TEXAS LEADERSHIP FORUM2008-2009

Benicio Ramalho, Irene Alvarez, Jillian Attan, Keenan Webster, Angelica Alvear, Arlene Beltran, Ruben

Moreno, Desiree Rios, Eidi Lule, Margie Mijares, Yanela Montoya, Eric Saucedo, Simone Novorr

Our initial meeting was a social with Congressman Sessions held on October 26, 2008. It gave us an opportunity to meet each other for the first time and make plans for the upcoming year.

IRVING HIGH SCHOOL MOLINA HIGH SCHOOL

October 26 Meeting

SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL CONRAD HIGH SCHOOL

We held our November meeting at SMU. Our speaker was Fernando Salazar, Coordinator of Hispanic Student Services. He spoke to the students about preparing and

applying for college.

For the December meeting, TLF went to Austin Street Center where a gentleman gave us a tour and spoke about the issue of homelessness, how the Center was created, its purpose and what we can do to help

address this growing issue.

Our February meeting was held at the UPS Airport Facility. The students were given a tour of the package handling area along with a tour of the control tower. The students broke into small groups and met with UPS human resource managers where they participated in mock interviews to help them prepare for college and employment interviews.

Our March meeting was held at SMU. Our speakers were Florencia Velasco Fortner, CEO of Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Service Organization; Pauline Medrano, Dallas City Council; and Flora Hernandez, Deputy Regional Director for Sen. John Cornyn.

In April TLF students and parents attended an organizational meeting hosted by Congressman Sessions for all the interns going to DC this summer at which time he gave an overview of what the students would be doing and his expectations.

I

In June, the East Texas Leadership Forum joined the Texas Leadership Forum on a six day trip to Washington, DC. The purpose of the trip was not sightseeing but to make the itinerary as educational as possible. The East Texas group included Tykia Duffie, Sarah Leitner, Jessica Rivas, Tyra Williams, and Noah Coltman.

Than

Thanks to Southwest Airlines our trip to Washington, DC begins!

With the help of Veolia Transportation (Super Shuttle) and Ashford Hospitality Trust (Capital Hilton), we arrive at the Capital Hilton

Upon arriving at the hotel, we drop our bags in our room and head to the Capitol

for an evening Capitol tour with Congressman Louie Gohmert, Texas – 1st

District

On Monday we first went to Congressman Sessions’ office for a presentation by his staff about the role and responsibilities of a Congressional office. Next, TLF began a scavenger hunt at the Smithsonium Museums which was prepared by Congressman Sessions’ office.

In the afternoon, TLF students climbed the stairs of the dome of the Capitol to find a breathtaking view of Washington, DC.

TLF visited with Rick Dunham, Washington Bureau Chief of the Houston Chronicle.

In the evening we did a walking tour of the monuments on the Mall

On Tuesday we began with a tour of the White House. Afterwards, we spent more time at the Smithsonian Museums. In the afternoon, we visited the Holocaust Museum.

We visited the Taiwanese Embassy where we were given a tour which briefly discussed the relationship

between Taiwan and China and the relationship between Taiwan and the United States.

TLF was invited to have dinner at the Capitol Hill Club with Congressmen Sessions and Gohmert. Erin Patton, a member of the TLF board, and his wife, Nicole, attended as special guests. Dinner was followed with a book signing by Erin of his recently

published book “Under the Influence: Tracing the Hip-Hop Generation’s Impact on Brands, Sports & Pop Culture”.

After dinner, Congessman Sessions hosted TLF at his office for an open discussion on topics of the students’

choice.

On Wednesday, we toured the Library of Congress and attended a speakers forum. The speakers included Congressmen Kevin Brady,

Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart, business representatives, and former FBI Director William

Sessions.

The TLF students prepared and participated in a spirited debate on government’s role in gun control.

The 2009 Congressional baseball game provided an evening of great fun thanks to Congressmen Sessions and Gohmert!

Thursday we met and had our picture taken with Sen. Cornyn. Afterwards, we went to Arlington Memorial Cemetery.

TLF next visited the DEA Museum where an agent spoke about his personal experiences and efforts to reduce illegal drug trafficking.

On Friday, TLF attended an interactive class and toured the Newseum (Museum of News); visited the Canadian Embassy and toured the National Portrait Gallery. The evening ended at the

Marine Barracks Parade.

ADDITIONAL PICTURES FROM WASHINGTON, DC!