Outstanding Texas Students Develop Leadership Skills Through Lone Star Leadership Academy

Keller, Texas – Education in Action is proud to recognize 710 outstanding Texas students who participated in the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academies, weeklong, overnight leadership programs that help students build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and explore Texas history, government, culture, and careers. One of those students was incoming freshman, Dixie Helgerman, who participated in a weeklong academy at the Houston/Galveston location this summer! Dixie has participated in the Lone Star Leadership Academy the past four summers and has attended the weeklong event at each site at least once.

Each participant earned the opportunity to attend through an educator nomination for the Lone Star Leader Award, which recognizes students for leadership potential, academic achievement, and school and community involvement. Dixie was initially nominated by her 5th grade teacher, Mr. Merrill, at Petty Elementary School. Throughout the Academies, students developed essential leadership skills while building confidence and forming friendships with other high-achieving students from across Texas.

Participants attended programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio/Austin, and Houston/Galveston regions, where they connected classroom learning with real-world experiences at destinations including the Texas State Capitol, Johnson Space Center, The Alamo, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and other iconic Texas sites. Along the way, students met professionals from a variety of career fields, helping them explore future educational and career opportunities.

Congratulations, Dixie, on your completion of this prestigious Academy for the past 4 summers and strengthening your skills as a student leader at Taft ISD! #TPND