[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2026

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
accomplishments of Matthew Gibson Austin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 
an exemplar of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community 
service whose work has earned recognition at the local, state, and 
national levels.
  With a perfect ACT score and an outstanding academic record, he has 
been admitted to Northwestern University to continue his studies. 
Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, 
Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, 
Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He 
is also a proud Eagle Scout.
  Matthew's athletic achievements include being named Boys Tennis 
Athlete of the Year in Southeast Missouri and receiving the 2025 Bank 
of Missouri Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Through his exceptional 
leadership and individual performance, he earned the role of captain of 
the Notre Dame Regional tennis team.
  Through the French Honor Society, Matthew helped raise funds to 
sponsor a child's education in Haiti. He received the Notre Dame 
Regional Christian Service Award and the Congressional Award Program 
Gold Medal after volunteering more than 400 hours with local 
organizations. Mr. Austin's commitment to service reflects a rare 
combination of compassion and humility.
  On behalf of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri, I commend 
Matthew Gibson Austin for his pursuit of excellence, his breadth of 
achievement, and his dedication to others, which together set a 
powerful example for students across the Nation.

                          ____________________