by Don Stroud | Oct 30, 2018 | Justice of Peace
What is servant leadership? Look no further than Leander’s own Judge Edna Staudt for a living definition.
Her embodiment of Micah 6:8 is so compelling that today she was presented the prestigious Glenn Shepard Leadership Award, an honor bestowed upon one individual from a nationwide pool of over 1,000 nominees.
Court staff member Melissa East submitted Judge Staudt’s name for consideration by a select panel which thoroughly analyzes the credentials and achievements of each nominee. The results of their research and decision were manifest in a special ceremony this morning in the Williamson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, courtroom in Cedar Park. Numerous friends, luminaries and dignitaries were on hand to witness Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Moline present Judge Staudt the award and celebrate her well-deserved national recognition.
Melissa East nominated Judge Edna Staudt for the 2018 Glenn Shepard Leadership Award
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Moline presents Judge Edna Staudt the 2018 Glenn Shepard Excellence in Leadership Award
Judge Staudt is highly respected and trusted by her staff, law enforcement, legal professionals and the community at large. She consistently leads by example in treating her employees and public with dignity. She is known for firmly applying the law with fairness, upholding justice and public safety while demonstrating compassion for those in traumatic circumstances.
Whether adjudicating cases, issuing arrest warrants, handling death inquests or granting emergency protective orders, Judge Staudt conducts her office with professionalism and competency.
In addition to her regular duties as Justice of the Peace, Judge Staudt invests countless hours of her personal time directing mentoring programs, training student leaders through her nationally recognized Teen Court program, advocating protection of the unborn, and teaching teens the value of making wise, life-saving choices. She is also a strong voice against ill-conceived, unjust laws, testifying before the Texas Legislature on the unintended consequences of misguided legislation.
Residents in Leander, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill and northwest Austin can take credit for choosing Judge Staudt to serve them and fellow Texans statewide for the past 22 years.
Judge Edna Staudt is a true role model for servant-leadership. The 2018 Glenn Shepard Excellence in Leadership Award is but one more well-deserved confirmation of that fact.
Glenn Shepard is the best-selling author of six books, 13 DVD programs, and 658 published articles. His seminars are now the #1 rated management and front-line supervisory training in America and have been hosted by nearly 400 colleges and chambers of commerce.
He is the author of six books, including How to Make Performance Evaluations Really Work and his #1 Best Seller, How to Be the Employee Your Company Can’t Live Without.
by Don Stroud | Mar 1, 2018 | Justice of Peace, Teen Court
“I was a student in the courtroom of Judge Edna Staudt’s Teen Court for three years. During that time, I experienced what it was like to be a juror, bailiff, defense attorney, and prosecuting attorney.
Judge Staudt has a passion to teach the next generation of leaders about the inner workings of the American judicial system. My own understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in the courtroom was greatly expanded due to her training.”
Alex Hebert, Former Teen Court Volunteer
Alex Hebert
Former Student Lead Attorney
by Don Stroud | Feb 23, 2018 | Re-election, Teen Court
“Teen Court was a chance for me to make a real and appreciable difference in my community. The program gave me first-hand experience in the justice system I could not have found anywhere else. With that in mind, it goes without saying that without Judge Staudt’s guidance, experience, and expertise, I never would have realized the opportunity to be involved in a program which has, to this day, changed my life for the better.” Alan Adams, Former Teen Court Student Volunteer
Alan Adams
Former Student Attorney & Presiding Judge
by Don Stroud | Feb 21, 2018 | Pro-life, Re-election, Teen Court
“A charge frequently leveled at pro-life supporters is that we fight for the pre-born and then forget about them afterwards. Let me introduce you to Judge Edna Staudt, who epitomizes pro-life follow-thru.
“Judge Staudt has served as the Williamson County Justice of the Peace for over 23 years. Not only is Judge Staudt a tireless defender of the pre-born, she is a tireless advocate for teens here in Williamson County.
“When Judge Staudt founded YMCA Teen Court 22 years ago, her purpose was two-fold.
“First, it gave young people in Williamson County an opportunity to learn about our justice through hands-on participation. At Teen Court, young men and women learn the art of jury deliberation as actual jurors. They also learn the roles and serve as court clerks and bailiffs. Once they have demonstrated proficiency in those positions, these young leaders earn the opportunity to train and try out for roles of prosecuting and defending attorneys. Experienced student attorneys are allowed to train and try out to serve as the actual Judge, presiding over sentencing deliberations in very real, Class C misdemeanor cases involving juvenile defendants.
“Second, Teen Court grants a second chance to real-life teen defendants. These juvenile defendants who have had actual court proceedings with Judge Staudt may then have their real case adjudicated tried in Teen Court, with a real, binding consequence handed in by the jury. Defendants who complete the sentence may and then have their fine waived or reduced and their record cleared. What a wonderful example of both justice and mercy! This is exactly what citizens should expect from their justice system.
“As a mother whose children have participated in Teen Court and as a voter in Williamson County, I am very, very pleased with how Judge Staudt has performed in her role.
“I appeal to you, my fellow voters, make the effort to vote today and re-elect Judge Edna Staudt, the only Republican Primary candidate who shares our values.” – Noel Adams
Judge Edna Staudt
Endorsed by
Texas Alliance for Life
by Don Stroud | Feb 21, 2018 | Law Enforcement, Teen Court
“Judge Edna Staudt made a great impact on my life by introducing me to the American justice system and allowing me to play an active role in it through the Williamson County YMCA Teen Court program.
“I was a high school student at the time and had no experience with law enforcement or the court system outside of mock trials in which I had participated. Judge Staudt helped train me and a large number of other young people in what it means to sit on a jury, to interview a defendant as their attorney, and to even serve as the presiding judge in sentencing of juvenile defendants who have plead guilty or no-contendere to real Class C misdemeanors.
“However, the most important aspect of this program for me was when Judge Staudt invited members of law enforcement to speak to us about their responsibilities to the community and the impact their experiences have had on them. I’ll never forget hearing a Williamson County Sheriff’s deputy talk about the challenges he’d faced as an officer of the law and how important it became for him to learn communication skills… skills that would de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation into a non-violent resolution without harm to either party, allowing the officer to return safely home to his family at night.
“Judge Staudt helped shape me into a better citizen. She has a passion for upholding the law and ensuring future generations are equipped to do the same.” Daniel Monroe, Former Student Volunteer
Daniel Monroe
Former Student Attorney, Presiding Judge
