Nineteen middle school students from across the Texas Panhandle traveled to Austin on May 4 to take part in the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, a new civic education initiative designed to give young Texans firsthand experience with state government.
Organized and hosted by Caroline Fairly, the program brought students to the Texas State Capitol for a full day of immersive learning. Participants toured the Capitol, received etiquette training, visited the Governor’s Mansion, and collaborated with peers to develop and present their own legislative ideas.
According to Fairly’s office, the program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world civic engagement by allowing students to actively participate in the legislative process rather than simply observe it.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”
Students representing a wide range of Panhandle schools were selected to attend. Participants included Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson from Follett ISD; Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio from Stratford ISD; and Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz from River Road ISD. Cate Dowdy represented San Jacinto Christian Academy, while Ascension Academy students included Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler.
Additional attendees were Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomo from The Oaks; Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara from Amarillo ISD; and Andrew Russell from Perryton ISD.
Throughout the day, students worked together to develop policy ideas and present them to their peers, simulating the collaborative and deliberative nature of the legislative process. The experience emphasized public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork—skills organizers say are essential for future civic leaders.
“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”
