Paris Independent School District will honor Paris High School Class of 1980 graduate Mark Homer as its 2026 Distinguished Graduate during a series of Homecoming activities celebrating his accomplishments, public service, and continued commitment to the Paris community.

The official Distinguished Graduate Ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, in the Paris High School cafeteria. Homer will then be recognized during the Homecoming Pep Rally at 2:00 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium before serving as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade, which will make its way around the downtown Paris square beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The celebration will continue that evening when Homer joins the Wildcats at Wildcat Stadium as Honorary Captain for the coin toss before the 7:00 p.m. Homecoming football game.

Born in Oklahoma City in 1962, Homer has called Paris home since the age of two, when his family moved to the community to open the first Sonic Drive-In in Texas. He graduated from Paris High School in 1980 before attending Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Animal Science and was a member of the university’s Meat Judging Team, which finished second in the nation in 1984.

After beginning his professional career with Safeway in California and Colorado, Homer returned to Texas to further his education, earning his Master of Business Administration from Angelo State University in 1988. He returned home to Paris the following year to join his family’s Sonic business, beginning as manager of the original Lamar Avenue location. At the time, the family company operated four Sonic locations. By 2002, it had grown to 18 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.

Homer’s commitment to Northeast Texas extended beyond the business community. In 1998, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 3, beginning 12 years of service from 1999 through 2010. During his tenure, he served in several leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Chairman of the Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee.

“Mr. Homer’s story is a wonderful example for our students of where a Paris ISD education can take them and, even more importantly, the impact they can make when they use their talents to serve others,” Superintendent Althea Dixon said. “His commitment to public education, economic development, and the Paris community has continued throughout his career. We are proud to honor someone who has accomplished so much while continuing to invest his time and talents in the community he calls home.”

His work in the Texas Legislature earned recognition for his commitment to economic development and public education. Among his numerous honors are the Texas Economic Development Council Legislator of the Year Award, the Texas Association of School Administrators Award, the ATPE Freedom to Teach Award, and the Texas State Teachers Association’s Frank J. Tejeda Award, recognizing his significant contributions to public education on behalf of Texas students and educational employees.

Homer has also been recognized for his leadership closer to home. He received the Marvin Gibb Award for outstanding accomplishments as a leader in the economic growth of Northeast Texas and was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Paris Junior College. Angelo State University also honored Homer as a Distinguished Alumnus.

His service to Paris and Lamar County has continued well beyond his time in elected office. Homer has served on the Denver Pyle Children’s Charities Board for more than 30 years and currently serves on the Paris Economic Development Corporation Board, as treasurer of Keep Paris Beautiful, and as a member of the Grand Theatre Restoration Board. His previous community involvement includes service with the Red River Valley Boys & Girls Club, Liberty National Bank Board of Directors, Lamar County A&M Scholarship Foundation, Lamar County Crime Stoppers, and as a mentor for Paris ISD students.

In 2020, Homer and his wife, Mandeep, moved their family to Paris full-time, allowing him to be closer to the family business while raising their children in the community that helped shape him.

From a Paris High School Wildcat to a Texas legislator, businessman, education advocate, and community leader, Homer’s career reflects a lasting commitment to service and to the community he has always called home.

Paris ISD invites alumni, students, staff, families, and community members to join in celebrating Mark Homer, Paris High School Class of 1980, as the 2026 Distinguished Graduate during Homecoming festivities on Friday, September 4.