KISD Students Recognized for Service Through Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council

Four Keller ISD students successfully completed membership in Education in Action’s 2024-25 Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council which included leadership skill-building lessons and creating and leading others in a service project in their community.

Project: Florals and Friends

Student: Samantha Billings, 4th year member, Keller HS
Sponsor: Jim Schee, Teacher 

Samantha and her fellow Circle of Friends' officers made floral arrangements with the residents of the local retirement home where she works. While making the arrangements, the officer team helped the residents and had fun conversations. 

“I got to combine the two things I am most passionate about in such a beautiful way," Billings said. "Everything about this service project combines my interests and I am so proud of it.”

Project: Silver Threads of Kindness

Student: Grace Kashala Nsonga, 2nd year member, Trinity Springs MS 
Sponsor: Damon McMurdo, Teacher 

Along with a couple friends, Grace worked to support elderly members in her community. They collected donated items such as blankets, socks, snacks, books, and small gifts along with $200 to support the project. With help from her friends, Grace assembled these items into gift packages to bring joy and comfort to the recipients. She hoped their efforts would help the elderly feel loved, remembered, and appreciated.

"This experience has truly changed me as a leader," Nsonga said. "It taught me that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about bringing people together to spread kindness. Giving to others, especially the elderly, made me realize how small actions can leave a big impact on someone’s heart."

Project: Joyful Notes

Student: Keegan MacLeod, 1st year member, Timberview MS
Sponsor: Trisha Buaghman, Owner and Director of Time to Shine Performing Arts 

Keegan and 35 of his Time to Shine Troupe and Troupe Elite members went Christmas Caroling at three local senior living facilities – Keller Oaks Healthcare Center, The Conservatory at Keller Town Center, and Legend Oaks Healthcare & Rehabilitation of Fort Worth. Both the children and almost 100 seniors filled their heart with Christmas Spirit by singing classic songs from their childhood. The smiles, sing-along moments, and memories of family members created many joyful moments. 

“I learned very quickly that it is not how people look at senior living facilities that matters," MacLeod said. "It is how you make each other feel.”

Project: Helping the Homeless

Student: Kelli Perkins, 1st year member, Hillwood MS
Sponsor: Krysta Reed, Teacher & Girl Scout Troop Leader

Kelli recruited her sister and friend to collect blankets and toiletry items for Tarrant County Hands of Hope: Homeless Outreach. Together, they collected enough items to put together 50 toiletry packages with 50 blankets for the homeless. Hands of Hope received these items to continue their work helping the homeless in the community. 

“I learned that helping others is always a rewarding experience,” Perkins said.