With struggles overcome and a new life ahead, 14 graduates became part of the history of Volusia County Drug Court on July 13 as the program celebrated its 100th commencement ceremony.
Gold and black banners proclaiming “We are so proud of you” and “congrats” greeted the graduates arriving to Courtroom 1 at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand.
The courtroom was packed with family, friends and current participants in the drug court program.
The number “100” formed by gold ballons adorned one wall near the bench in the courtroom. Gold and black bunting also adorned the courtroom.
Drug court program started in 1997
The drug court program was started in 1997 and was the first of its kind in the 7th Circuit, which covers Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties, according to a press release. The release stated that 1,354 participants had successfully finished the program.
Drug court is designed to help people overcome the addictions and substance abuse. Volusia County also has a DUI court, veterans court and a teen court.
Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn, who is based at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach, called the first group of graduates, who were from the east side of the county.
Circuit Judge A. Kathleen McNeilly, who presides over cases at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand, called the west side graduates.
Past judges who have been involved in the program were also present: Circuit Judge Randell Rowe III, who presides over civil cases in DeLand, and retired Circuit Judge Joseph G. Will.
Blackburn said the graduation marked a turning point in the lives of the graduates as they continue building their lives beyond drug court.
Drug court graduates: Building blocks for a new foundation
“Each graduate has overcome some tremendous obstacles and significant challenges in his or her life,” Blackburn said.
Each graduate received a $100 gift card, and they also received a brick with a metal plate on it inscribed with their name.
“And that represents, literally, a foundation for a new beginning and a building block as they build their life and move forward after leaving us in drug court,” Blackburn said during the ceremony.
The judges praised the individual accomplishment and hard work of the graduates, pointing out how a graduate had struggled at first in the program and had grown to become a mentor to those new to the program. The judges talked about graduates who overcame other challenges as well, including financial issues and family histories of addiction.
Drug court graduates thank judges, staff and others for support
Graduates thanked the judges and other staff involved in the drug court program for their support. And they encouraged others still going through the program.
A quote went along with each graduate. For one graduate it was from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”
For another graduate, the quote was from Walt Disney: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia drug court celebrates its 100th graduation
Reporting by Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
