With the semester drawing to a close, the Pre-Law Society hosted its Spring Social, a fun-filled evening with a lot of snacks. What’s better, we held it at the Wynne Home, where we surrounded by its beautiful art!
Although the evening was designed with fun in mind, the activities we all law-themed. Thus, we have a debate tournament based on childhood cartoons such as Scooby-Doo and Sponge-Bob SquarePants, the latter of whom was charged with a DUI in our retelling.
Then the jury groups switched with prosecution and defense for the next case: the murder of Scooby-Doo (spoiler alert: Velma did it with poisoned Scooby-Doo snacks in the kitchen). All groups reviewed their charges….
…and were given a four-minute time frame to explain key points of their positions and a one-minute rebuttal. The jury from both cases decided on the best arguments for both cases choosing the two teams to go head-to-head for the final debate: Texas v. Bradley.
Both teams argued very well, and the jury decided Emily Albright, Lillie Bourgeois, Katherine Burnett, Nicole Erazo, and Natalie Mujica won the debate, with good sportsmanship shown all around.
Next after a long break of Italian soda and snacks…
…our members played a game of Jeopardy. If our debate game did not bring out our members’ competitive sides, our game Jeopardy game certainly did! The question consisted of information about past Pre-Law Society Meetings, “Is it legal”, Sam Houston University, The Wynne Home, and Spring. After lots of debating, yelling, and cheering…
…Neehal Ahmed, Chrisi Biello, Olivia Discon, Mark Harkrider, and Isaac Mokrane won by a landslide!
Our members finished out the night with chips, cookies, and Scooby-Doo snacks (not poisoned of course) and shared funny stories from home and or work.
This social brought out the competitive sides of all our members who attended, forged new bonds, and created new friendships. Thank you to the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center for providing us with a space to host our social; and thank you to our Spring 2024 Semester Planning Committee for creating these activities and a fun-filled night.
With the end of the semester approaching, we had a busy Pre-Law Society meeting in order. Not only did we have a terrific guest speaker, we also had our semesterly cording-ceremony for our graduating seniors.
So, after a bit of preliminary business…
…we had the honor of having Judge Tracy Sorensen of Walker County Court of Law present. Judge Sorensen is a graduate of Sam Houston State and South Texas College of Law at Houston. Before her time as County Court at Law Judge, Sorensen started her law career as a family court attorney and, later, criminal defense attorney.
She practiced law for almost a decade before assuming office in 2015; she has been reelected twice since then. Sorensen described her somewhat non-traditional path through college and law school, while also describing her career as a practicing attorney and as judge.
It was a great opportunity to hear about two different occupations involving law, both of which are of interest to pre-law students.
With this being the last meeting of the semester, we celebrated our 23 graduating seniors, three of which were Pre-Law Society officers!
At the end of the meeting, we created a small photo booth for seniors to show off their new regalia and take pictures with their pre-law friends. We are truly sad to see them go, but we wish them luck on their future prospects, and in law school!
Thank you to Judge Tracy Sorensen for taking the time to come and speak with us, and thank you to our seniors for their time and dedication to the Pre-Law Society. See you next time at our social on April 24 at the Wynn Home Arts and Visitor Center! please follow our Instagram @prelawsocietyshsu for more information and future events. We wish all students luck on their finals and have a good summer!
As our readers might guess, the LEAP Ambassadors are huge fans of the Huntsville Rotary Club and its members. So when given the chance to attend a Rotary meeting as guests, we always ‘leap’ at the opportunity!
Typically, Huntsville Rotarians meet at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum (SHMM) in the Walker Education Center conference rooms. However, this week the meeting location was moved up one floor to the exhibit gallery, which just so happens to be where our exhibit, Photos from the LEAP Lens, is on view. Rotary President Michelle Lyons reached out, and asked if we would join the meeting and provide more detail about our exhibit.
Olivia, Michelle, Jessica, Cinthia and I accompanied Professor Yawn as the guest speakers for the lunch, and we were welcomed, as it typical for the hospitable Rotarians, with open arms and smiling faces.
Following the official business of the meeting, Derrick Birdsall, Director of SHMM, gave a wonderful introduction and explained how Photos from the LEAP Lens came into being.
Rather than describe each photo in the exhibit and explain the exact conditions that made such a photo possible, which would undoubtedly bore everyone in the room, photographer or not, Professor Yawn chose a few photos that best incapsulated the LEAP principles and model. Our very own Olivia stepped into be Vanna White for the hour, and did a great job impersonating the TV personality.
From the New Mexico trip, Professor Yawn Cinthia’s version of the famous Rancho De Taos. Not only did the group rise at 4am for the chance to get this shot, but they were also able to draw connections to Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe who both famously provided their perspectives of Rancho De Taos.
One of the most favored photos from the exhibit was Olivia’s Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Much to the surprise of, well everyone, this photo was taken from Olivia’s first time in a state park! As all LEAP Ambassadors, past and present know, it’s impossible to be in LEAP without experiencing some firsts.
While most of our photos are of the outdoor and nature sort, a few exceptions can be found in the exhibit, one of which is the New York Skyline from a few years back with some LEAP Alum. Interestingly enough, this site was where Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr dueled, tying both history and photography for perfect LEAP educational experience. Professor Yawn used this photo to describe some of the mechanics of LEAP trips.
The last two photos were from the recent DC trip, where Olivia, Cinthia and Michelle attended the National League of Cities Conference, and many other wonderful sites. In preparation for the trip, Olivia read a book called “A Rift in the Earth” by James Reston, which goes into the processes and controversies surrounding the erection of the Vietnam Memorial. During this part of their visit to the National Mall they were met with the amazing surprise of actually meeting the artist of the Memorial herself, Maya Lin.
The second was an amazing shot of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia. On this trip, the Ambassadors visited their first 3 presidential homes and were able to experience history first hand.
This academic year, we’ve had the privilege to attend Rotary three times in various capacities. Each time we depart Rotary meetings after snapping selfies, or hugging our friends, we are grateful to know that we have become part of such a wonderful community.
“Photos from the LEAP Lens” is on view until May 12, 2024, in the exhibit gallery at Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, located at 1402 19th Street in Huntsville.
Bright and early on April 26, LEAP students traveled to Houston to attend the First-Generation Legal Regional Summit, hosted by the South Texas College of Law…
…sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer’s Division, Houston Young Lawyers Association, and the Texas Young Lawyers (among others). First, we started the day with a simulated Voir Dire activity. The attorneys were Armin Salek, prosecution, and Thuy Le, defense.
Salek began by informing us of his first-generation attorney background and his journey to establishing the country’s first high-school legal-aid clinic. Continuing his presentation, he meticulously explained the charges in this case, ensuring that every audience member comprehended the intricate legal jargon.
He then began a captivating analogy, unveiling fragments of the Mona Lisa painting. His analogy illuminated the concept of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” likening it to recognizing the iconic masterpiece even from incomplete glimpses, noting that it is a “high bar, but not an impossible bar.”
As we started to kick into gear with the selection questions, Salek began asking the audience about any personal convictions that might hinder their ability to judge others. He proceeded to have each person respond to questions aloud, one by one, rating their feelings towards law enforcement on a numerical scale. Additionally, he inquired about any connections individuals might have to law enforcement through friends, family, or other associations, prompting further explanation from those who answered in the affirmative. It was fascinating to observe his thought process as he skillfully formulated questions designed to gain insight into individual’s perspectives and beliefs. This approach enabled us to gradually piece together clues about the nature of the case.
Next, Thuy Le, who began her career as a prosecutor in the Galveston and Harris County District Attorney’s Office before opening her criminal defense practice, had her chance to question the potential jurors. She began by presenting a visual representation of the “level of proof staircase,” aiming to illustrate the high threshold of “beyond a reasonable doubt” and the gravity of decisions affecting another’s life. Using relatable scenarios, such as someone insulting her three-year-old niece, she prompted the audience to consider the difference in response between verbal insults and potential threats like kidnapping. This exercise highlighted the nuanced nature of legal reasoning and the significance of discerning justifiable actions in diverse circumstances.
After a short break, both attorneys called select jurors up to the stand for further questioning. Le clarified that there would typically be background noise during such proceedings, but in this simulated scenario, the audience could listen in to understand the jurors’ views. They then outlined the process, explaining that each attorney had six peremptory challenges.
Following deliberation, the chosen jury members were announced, with Olivia and me, unexpectedly, among them. The attorneys shared with the audience that quieter individuals with more neutral responses often made the final cut, removing the short-lived mystery of us being selected.
Trailblazers on the Bench: Judges Panel
by Michelle Cardenas
In a session titled “Trail Blazers on the Bench,” a panel of multiple judges shared insights into their career paths and experiences. Among them were Judge Alfred Bennett and Judge Charles Eskridge, serving on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, alongside Judge Diana Song Quiroga, a respected U.S. Magistrate Judge, and Judge Sarah Beth Landau of the Texas Court of Appeals. Moderated by Brandi Pikes, an Associate Attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP, the discussion explored the diverse backgrounds of these legal figures.
Throughout the conversation, the judges recounted personal stories of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Despite the occasional setback, their journeys were marked by perseverance and a commitment to making a difference. What struck a chord with many listeners was the shared experience of being first-generation pioneers in their respective field, a testament to their determination in breaking barriers.
A particularly striking instance occurred when Judge Song Quiroga shared how her dedication to the law originated from advocating for her parents amid language barriers and cultural disparities. Her story deeply resonated with me, as my own passion for the legal field was ignited by a similar experience.In the stories of these judges lies a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and Grit that comes from being a First-Generation Student who is trying to navigate their way through life without a model or guide.
Your Next Dream Job: Legal Career Transitions Panel
By Cinthia Villarreal
For the next session, “Your Next Dream Job: Legal Career Transitions Panel,” Armin Salek, Founder and CEO of Youth Justice Alliance; Tamara Nash, Director of Experiential Learning at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Lacy Durham, Assistant General Counsel at Benefits & Compensation Constellation Energy Generation, LLC; and Cecelia Mitchell, Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon, came together to talk about their experiences with their broad career transitions.
Each of the speakers went on to narrate their personal stories, describing their reasons for switching career paths, some leaving decade-long jobs for something they truly felt passionate about. Among the reasons, burnout resonated with several of the speakers. Tamara Nash, for example, served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney where her practice focused on felony narcotics and firearms prosecution in the state and federal courts. She described that after eight long years of working file after file, she was mentally and physically exhausted.
Prompted by the moderator, Lacey Durham emphasized the importance of networking and making connections with other professionals, “the worst thing they can do is say no” she said. Tamara affirmed this by encouraging us to reach out to people and ask them to have lunch or coffee with us to learn more about them and their profession.
Concluding Thoughts
Following the main event, the Houston Young Lawyers Association asked us how the event went, and they filmed us trying to articulate our thoughts.
For us, it was a transformative experience. We had a chance to visit South Texas College of Law, benefit from the experience and advice of bright minds, learn about career options, and we were taught skills we can take with us where ever we go.
Anyone who watches the news occasionally knows about climate change, but few people truly understand it. The Department of Environmental Sciences, however, worked to changed that by inviting Dr. Barry Keim, Professor of Climatology at LSU, to discuss this important topic to a group of faculty, staff, and students at SHSU. The turnout was impressive, with more than 100 people on hand to hear Dr. Keim, who was introduced by Drs. John Strait and Ava Fujimoto-Strait.
Anyone who experienced last summer was unlikely to be surprised by Keim’s first observation: 2023 was the hottest summer on record. But Dr. Kiem’s interests also extended to the related concepts of the Atlantic Ocean temperatures, storm surges, and, in general, extreme weather events. Interestingly, five of the ten largest Gulf of Mexico storm surges have occurred in the past 20 years, and another four occurred from the period of 1961-1975.
Another lens through which to look at climate change’s impact on storms is the sheer length of storm season. The “season” is defined as the period spanning the first “named” storm of the year to the last “named” storm of the year. In the late 19th century, the mean storm season was approximately sixty days, but in the last ten years, the storm season has lasted, on average, about twice that long.
And, it turns out, while the total amount of rainfall may be more or less constant, this doesn’t mean that the rain is having the same effect from year to year. Instead, what we are seeing is longer periods without rain punctuated by more intense storms, resulting in more flooding and more hail damage.
Other measures show similar trends. Selected cities have experienced fewer freeze days over the past 100 years; and, by extension, an more than 70 percent of the counties in the US have seen an increase in annual “minimum temperatures” and about 40 percent of the counties have had an increase in the annual “maximum temperatures.”
A key takeaway, according to Kiem, is to focus more on the variability in temperatures and rain, and less on mean changes. And the potential results of these changes, Kiem noted, are “downright frightening.”
Kiem’s talk seemed to be prophetic. Following his talk, rains began, intensified, and caused much damage …
…in the Walker, Brazos, Grimes, and Montgomery Counties.
So much so that SHSU cancelled classes on the main campus.In an interesting coincidence, SHSU, perhaps for the first time, cancelled class on the first and last day of the semester because of weather-related events.
Many thanks to the Department of Environmental Science for bringing an interesting speaker to campus for the exchange of ideas–exactly what a University is designed to do!
The LEAP Ambassadors and Professor Yawn had the honor of presenting before the President’s Circle at the Dana G. Hoyt’s Fine Arts Building to share the many happenings within our Center. After a semester packed with educational opportunities and community events, we had plenty to share! We also had the privilege of having former LEAP Ambassador Karla Rosales Bush join us in our presentation to share how the LEAP Ambassador and SHAIP internship programs helped propel her into the successful attorney she is today.
We were honored to present before many of the amazing individuals who have been great supporters of the LEAP Center, such as President White, Representative Gib Lewis, former Regent Trisha Pollard, Ray Burgess, General Glaser, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Jack Compton, and VP Matthew Bethea. It was also nice to meet people who we haven’t known personally, but who have been instrumental in supporting SHSU, and these included Russell Molina and Robert Hutson.
LEAP’s unique nature can be challenging to describe, as our initiatives span various disciplines. However, we provided a comprehensive overview of our typical semester activities, including the City Fellows Internship Program, our April citizenship course, and our role in overseeing the third-largest academic organization on campus, the Pre-Law Society.
We greatly appreciated the opportunity to speak before the President’s Circle and share how the LEAP Center lives up to our University motto, “A measure of a life is its service.”
On Friday, the City Fellows traveled to the new Huntsville Police Department Headquarters, which opened in 2021. Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders were kind enough to escort us through the building and inform us about the typical day-to-day life of a Huntsville Police officer and everything they do in the community.
First, they showed us some of the artifacts they have in the foyer. They had incredible pieces of history, such as old polygraph machines, uniforms, and radios. It was interesting to glimpse the past and learn of the methods and technologies compared to today’s equipment.
As we started to go inside, I was amazed by how beautiful the building was; it was very open, allowing much light to shine through the glass. As we went downstairs, we were taken to the training room, where we learned that each table was equipped with WiFi. We were also surprised to discover that this room serves as the primary location for city officials during emergencies.
Next, Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders led us to the board of the active incidents. They explained how the board worked, describing that it allows each officer to track their patrol colleagues and request backup when needed. Witnessing these “behind-the-scenes” aspects of the police department was genuinely fascinating.
We were even taken to their gym, where we ran into the Assistant Chief, James Barnes. He helped give Cinthia tips as she tried to punch the punching bag. She did a great job; personally, I don’t think I would have done so well….
Senior Officer Craig then guided us through the women’s locker room. She pointed out the spacious lockers and showers designated for each female officer’s use.
Additionally, she showed us a back room filled with a resting area designed for officers with demanding schedules who couldn’t return home overnight. This experience offered a deeper perspective on officers’ sacrifices to ensure our safety. Their willingness to work extended hours and remain on-site, foregoing the comfort of home, highlights their selfless dedication to prioritizing the community’s well-being above personal convenience.
As our tour continued, we headed outside to see the SWAT tank “Pitbull.” Senior Officer Craig began to pull out the medieval-looking contraptions they use during operations, including my favorite, a battering ram labeled “knock knock.”
Each of us got a chance to hold it, and I was surprised that it weighed around 20-25 lbs. Even more surprising was when they shared that kindergarteners had also held it without trouble!
After showing us the cool gadgets, they allowed us to climb inside the Pitbull.
It was particularly thrilling for Macey and Cinthia as they ventured into the “lookout hole.” They were both shocked by how fast it ascended and how high it elevated them.
Additionally, Corporal Sanders gave Emily the run-down on starting the truck and even selecting the different sirens to play. This was eye-opening because we had been unaware of the variety of sirens officers could choose from.
Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders gave City Fellows interns a fantastic tour, offering us a peek into their daily lives and duties. I’m confident we all have a better perspective and insight into what the officers do to keep us in the community safe. We extend our sincere thanks to them both and the entire Huntsville, Texas, Police Department.
CASA of Walker County made a splash in its inaugural “Kids Expo,” featuring more than 80 family-centered organizations, food vendors, and activities, all with a common purpose: enriching the community for youth.
The event, spearheaded by CASA Development Director Laura Green, brought out dozens of volunteers–including LEAP Ambassadors–many sponsors, and hundreds of people with the idea of learning about and promoting healthy activities for children in the Huntsville community.
The event served as an informational clearinghouse for almost every activity oriented toward children and families, ranging from organizations designed to promote child well-being to more broad-ranging organizations that make supporting children part of their overall mission. Thus, in the same large grounds, you could learn about the wonderful Boys & Girls Club and the Huntsville Public Library…
…and the Huntsville Police Department and Fire Department…
…and more!
Beyond serving as an informational bonanza, the Expo also offered numerous fun activities…
…networking opportunities, and some interesting food options.
We, for example, had the opportunity to eat at 3 Sistas for the first time!
Moreover, each half-hour, a key organization had the chance to inform, speak to, or perform for the crowd–allowing Parks to discuss upcoming events such as the July 4th Celebration…
Of course, with it being April and with it being east Texas, the weather is liable to turn on a moment’s notice, and around 1:00pm, it did just that. The rains came, and while children might be able to have fun roping bales of hay or petting goats in the rain, (most) parents are past that point in their lives.
And while we would have enjoyed hanging around a little longer to take photographs, there wasn’t much to photograph, as vendors closed their tents, children–happy children–went home, and we took our cameras to cover.
But we sought cover feeling happy, knowing that CASA, whose vision statement is to “provide a safe, nurturing home for every child,” came closer to realizing that vision today.
Many thanks to Laura Green and CASA for putting on a great event to support the children in the Huntsville community!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 