PROGRAM COMPLETED

BENTONVILLE -- Tammy Murray is proud of two of her latest
achievements. She completed drug court and earned the respect of her
children.

" I lost my self respect, " Murray said minutes after being
recognized as a graduate of the Benton County Drug-Treatment Court. "
I have my self respect back, but I got the respect of my kids. "

Murray is one of the 14 drug court graduates that were recognized
Friday night during a program at the Bentonville Church of Christ's
activity room.

Her seven children now have a mother who is drug free.

" I've only did two things perfectly in my life: drug court and
childbirth being the other, " Murray said.

Murray is grateful for her children's support in helping her complete
the program. Their encouragement is a major reason for her success in
the program.

" I feel like this time I did something I can be proud of, " Murray
said.

Murray said she knows her children are proud of her. One of them is a
high school student and is able to stand up in the middle of the high
school and say, " My mama is graduating from drug court. "

" Thank you, " a tearful Murray said as see looked toward a table
where her children were sitting. " I love you. "

Murray said she was grateful for the impact that the drug court
program and staff members had on her life.

" They not only gave me my life back, but they gave my kids their
mama back, " Murray said.

Murray is also grateful for a friend -- Wayne Woodside -- who she
described as her guardian angel for 17 years.

While working the program and making amends for the past mistakes,
Murray said she went to Woodside and told him about the many times
she stole and lied to him when she was using drugs.

His reply to her was simply it was OK, Murray said.

Circuit Judge Jay Finch said he saw how many mothers and fathers were
losing their children because of drugs, so Finch thought drug court
would be a way to address the problem. Finch presides over juvenile
matters and drug court for Benton County.

Finch said he wants to use Murray as a beacon for others in similar
situations.

Murray was not the only graduate to deliver an emotional punch about
how the drug court had influenced their lives for the better.

Kevin Hickman said he hit rock bottom two years ago when he was
arrested and came to the realization that he could spend years in
prison.

Two years later, Hickman is a drug court graduate with a good job and
an upcoming marriage next month.

Hickman described himself as a drug addict for 25
years.

He recounted how he always wanted his father to be proud of him. With
his success in drug court, Hickman said his father wrote him a letter
and told him he was proud of him. His father also had written that
Hickman's mother, who is deceased, would also have been proud of him.

" Keep striving to graduation, " Hickman told current participants in
drug court.

Patrick Tyra, another drug court graduate, has been clean and sober
for two years. He now believes he's a better father, son and person.

" You all gave me my life back, " Tyra said. " My parents thank you.
My son thanks you. "

Tyra said he is grateful for the support from his
parents.

" You are the reason I live, " Tyra said as he looked toward his son.
" You are my inspiration. I love you. "

Tim Riley, who is with U. S. Congressman John Boozman's office, was
the guest speaker for the program.

Riley encouraged the graduates to use the skills they learned in drug
court to continue to lead productive lives.

Besides Murray, Hickman and Tyra, the other graduates from October
2006 through September 2007 are Pearl Browning, Rebbeca Rogge, Robin
Dildy, Vickie Holmes, Misty Wilson, Kevin King, Marty Hart, Tina
Long, Amanda Guerian, Mike Hresko and Montana Key.

There are about 75 current participants in the drug court.

The numbers may double in the near future. A second probation officer
has been added to the court and a second counselor will also be added.

More participants will be added to the court when the second
counselor is added, Finch said.