Richland High School senior Avery Sutton is proving that leadership is measured not only by achievement, but by service to others.

As a fifth-year participant in the Education in Action Lone Star Leadership Academy, Avery recently completed a community service project, Bears for a Purpose, inspired by a desire to bring comfort to children facing difficult circumstances. Alongside her friend, Avery organized a community teddy bear drive and delivered 20 stuffed bears to the Spiritual Care Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center to provide encouragement and a smile to hospitalized children and their families.

Richland High English teacher and Rowdy Royals sponsor Sarah Kelley serves as Avery's mentor and sponsor for the program.

“Throughout this process, I learned that it is worth the time and the effort to help others,” Avery said. “It is always rewarding.”

The Lone Star Leadership Academy is a statewide program that develops leadership skills in outstanding students through educational experiences and service-learning opportunities centered on Texas history and civic engagement. Students collaborate with peers from across the state while cultivating confidence and a lifelong commitment to serving others.