DRUG COURT: 'A NEW PERSPECTIVE'

Nolan McElroy said the Hinds County Drug Court Diversion Program literally
saved his life.

"It has meant everything to me," McElroy said after being one of 11 people
graduating from the program Tuesday at the Hinds County Courthouse.

"It has given me a new perspective on life. I was a true alcoholic when I
entered the program."

McElroy could have been in jail or prison on felony DUI charges, but
instead he said he is a better husband and better father to his five
children because of the alternative Drug Court program.

The Drug Court program, which began in March 2000, gives defendants
convicted of possession of drugs a second chance through treatment over
incarceration.

The drug charge is dismissed if the defendants successfully complete the
year-long program. But they could end up serving their time if they use
drugs before their sentence expires.

The program requires drug screening after completion of treatment.

On Tuesday, the atmosphere was similar to a high school or college
graduation. Clapping and shouts of congratulation erupted as interim Hinds
County Judge Bill Gowan called out the name of each graduate. Each graduate
received a certificate and a red rose.

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin, speaker for the graduation ceremony,
told graduates he knew their accomplishment wasn't easy.

But he said their struggles won't end with graduation.

"Everyday you're going to struggle," McMillin said. "It's going to get hard."

McMillin urged those graduating to take advantage of the second chance they
have been given.

"Do it for your family, do it for your children and do it for yourself,"
McMillin said. "Make the best of it."

The Hinds County Penal Farm Second Chance Choir, consisting of inmates,
performed at the ceremony.

Second Chance choir members - some serving up to 10 years - told the
graduates they wished they could be in their shoes.

About a dozen choir members said alcohol and drugs led to their incarceration.

Earl Clowers Jr., a former Jackson police officer who is a choir member,
said he is a recovering alcoholic.

He said he wished he could have had the chance to turn his life around
before making the mistake of getting behind the steering wheel of his vehicle.

That mistake cost a man his life.

Clowers, with an alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, crashed
head-on Feb. 19, 2000, into a vehicle driven by Johnnie Earl Craft, 51,
killing him.

Clowers was sentenced last year to serve 10 years in prison for aggravated DUI.

McMillin told the graduates he didn't want to see them again unless it's
socially, meaning he didn't expect them to return to drugs and get in trouble.

Graduate Dionne Morris said she knows it won't be easy. It's a struggle
each day to stay away from drugs, she said.

"By the grace of God, I keep going," Morris said.

The program "let me be a member of society again," Morris said. "I have
been clean and sober for 21 months."

The 11 graduates Tuesday bring to 16 the number of those who have completed
all requirements in the 2 1/2-year history of the program.

Another five participants are scheduled to graduate.

As of Tuesday, about 65 participants were in the Hinds County Drug Court
program, which receives $200,000 annually in state funding.