Drug Court Graduates 33, Largest Class in St. Louis County History

Thirty-three people graduated Thursday night from St. Louis County Drug Court in , the largest class to do so since the program's inception more than 10 years ago.

George Lombardi, director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, described it as a "monumental" day. He said that the state doesn't need more prisons and that he doesn't want to see any of the graduates in those that already exist. He encouraged graduates to continue giving back to their community as they while completing volunteer hours in the drug court program.

"This is your moment," Lombardi said. "So bless each and every one of you."

Judge Colleen Dolan served as the evening's emcee. She introduced graduates with vignettes about their backgrounds and descriptions of how they changed through the program. Graduates then had the opportunity to address the audience.

Rep. Bert Atkins, D-Florissant, also attended to hand out certificates.

The drug court began in 1999 and has 110 participants, a news release from the county states. The ceremony happened in the on Carondelet Avenue.

"We go from doctors to unemployed people," Drug Court Administrator Glenda Gill said after the ceremony, describing those enrolled in the program. She said the main goal of the drug court is to "get people drug-free and sober."

The following are excerpts from comments made by the graduates:

"I am so proud of myself. This is the first thing I have ever completed in my entire life. That means the world to me."
—Julie G.


"It was a great experience. I'm ready to get back to work."
— Anthony A.

"I start, thanking God for giving me the strength to be here … second, I thank my son for giving me the motivation to get through the program."
— Fred B.

"I'd like to thank my family for sticking by me. It's been a long fight, but I made it."
— Rodriques B.

"Good luck to everybody who's got graduation to look forward to."
— Mark E.

"Every class, every drug test … it was an effort. And because of the effort, it made me keep working."
— James G.

"The next time you see me in a box, I hope it's for jury duty."
— Richard H.

"I made it up here. Didn't think it was possible."
— Anthony H.

"Now I can look at my daughter and say, 'Do as I say, not as I did.'"
— Curt H.

"I'm definitely a changed person."
— Tammy K.

"First off, I want to thank God, my mom and my girlfriend."
— Austin P.

"The real thanks I do owe is to my family … the one I married into."
— Adam S.

"It's really tough at first. Just do your best."
— Roger S.

"Just hang in there. You'll make it. I did."
— Dana S.

"You'll get there one day. Just keep your mind on it."
— Samantha W.