Mesquite ISD:
Austin Hill, 8th grader, Vanston Middle School, 1st Year Member
Project: Toy Drive 2010 - Austin enlisted the help of a corporate sponsor and Dallas Cowboy's team member, Andre Gurode and his Center of Attention Foundation, to provide toys and new shoes for the children at a homeless shelter for women and children during the Christmas season. He said, "This was an experience that I will never forget. I enjoyed being able to give to those who might need a little help, especially during the holidays. The children we met were so grateful. I even signed a couple of autographs. I am looking forward to making this a yearly project." Sponsor: Ms. Angela Meeks, Mother.

Members participated in the Lone Star Leadership Academy, a weeklong leadership development program offered during spring and summer breaks by Education in Action. As graduates of this program, they were invited to join Education in Action's alumni program, the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council, to receive leadership training during the school year. In addition to completing three leadership skill-building lessons, each student identified a need in his or her community and initiated and implemented a service project of his or her choosing to fill that need. To provide an opportunity for hands-on leadership skill development, each student was required to lead at least two others in their project. Members documented their projects in a portfolio. The portfolios will be on display at registration for 2011 Lone Star Leadership Academy programs to inspire future Lone Star Leadership Academy alumni to follow in their footsteps. A newsletter describing each student's service project is available at www.educationinaction.org > News and Events>Newsletters>Lone Star Youth Leadership Council 2010-2011 Newsletter.

"Membership in the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council is no small undertaking, especially when these students' already busy schedules and academic standings are taken into consideration," stated Carolyne Markle, Education in Action's Alumni Program Coordinator. "The service projects are very gratifying and are great learning experiences for the students. They feel a real sense of accomplishment when they contribute to solving problems by helping others. While learning lessons that will last a lifetime, they are making positive contributions to our society and we ALL benefit."

The 2010-2011 Lone Star Youth Leadership Council members represented 70 school districts, two charter schools and five private schools. Education in Action offers the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council program each school year to further its mission, empowering young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities.