DISTRICT 18 DRUG COURT GRADUATES ITS FIRST GROUP OF PARTICIPANTS

They not only graduated from the School of Hard Knocks, they also
graduated from the District 18 Drug Court.

Seven people who were facing years and years in prison because of drug
charges successfully completed the 18-24 month program and were
graduated Friday.

Their charges were either dismissed or dropped altogether, and now
they're out in the world, drug-free and armed with the knowledge of
how to stay that way.

Special Judge Bill Layden, who has been overseeing the District 18
Drug Court since it started here, said it was only appropriate that
Ryan Barton, who was the first participant, "be the first one out."

Barton stood up and told the large crowd - which included family
members, loved ones, prosecutors and law enforcement members - that
successfully completing drug court means being comfortable now around
the very people who once were ready to throw him in prison.

He also talked about how his daughter didn't really have a father for
three years because her dad was busy with drugs. Hugging his daughter
close, he said "Kids. They are worth more to us than what we put them
through."

Kevin Mormon was the next graduate recognized. He talked about how
good he was in sports and how sports was his entire world until he
discovered drugs.

Mormon said he quit school - and sports - and took a job "that didn't
really pay enough money for me to pay my bills, all because they
didn't do a drug test."

Randi Marie Golightly, who lost custody of a child because of drugs,
was another of Friday's graduates. Looking like she was about to give
birth at any moment, her skin radiant and glowing with pregnancy
hormones and good health, Golightly said she was overwhelmed when she
first found out what all participating in Drug Court would actually
mean.

"It's hard at first, but it gets better. I promise," she said. "As
time goes on, it gets easier and easier."

Dana Alverson said being a Drug Court graduate means no longer having
to "worry about who or what I have in my vehicle." She also said it's
the reason she regained custody of her children, got her faith back
and has a deep joy in her life.

Ralph David Lalli "The Second" said that on Friday, his father, Ralph
David Lalli "The First" could "be proud he named me that." A former
correctional officer who ended up having to be guarded himself, Lalli
said he is now a person "who can give back to the community, instead
of always taking away from the community."

Anthony Dean Epps said "I'm building a life I can be proud of, one
that maybe a few others can be proud of, too."

Gabe Joslin said Drug Court "Gave me hope for a future that I only
dreamed about. Before it was just me and my disillusioned reality as
an addict. Now I've got my children back and I have the tools I need
for almost everything that comes up."

The judge congratulated the seven graduates and reminded them that
when they are tempted in the future, "I hope you will think of today,
and that will help you through."

Angie Marcum, Drug Court coordinator, said each of the graduates is
holding down a fulltime job with benefits, some have bought cars, some
have bought homes and all have volunteered many hours toward making
our community a better place to live.

She also noted that Drug Court is not free. Participants have paid
$11,755.80 in court costs this year, plus $15,233 for drug tests,
supervision and program fees.

"Drug Court works," Marcum said as she looked at each graduate with
pride. "It saves money, teaches people that there is more to life than
drugs, and then teaches them how to deal with that life."

District Attorney Jim Bob Miller said he agrees that Drug Court works.
"A while back you made choices to do drugs, but then you made choices
to straighten up and correct those mistakes," he said. "You chose to
do what's right.

"Drug Court works, and I believe that because of it, in a few years we
will have totally eliminated the methamphetamine problem in Pittsburg
and McIntosh counties."