A homecoming for high court judge

Letitia Verdin had yet to walk into the dining hall before she felt she was back in her childhood surroundings.  The first-year state Supreme Court associate justice returned to Seneca last night to keynote the annual Joseph Earl “Jake” Robinson law enforcement dinner, sponsored by the Charles McGee Byrd Post 120, American Legion.  On the first Monday in February each year, the legionnaires recognize the law enforcement community.  The highlight of the night was the awarding of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.  This year it went to Allen Sayre of the Oconee Sheriff’s Office, although Legion Commander David Fields said the award could easily go to many of Sayre’s colleagues who protect and serve.  For Justice Verdin, she got to see her uncle, Devoe Blackston, as well as her former next-door childhood neighbor, Will Derrick, who also pursued a judicial career in the role of a current-day Oconee County magistrate.