Two HMS Eighth Graders Earn Recognition Through Texas Leadership Alumni Council

Hillwood Middle School eighth graders Peyton Freude and Kelli Perkins were among 128 outstanding students from across Texas who successfully completed membership in Education in Action’s 2025-26 Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. After attending a summer Lone Star Leadership Academy, these students were invited to join the Alumni Council to continue developing their leadership skills throughout the school year.

In addition to completing leadership skill-building lessons, each student identified a need within his or her school or community and designed and led a service project involving at least two other participants. Through these projects, students made meaningful impacts in their communities while gaining hands-on leadership experience.

Peyton Freude, 1st year member

Project: Cans for Care - Peyton recruited her friend Kinley to help her collect more than 100 canned food items at Keller ATA, Flips for Fun, and Champion Cheer. The items were donated to the Presbyterian Night Shelter to help provide meals for individuals experiencing homelessness. The project strengthened Peyton's commitment to helping others and created a meaningful impact by supporting those in need within her community. Peyton shared, “This experience helped me grow as a leader by teaching me to take initiative, stay committed, and inspire others to get involved. I learned that even small efforts can make a big impact when you lead with purpose.” 

Sponsor: Michael Benson, Teacher

 

Kelli Perkins, 2nd year member

Project: Helping the Homeless - Kelli worked with other students to spread the word about her service project. They gathered donations, purchased items, and collected personal hygiene items to put together one hundred hygiene kits for Tarrant County Hands of Hope. The hygiene kits provide basic items of need for the homeless community. Kelli shared, “Collecting the items was an experience I will never forget. Helping others can bring people hope.” 

Sponsor: Krysta Reed, Teacher

 

Peyton and Kelli's efforts demonstrate how student leadership and service can create positive impacts in both their school and throughout their community.

Education in Action offers Lone Star Leadership Academies and Alumni Council programs each year to empower young people to become informed and active leaders in their communities. For more information, visit www.educationinaction.org.