Nine Socorro Independent School District students were selected for and participated in the 2023 Education in Action Lone Star Leadership Academy Camps this summer. Students traveled to Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Galveston to participate in the camps.
The students were nominated by their teachers last school year for the statewide leadership program. The camps are for fourth- through eighth-grade students who have maintained an 85 academic average or higher, have demonstrated leadership ability, and have been involved in school and community activities.
Participants enjoyed a fun week of learning, leadership development, and visits to significant Texas destinations like the Alamo, NASA Space Station and Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
“What I liked about the camp is that I got to go to different places in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and learned about them,” said Sofia Nolasco, a fifth-grade student at Horizon Heights Elementary School.
Peter Villa, a sixth-grade student at Socorro Middle School, said he was thankful for the opportunity that was granted through his teacher’s nomination. He encouraged other educators to nominate at least one student for next summer’s camp so that more SISD students could participate in this great experience.
“I enjoyed the camp because of the friends that I made from all across the state, the lessons on leadership that I brought back to share with my school, and all the interesting places that we got to visit in the Dallas and Fort Worth area,” Villa said. “The facilitators at the camp were super nice and taught us so much about Texas history.”
As part of the camp, participants explored notable Texas sites, learned about unique careers from professionals, and worked in small groups to develop specific leadership skills.
In addition to improving their leadership abilities, participants gained self-confidence and independence and developed new friendships with other high-achieving students from across the state.
The SISD students who participated in the 2023 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camps were:
Sebastian Carillo, 6th grade, John Drugan School
Mariana Chavez, 5th grade, Mission Ridge Elementary School
Valerie Chavez, 5th grade, Jane A. Hambric School
Isabel Lopez, 7th grade, Montwood Middle School
Sofia Nolasco, 5th grade, Horizon Heights Elementary School
Rodrigo Perez, 7th grade, Montwood Middle School
Yahir Sarabia, 5th grade, Loma Verde Elementary School
Malachi Valenzuela, 8th grade, Col. John O. Ensor Middle School
Peter Villa, 6th grade, Socorro Middle School