The Honorable Judge Jenifer Ward Clason passed the gavel of the Second Judicial Court Division A to newly elected Honorable Walter May in a swearing in ceremony held in the Claiborne Parish Courthouse second floor courtroom Tuesday morning with many family, friends and supporters in attendance. Reverend Willie Young offered the invocation to begin the ceremony and three of May’s grandchildren – Jackson, Connor and Morgan led the Pledge of Allegiance. Judge Clason administered the oath of office to Judge May, who was joined by his wife, Robin, while using his family Bible, (upper left). Local attorney James Hatch, a personal friend of May, was able to ‘robe’ the now sworn in Honorable Judge May in his black judge’s robe (above). Deputy Randy Layfield officially announced Judge May as presiding over the Second Judicial Court and Judge May took his seat in the judge’s chair for the first time (at left). After making his way through thanks and a bit of an emotional acceptance speech of the new position, Honorable Judge May was welcomed by everyone in attendance. The planned reception was not held due to our recent slide back into Phase 2 Covid-19 restriction rules.