Turik sworn in as new judge in 8th Judicial District
By From staff reports
Published in News on January 8, 2016 1:46 PM
KINSTON -- A large crowd of family, friends, colleagues and elected officials gathered Tuesday as Annette W. Turik was sworn into office as a district court judge in the 8th Judicial District.
The district includes Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties.
Mrs. Turik was appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory in November to complete the unexpired term of the late Judge Timothy Finan. A red candle burned during the ceremony in memory of Finan.
Mrs. Turik will run in the November election to retain the seat. She is being challenged by Goldsboro attorney Curtis Stackhouse.
Resident Superior Court Judge Paul L. Jones presided over the ceremony at the Lenoir County Courthouse.
Following remarks by Chief District Court Judge David Brantley, Kinston attorney P. C. Barwick Jr. presented Mrs. Turik to the court.
Barwick talked about how Mrs. Turik began working for his firm as a courier when she was just a junior at Kinston High School. Mrs. Turik moved to Raleigh to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer and worked full time as a paralegal while completing her undergraduate degree and law school at night.
She returned to Kinston in 1997 to begin practicing law. She has since practiced in virtually every area of District Court.
"I couldn't be more proud," Barwick said.
Judge Beth Heath administered the oath of office while Mrs. Turk's husband, Dr. Scott Turik, held the Bible. Their sons, Caleb and Kyle, presented her with her judicial robe.
Mrs. Turik said she was honored and humbled.
"It is a privilege to serve the people of the 8th District," she said. "I will do everything that I can to be worthy of the high trust that has been placed in me."