From left: Sharon Rafferty, Bill Rafferty holding Ava Rafferty, Larry Kay, Matthew Rafferty, Judge LeAnn Kay Rafferty, Amanda Kay holding Lila Rafferty, Billie Jean Kay, Father Tom Rafferty, Liz Rafferty, and Robert Rafferty.
January 3, 2017 - LeAnn Kay Rafferty hosted a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony for family, friends, and Shelby County supporters on Monday, January 2nd marking the beginning of her newly elected four-year term as the 123rd Judicial District Judge of Panola and Shelby Counties.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison was given the honor of being the master of ceremonies for the event. Judge Harbison first asked everyone to forgive her voice due to recently having laryngitis. "First of all I would like to wish everybody a happy new year; 2017 is going to be an awesome year and I appreciate everyone coming out today. I would like to welcome everybody to our historic courthouse here in Shelby County. I am Allison Harbison, I'm the Shelby County Judge."
"First I would like to thank Judge Rafferty for asking me to say a few words and also be her host today. It is truly an honor to take part in Shelby County history. Judge Rafferty has shown us that hard work, a positive attitude, and treating all people with respect will help you reach your goals. I'm so excited for 2017 and I am so excited to call LeAnn Rafferty my friend and also the Judge of the 123rd Judicial District of Texas," expressed Judge Harbison.
She then introduced Father Tom Rafferty who said a blessing over Judge Rafferty and the ceremony.
Next to speak was City of Center Municipal Court Judge Grover Russell who Judge Harbison introduced as Judge Rafferty's friend and mentor. Judge Russell highlighted the qualities which are needed to be a good judge while briefly referencing his over his 40 something years in a courtroom. "It is a very difficult job. If you are not involved in this process day to day you don't realize this, but it is a very stressful, difficult job."
He described Judge Rafferty as being intelligent, hardworking, hard headed sometimes, as well as compassionate and kind person when it is deserved. The last quality he described to be the glue which holds it all together is commonsense which he also felt fairly certain that she possessed as well. Judge Russell ended saying, "I think I can say today that four years, or eight years, or twelve years from now, the citizens, people here, and the citizens of Panola and Shelby Counties would say 'we made a good choice then when we elected that person to be our district judge.' Congratulations."
After the speech by Judge Russell, the audience erupted into applause and LeAnn Kay Rafferty was ceremonially sworn-in by her family as the 123rd Judicial District Judge and her two daughters presented her with a hand-made gavel made by their great-grandfather.
Judge Rafferty then recognized many of the people in the audience of whom many had traveled far to attend the ceremony. Those recognized included friends from junior high school, college, law school, family members, church family, neighbors, attorneys, and many people who she will be working with as District Judge. She became emotional while reflecting over the journey which has brought her here today, "This is really such a privilege and an honor and this is truly an historic day for me and my family. And I truly appreciate all of your support. We worked extremely hard as a team to achieve this goal and I could not be here without every single one of you and I am so grateful and I will do my very best to serve you all in the very best manner that I can."
Rafferty's pastor, Bro. Hiram Melton, ended the ceremony with a prayer of thanks and a request for wisdom for every decision she makes.
After much applause, many gathered around to congratulate Judge Rafferty on her achievement.
