Lamar Smith, Class of 1961

United States Congressman

Congressman Lamar Smith, a 1961 graduate of San Antonio Academy, has represented the residents of the 21st Congressional District since 1987. The respected magazine, National Journal, has named Congressman Smith one of the 100 most influential people in Washington, D.C. In 2002, the Business Software Alliance honored Congressman Smith with its Cyber Champion Award for his leadership on high-tech issues. Congressman Smith serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property of the House Judiciary Committee.
 
In 2003, Lamar was selected by the Speaker of the House to be a member of the new Select Committee on Homeland Security. In 2004, Representative Smith was elected to the House Republican Steering Committee to represent Republican Members of Congress from Texas. The 29-member House Steering committee appoints members and chairmen of committees.
 
In 2008, Lamar Smith was selected by his colleagues to lead House Republicans on the Judiciary Committee. As the Ranking Republican Member, he served as a spokesman for the party and helps shape committee policy. Representative Smith has been Chairman of three of the Judiciary Committee’s five subcommittees: Intellectual Property, Crime, and Immigration.

Congressman Smith says, “My advice to current students is to appreciate where you are and the opportunities you’ve been given. Look to learn from those leaders around you, study hard, and take advantage of the great teachers who are available to you. Embrace, don’t resist, leadership opportunities, and realize that the friendships you make at the San Antonio Academy will last a lifetime.”