It was an afternoon of memories, accolades and congratulations Wednesday as Judge Marilyn Horan's move from common pleas court at the county government center to federal court in Pittsburgh was celebrated.

More than 300 people attended a farewell reception for Horan at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1, where she was sworn in as an attorney 39 years ago.

Horan has served as a common pleas judge for 22 years.

Placed on the lofty bench with Horan in the courtroom was state Supreme Court Judge Debra Todd, who has known Horan for 20 years. Horan's fellow Butler County Common Pleas Court judges sat in front of the bench, facing a courtroom packed with attorneys, county employees and Horan's friends.

“This is such a tremendous honor for you personally and for Butler County,” Todd said of Horan's status as the first judge from Butler County to be appointed to federal court. “That's no small accomplishment.”

After listening to all the kind words and accolades from her fellow judges and County Commissioners Chairman Leslie Osche, Horan shared her feelings.

She said she was humbled when it came time for her comments from the bench.“I see this as an opportunity to tell all of you how much you mean to me,” Horan said in her kind and quiet, yet commanding way.The Butler native said although she is branching out to federal court in the big city to the south, her roots will never waver.“Butler is and always will be my home,” Horan said. “Growing up, a question often asked was 'Are you a Butler girl?' And I tell you today, I am proud to be a Butler girl.”Horan's first day on the federal bench is Tuesday.<i>Read the full story to find out what all the judges said to Horan in Thursday's Butler Eagle.</i>