Drug court holds commencement at Jones Park

The Dunklin County Drug Court program recently held a commencement ceremony at Jones Park in Kennett honoring five graduates.

Phillip Britt, 35th District Drug Court Commissioner welcomed visitors and provided an introduction of graduates while he explained the background of Dunklin County Drug Court program and shared insight into what the program is all about.

Britt also introduced the people involved in the program, which he referred to as team members who have helped to make the program possible and successful.

The team members present for the ceremony included Stephen Sokoloff, Dunklin County prosecuting attorney, Julie Spielman, Drug Court administrator, Anna Patterson, Family Counseling Center, Inc. lead substance abuse counselor, and Thomas J. Preston, Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. Other guests included family friends, additional counselors, and community leaders, such as members of the Kennett Police Department and assistant prosecuting attorney John Spielman.

A special presentation of certificates took place following the introductions.

"This is an important day for the graduates and us," Britt said. "Thanks for taking the time to come out today not only in support of our graduates but in recognition of National Drug Court Month."

After receiving their certificates of completion of the Dunklin County Drug Court program, each graduate had the opportunity to speak to guests about their experiences and feelings on their success.

"This program and the processes involved in it helped me get my life back," said one graduate. "I have learned a lot about myself and other people."

Each of the four additional graduates had similar remarks in reference to the program and what changes it had made in his own life. Most of the graduates shared stories about how their lives had improved and what they had learned about themselves by staying clean and sober.

There were many success stories about graduates who were able to live a normal life again, were able to get their children back and learn stability, and most had reported that they had even began to seek an education or were able to attain promising jobs.

Luesindy Moore asked to waive the confidentiality right and open up about her experience with the program that "saved her life."

"I've learned a lot about me and have gained a higher self esteem. What the program has taught me is that I am somebody and there are people who care about my well being," Moore said. "I can live a clean and sober life now, I am getting my G.E.D. and have plans to begin taking college courses."

Moore went on to explain that without the program she would not be able to have custody of her daughter and that was most important to her of all of the reason to succeed in the program.

"I plan to share the truths and dangers involved in drugs with my daughter as she gets older. I want her to know what it can destroy and take away from you and I want her to know how important it is to love yourself enough and your family to stay clean." Moore said of what she plans to tell her daughter about drugs. "Most of all I want her to know that I will always be here for her as a positive role model."

Britt indicated that there was a possibility of an alumni program which will allow past graduates to support those who are still in the program and will graduate at later dates. The alumni program is being developed and may be in place as a fixture in the Dunklin County Drug Court program in the near future,

Following the presentation of certificates and remarks from graduates a reception was held to celebrate and honor those who are currently participating in the program, those who recently graduated, and those who have supported them along the way.