Wade Ledbetter, son of Macy and Cathy Ledbetter, grandson of Mabel Ledbetter, and a student at Richland Springs Elementary School in the Richland Springs Independent School District, 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. Wade’s selection for the Academy was based on his outstanding academic success, demonstrated leadership ability, a recommendation by his principal, Don Fowler, and his involvement in school and community activities.

Education in Action, dedicated to fostering educated and involved Texas, 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, Wade 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.

Lone Star Leadership Academy calls for participants to become active citizens and leaders in their communities. Participants in the Lone Star Leadership Academy—Dallas/Fort Worth program must be in the 5th or 6th grade, maintain an 85 or higher average, demonstrate academic and leadership ability, receive an educator recommendation, and be involved in community or school activities.

Wade also broke the all time Richland Springs ISD Accelerated Reader points record by earning 500 points in one year, not even one complete year. He transferred to Richland Springs from San Saba early this year and the 500 points does not include what he had already earned in San Saba. The previous record-holder had just over 300 points in one year.