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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING JUDGE MARY HARPER
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration
that I take this time to honor Judge Mary Harper and to wish her well
upon her retirement. For her lifetime of service and her dedication to
the residents of Porter County, Indiana, Judge Harper is to be highly
commended. After more than thirty-five years of service, Judge Harper
will be retiring this month from her position as Porter County Circuit
Court Judge. To commemorate this special occasion and to pay tribute to
her exemplary career, a celebratory event took place on Tuesday,
December 17, 2019, at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso,
Indiana.
Judge Mary Harper grew up in South Bend, Indiana, before pursuing
her collegiate studies at Colorado State University and later earning
her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University. In 1984, she was
elected judge of Porter County Court No. 2, before the state
legislature converted her court to Superior Court No. 3 in 1986. In
1996, Judge Harper was elected to the Porter Circuit Court. In this
position, Judge Harper presides over the Porter County Juvenile Court.
She has been instrumental in implementing successful youth justice
initiatives, including Juvenile Drug Court, Family Court, and the
Juvenile Truancy Diversion Program, as well as a mental health
initiative for juveniles. Each of these innovative and life-changing
programs has proven to be of tremendous benefit to the youth and
families of the community. I would be remiss if I did not point out
that Judge Harper holds the distinction of being the first female
Porter County deputy prosecutor and judge, and currently, she is the
longest-serving female state court judge in Indiana.
In addition to her outstanding career, Judge Harper has served on
many committees and organizational boards including the Board of
Trustees of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Board of Directors
for the Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, State of
Indiana Child Protection Task Force, and she served as Chair of the
Indiana Juvenile Justice Improvement Committee, among many others. For
her numerous contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and
beyond, Judge Harper has received numerous awards and accolades
throughout her career, and she is truly worthy of the highest praise.
Mary Harper's dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana and
her career is exceeded only by her devotion to her beloved husband,
David, and her amazing son, James. I'm sure she will be enjoying
quality time with her family in the years to come.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues
join me in honoring Judge Mary Harper for her outstanding service to
the people of Porter County and to wish her well upon her retirement.
Mary's impact on the region and her work with the youth of our
communities is truly admirable. For her many contributions, Judge
Harper is worthy of our gratitude, and we have been honored to have her
presence in the judiciary for so long.
____________________
