Emiliano Zapata, son of Ernest and Cecilia Huron of San Saba, and Joey Zapata of Brownwood, and a student at San Saba Middle School, has been selected to travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth area as a participant in Education in Action's Lone Star Leadership Academy, June 23-27, 2008. Emiliano's selection for the Academy was based on his outstanding academic success, demonstrated leadership ability, a recommendation by his teacher, Debbie Shahan, and his involvement in school and community activities. Education in Action, dedicated to fostering educated and involved Texans, hosts the Lone Star Leadership Academy to "Instill the Spirit of Texas in Tomorrow's Leaders."

Joining a delegation of outstanding students from across the state of Texas, Emiliano will develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas and its leaders. He will learn about future career and internship opportunities and visit significant Texas sites including the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Science Place at Fair Park, the Dallas World Aquarium, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the Amon Carter Museum, the Texas Civil War Museum, the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

The Lone Star Leadership Academy provides unique opportunities for outstanding 5th-8th graders 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.