WIS student Emma Miles’ bake sale fundraiser secures her attendance at Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp

While many students spend their summer relaxing, Whitesboro Intermediate School student Emma Miles has been busy in the kitchen.

This month, Miles held a bake sale fundraiser to help cover the cost of attending the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Miles was selected for the prestigious program based on her outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, involvement in school and community activities and a nomination from her teacher, April Ollila.

After just one Saturday selling homemade treats outside Leopard Antler Boutique in downtown Whitesboro, Miles surpassed her fundraising goal and secured her spot at this summer’s camp. 

Unfortunately, a debilitating migraine kept her from working her table that Saturday, but little sister Abby Miles came to the rescue and represented her at the sale.

“Abby isn’t particularly outgoing, so it was really great to see her step up and sell those items and share the pitch with customers,” the girls’ mom, Jess Miles, said. “Both girls got to benefit from this experience!”

Customers enjoyed a variety of baked goods, including cookies, oatmeal cream pies and other sweet treats.

At the academy, Miles will join outstanding students from across Texas to develop leadership skills while exploring the history, culture and innovation that have shaped the Lone Star State.

During the program, she will visit several notable destinations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, John Wayne: An American Experience Museum, American Airlines CR Smith Museum, National Medal of Honor Museum, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Participants will also take part in interactive team-building activities at Group Dynamix and experience the University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium and Science Ambassador Show.

In addition, students will gain insight into future careers and internship opportunities through presentations from professionals at many of the sites they visit.
Lone Star Leadership Academy camps are facilitated by Texas educators and feature structured leadership groups where students examine the qualities of effective leaders, practice leadership skills and reflect on their experiences throughout the program. Miles will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow high-achieving students from across the state, build lasting friendships, and return home with enhanced leadership skills and a deeper understanding of Texas.

Students may choose from several academy destinations, including Dallas-Fort Worth for students in grades 3-6, Austin/San Antonio for students in grades 4-7 and Houston/Galveston for students in grades 5-8. To qualify, students must maintain an overall average of 85 or higher, receive a recommendation from an educator based on demonstrated leadership ability and be actively involved in school and/or community activities.

Education in Action, a nonprofit organization, hosts Lone Star Leadership Academy camps to empower young people to become informed and active leaders in their communities.

Educators may nominate students online at educationinaction.org/nominate. For more information, visit educationinaction.org or call 817-562-4957.