DRUG COURT GRADUATES EX-ABUSERS

On Thursday, seven former drug abusers graduated from the 4th Circuit
District Drug Court in the Washington County Courthouse after
completing a program that has led them to healthy, drug-free lives.

Drug Court is a program designed to identify non-violent drug
offenders and provide them an opportunity to become drug free.
Participants must undergo a rigorous agenda including a 12-step
program, random drug testing, meetings with judges and other various
requirements.

Although the program is designed to be taxing on the participants,
Circuit Judge Margaret Carey-McCray, who is the Drug Court's
administrator, said it is fair to all involved.

"Instead of punishing, the court has decided to be therapeutic,"
McCray said. "People realize this is not a cakewalk, but if you're
willing to take on the hard work, the court is here to help."

The program may take as long as three years for a participant to
complete and incorporates five phases of progress before graduation
can be achieved.

Over 50 people are currently participating in the rehabilitation
program, according to Circuit Judge Ashley Hines.

Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James E. Graves Jr. was the guest
speaker at the graduation ceremony, urging the graduates to be proud
of their achievement, and for Washington County to be proud of the
program it has instituted.

"Washington County is still in the forefront because you have judges
committed to doing what is right," Graves said.

He urged the graduates to continue on being drug free by taking
advantage of the opportunity given to them.

"The existence of this drug court provides for you a second chance. In
life, more often than not, those third chances just don't exist,"
Graves added.

After Graves' speech, the graduates stepped forward to receive their
graduation awards and congratulatory words and hugs from the program's
administrators.

Emotional embraces were given to graduates Sheena Ellis, Jeff Dunn,
Danny Huggins, Barbara Johnson, George Buchanan, Hiedi Leach, and
Kimberly Goodson.

After the graduates received their official completion awards, they
addressed the packed courthouse and described their feelings for those
who supported them through the process.

"I just want to shout Hallelujah!" said Ellis before thanking those
who helped her through the tough process. "Judge Sanders is one who
put a ray of hope in my life."

Several other graduates expressed appreciation for the support they
have received from the drug court program.

Others talked of the effectiveness of the program.

"I used (drugs) everyday for 10 years," said Goodson. "I haven't used
since the first day I got in this program."

The program is not only beneficial to those involved, but also to the
taxpayer, according to the National Drug Courts Web site. The site
points out that the incarceration of drug offenders usually costs
$25,000 to $45,000. The drug court's expenses run between $2,500 and
$4,000.

According to McCray, however, the program is most beneficial to those
who take advantage of the second chance the program offers them.

"On a daily basis, we can see the changes that these participants are
making in their lives and how the drug court is supporting them in
being stronger in their recovery. The close supervision and
monitoring, regular drug testing and accountability that are essential
elements of the drug court, provide the support necessary to keep the
participants on the right course," McCray said.