Christina Hale was sworn in as Common Pleas judge Monday at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

The 11:30 a.m. swearing-in ceremony was done under social distancing guidelines due to the pandemic.

Hale, 44, of Butler Township, thanked everyone who had a role in helping her attain the honor.

“No one gets anywhere in life by themselves,” she said.

Surrounded by her family, friends, colleagues and memories of those who influenced her life, Hale took the oath at 11:42 a.m. administered by President Judge William E. Baldwin.

Hale fills the position caused by the retirement of Judge John Domalakes. The Senate voted to confirm Hale to the court, which now has six members. Hale’s first day is Tuesday.

Before taking the oath, Hale greeted family and friends, arriving at 11:20 a.m.

County magisterial district judges, the five common pleas judges, state Sen. David Argall; state Rep. Neal Goodman; former Congressman Tim Holden; Schuylkill County Commissioners Barron “Boots” Hetherington, George Halcovage Jr. and Gary Hess; county row officers; and others attended.

Hale said she will miss those she served with as a magisterial district judge.

“It has been a pleasure working with all of you. It has been an honor,” she said.

Being confirmed to the bench is a long sought after goal, she said.

“I look forward to serving the commonwealth and the citizens of Schuylkill County,” Hale said.

“We certainly welcome Judge Hale to the bench,” Baldwin said.

Influences

Hale said people you meet can change one for the better even if it only a brief encounter. For Hale, her grandmothers, Eleanor Miller Hale and Mary Lopez, were among those instrumental in her life.

“They were very strong women, and they encouraged me to pursue my goals, my dreams, my education and never give up,” Hale said.

As a child, Hale said she wanted to be attorney, something she did before becoming a magisterial district judge.

“I just always enjoyed the law and the whole idea of justice,” Hale said.

Hale received her law degree from Dickinson Law School and bachelor’s from Penn State University.

Hale lauded by supporters

Howard Smith, Hale’s husband, said he is proud of her.

“She is as prepared as ever,” he said.

District Attorney Micheal O’Pake said he is excited for her, saying the honor is “well-deserved.”

Argall said he was pleased to support her.

“She is going to be a great judge,” he said.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier said Hale’s passion for the law is evident.

“She was always very energetic about the job,” he said.

Halcovage said Hale was meant for the role.

“Her integrity, her judicial temperament is exemplary, and we are very proud of her. Schuylkill County is lucky to have a jurist such as Judge Hale,” Halcovage said.