[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 15 (Thursday, January 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING JUDGE JOHN PAYTON FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 24, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Edward 
Payton for his twenty-eight years of dedicated service to Collin 
County, Texas.
  A graduate of Plano East Senior High School in Collin County, Texas, 
John Payton was first elected to the position of Collin County Justice 
of the Peace for Precinct 3 in 1990. Payton had the distinction of 
serving as the youngest ever elected Judge in Texas, an accolade 
recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. John would go on to 
earn Magna Cum Laude honors at Collin College, where he would also 
achieve recognition for his role on the USA TODAY Academic All-American 
team and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa International Honor Society.
  His many contributions to our community include his mentorship of at-
risk students who benefitted from his steadfast leadership and 
compassion. More than twenty years ago, Payton realized the need to 
assist youth by providing community service opportunities through the 
creation of the Students on Service Community Service Program. 
Countless lives have been changed by the opportunities presented for 
these youths to contribute to their community in meaningful ways 
resulting in an impressive 500,000 plus hours of service to the 
community. Judge Payton would often spend his weekends with students 
building homes through Habitat for Humanity or teaching local youth how 
to operate a farm or greenhouse. John truly built communities in the 
deepest sense.
  Judge Payton's contributions to the community are numerous, earning 
him an array of awards and recognitions from respected colleagues and 
organizations throughout Collin County. On a personal level, John might 
tout his greatest accomplishment as serving as a loving husband to Shea 
and a proud father to Katarina.
  Judge John Payton's servant leadership and efforts to provide a 
constant and strong community support structure for our youth are to be 
commended. He is particularly to be praised for his unwavering belief 
that through committed involvement with our youth, we can build the 
future.
  It has been an honor to know and work with Mr. John Edward Payton 
over the years. As Judge Payton begins this next chapter of his life, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for his selfless 
service to the youth and residents of Collin County. Semper Fidelis.

                          ____________________