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Students stand in front of the Live Stock Exchange in Fort Worth
EMS ISD Students Grow as Leaders at Lone Star Leadership Academy
A boy and a girl stand on stairs

Ten EMS ISD students from six schools spent part of their summer stepping into leadership roles, exploring Texas landmarks, and building lasting friendships through the 2025 Lone Star Leadership Academy. 

They were among 713 outstanding 3rd–8th grade students from across the state selected to participate in the weeklong overnight camps, hosted in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, and Houston/Galveston. Each student was nominated by an educator for the Lone Star Leader Award, which recognizes leadership ability, academic success, and community involvement. 

The camps gave students the opportunity to visit historic and cultural sites while practicing leadership skills in real-world settings. Marine Creek Middle School students Lily Fanale and Liam Robinson said the experience left a lasting impact. 

Fanale said one of her favorite moments was seeing longhorns at the Fort Worth Stockyards.  

“Seeing a herd of longhorns in real life was really cool,” she said. “Being outside and seeing them made it different. It was the most fun

Longhorns parade down exchange street in fort Worth

time.” 

Robinson said he especially enjoyed the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. 

“They have a big T. rex when you walk up the stairs and a brontosaurus,” he said. “Overall, it’s just a great camp. We got to visit a bunch of new places.” 

In addition to the Stockyards and Perot Museum, the EMS ISD students also visited the George W. Bush Presidential Library, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Along the way, they connected with peers from across the state. 

For Fanale, the biggest takeaway was the confidence she gained through meeting new people. 
 
“I’ve been very shy, but in the camp we learned the skills of communication, and that helped me,” she said. “It helped me get over my fear of meeting new people. I am a stronger leader now.” 

Students stand in front of the Live Stock Exchange Building in Fort Worth

Robinson agreed, adding that the camp’s activities helped him grow in creativity, motivation, communication, and teamwork. 

 “We learned how to grow as leaders,” he said. 

Both students enjoyed the experience so much that they are already planning to attend again next year. Fanale hopes to travel to the Austin/San Antonio camp, while Robinson is interested in the Houston/Galveston option. 

“I recommend it to anyone because you get to meet new people and do so many fun activities,” Fanale said. 

The Lone Star Leadership Academy is organized by Education in Action, a nonprofit that provides unique educational opportunities for Texas students. Educators may nominate outstanding 3rd–8th graders for the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academy at www.educationinaction.org/nominate. 

EMS ISD students who participated in Summer 2025, with the school they attended during the 2024-2025 school year.

Creekview Middle School

  • Jaxon DeLeon - 8th - Houston/Galveston

High Country Elementary School

  • Zoe Casanova  - 5th - Dallas/Fort Worth

Highland Middle School

  • Maya Aguilera - 6th - Dallas/Fort Worth

Remington Point Elementary School

  • Liam Robinson - 5th - Dallas/Fort Worth

Wayside Middle School

  • Micah Farrer - 6th - Austin/San Antonio
  • Aubrey Hollerich  - 7th - Austin/San Antonio
  • Elisha Quito - 6th - Dallas/Fort Worth

Willow Creek Elementary School

  • Lily Fanale - 5th - Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Miguel Plaza Figueroa - 5th - Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Taylor-Rae Ritter - 5th - Dallas/Fort Worth