of its Spring 2026 Citizenship Preparatory Course, which will be offered in Montgomery County for the first time.
If you would like to attend the celebration, please scan the QR code below to register or contact Professor Mike Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 