Mallory Huggins, 12, recently returned from participating in the 2015 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Huggins was selected based on her academic success, demonstrated leadership ability, involvement in school and community activities and a nomination from her teacher, Beth Bandiero.

Huggins attends St. Mary Catholic School in Orange.

“At first I thought I was going to be late because it was so far away,” Huggins said. “There were so many kids there and we had fun. There were lots of things to do.”

While in Dallas/Fort Worth, Huggins was able to visit several sites in the area including the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

“It was interesting to see the printing stages of money,” Huggins said. “They were making $100 bills while we were there. Now I have been to two. I visited the one in Washington D.C. and one in Texas this year.”

Huggins also said the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame was ‘awesome’.

“There was a story there about a lady who was afraid of water,” Huggins said. “She would climb this large thing and jump onto her horse in a pool of water.”

The trip was her first one away from home.

“I did have my MeMe with me,” Huggins said referring to her grandmother, Shelia Smith.

Huggins list of accomplishments from the 2014-2015 school year reflects her love for drawing and reading.

“My teachers encourage me to reach a higher goal,” Huggins said. “MeMe encourages me to make good grades.”

“That is because we know you can,” Mac Smith, Huggins grandfather, said.

Huggins said she equally enjoys reading books about animals as she does drawing.

“I like to draw with whatever is available and colorful,” Huggins said.

While attending the Lone Star Leadership Academy, also learned about future career and internship opportunities through career speaker presentations at sites visited.

Participants of the camps must be in the 4^th-8^th grade and maintain an 85 or higher average.

 

Accomplishments:

2014-2015 Art Club Officers Reporter

Orange County Livestock Art Show 3^rd place winner

“Veteran’s Day” essay contest winner

Division winner at the “Depot Art Contest”

Orange VFW 2775 Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest 1^st place.  Mallory also won 1^st place in the District level and 3^rd place in the State level.

Grand Finalist Paroral/Private School – Houston Rodeo Art Show

2^nd place in the Junior High Division Shangri La 2015 Art Contest

1^st place in the Better Business Bureau’s Laws of Life Essay Contest