[dropcap]E[/dropcap]ighteen Kinkaid students were nominated by Ms. Turville to attend State Representative Jim Murphy’s 2018 West Houston Teen Leadership Summit on Feb. 10, held at City Centre’s Norris Conference Center in the heart of House District 133. Each Kinkaid student who was nominated underwent an extensive application process to make sure Kinkaid was represented well at this event. The purpose of the summit was to promote teen leadership in West Houston schools by engaging student attendees. This meant listening to different local politicians and business, media, and community leaders, while attending a variety of panels and workshops throughout the day.
Representative Murphy, who was first elected in 2006, is Chairman of House Committee on Special Purpose Districts and a member of the Ways and Means Committee. As an economic development consultant he has brought millions in new investments and thousands of job opportunities to Houstonians in West Houston.
In his welcoming brochure Representative Murphy expressed how he believes “Texas must invest in its most precious resource-our youth.” He continued to explain that “It is vital that along with math, science, reading, and writing the younger members of our community grow into their leadership roles. Leaders set example by working hard. A real leader stands shoulder to shoulder with others and puts the most effort into getting things done.”
Three panels included media, public policy, and leadership. Executives, politicians, and community leaders taught specific ways for teens to engage in the community in meaningful ways.
Among notable panelists were Jeff Lindner, the meteorologist who covered the recent ice storm and Hurricane Harvey. He talked about job opportunities in the news sector and how to accomplish goals. Additionally, Lindner encouraged involvement in the community now, as opposed to waiting until after college to start making a difference in the community.
Judge Debra Mayfield, 190th District Court, Melissa Wilson, morning news anchor of FOX 26, Chase Untermeyer, former City Councilman, Jerry Davis, and many more city leaders addressed students about their jobs, how to be a leader, and accomplish positive things for the community.
Students chose two break out sessions to attend. Topics included school finance, career choices, climate change, or “your future paycheck.” In the Climate Change workshop, information was given about how the CO2 emissions are not a cause of global warming. All of the subjects covered were most important for teens to be made aware of, understand, and if not already thinking about, to do so.
A networking breakfast began the day and students had the opportunity to meet leaders who assisted Representative Murphy. These people engaged in warm conversation with attendees and provided information about the event’s schedule.
Most student delegates were nominated by their high school. However, there were many spots filled as at-large “community delegates.” Community delegates were students nominated by adult advisors who represented organizations or clubs that participated heavily in community service projects and were leaders within their prospective groups.