Court of Appeals Clerk of Court John Connell was honored for his nearly 30 years of service to the court during a retirement reception Thursday.

Connell was honored by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall during presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. A print of the Court of Appeals Building signed by the 15 judges and three former chief judges of the court was also presented by former Chief Judge John Martin.

The reception included recognition by Chief Judge Linda McGee, justices of the Supreme Court, former judges of the Court of Appeals, and former Clerk of Court Frank Dail among the guests in attendance. Connell began his service at the court in 1986 as assistant clerk and was appointed clerk of court in 1993.