Outstanding Texas 5th-8th grade students from across the state have been selected to participate in Education in Action’s summer 2009 Lone Star Leadership Academy programs in Dallas/Fort Worth (5th & 6th graders), Austin (6th & 7th graders) and Houston/Galveston (7th & 8th graders). Selection for the Lone Star Leadership Academy is based on a student’s demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation and involvement in school/community activities. San Saba Middle School Students, Jantzen Bell, Michah Cox, and Andrea Jimenez have been selected to participate in the very exciting opportunity.

During the weeklong residential Lone Star Leadership Academy programs, selected students join delegations of other distinguished students from across the state to develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. Participants experience what they are learning in school through visits to historically, politically, scientifically and environmentally significant sites including the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (Dallas/Fort Worth program), the offices of their state legislators, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, bat watching on the Lone Star Riverboat and a Cowboy Cookout (Austin program) and NASA, the Houston Ship Channel, San Jacinto Battleground Monument and Moody Gardens (Houston/Galveston program) and much more. Career speakers introduce participants to a wide variety of unique career and internship opportunities.

The Lone Star Leadership Academy provides a unique opportunity for outstanding students to learn about the Spirit of Texas and what it truly means to be from the Lone Star State. Participants discuss what they learn, complete problem solving and decision-making simulations, exercise creativity and practice presentation skills in Leadership Groups. In addition, participants have fun meeting other outstanding students from across the state of Texas and making new friends while adding to their resume of academic achievements, developing leadership skills and bringing home a wealth of information to supplement what they are learning in school.

Education in Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young Texans to become informed and active leaders in their communities. Students involved in student government and service organizations are especially good candidates for Lone Star Leadership Academy programs. Facilitator/student ratio is one to 10 and all facilitators are Texas teachers. For more information about Education in Action or the Lone Star Leadership Academy, call 817-562-4957 or visit www.educationinaction.org.