Susan Allen Hicks took the oath of office as Clerk of Court of the County of Moore in a packed courtroom Monday morning. People crowded into every available seat from jury box to back row and filled the aisles, lining the walls with distinguished visitors.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge James M. Webb appointed Hicks to fill the remaining unexpired term of Catherine P. Graham, who retired the end of January. Everyone applauded as Graham herself presented Hicks to be sworn in "as Clerk of Court of the County of Moore." Hicks had been the sole name Graham offered Webb for consideration as her successor.

"I agreed with her recommendation one hundred percent," Webb said. "Mrs. Hicks, you are to be congratulated; and I hope you will serve Moore County for many, many years to come. In the words of Chief Justice John Roberts, 'Are you ready to take the oath?'"

As Webb read out the five sections of the required oath for clerks of superior court in North Carolina, Hicks repeated in a firm, clear voice.

Applause greeted Hicks as she finished.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's print edition of The Pilot.