And even the impact it has on us tough, no-nonsense judges.'Įstablished in 2013 in Marion County Common Pleas Court, F.I.R.S.T. Don't forget the amazing impact that your success has had on your families, your friends, and loved ones who are here to support you. For showing us that nothing is impossible no matter what life throws at you, no matter the ups and downs, your strength and determination brought you to this day,' he added. 'We're here to celebrate your achievement, but we also want to thank you for inspiring us. And it's the same impact that (the drug court graduates) are having on us today. She had an impact on me and so many others. I thanked that young woman for her courage. 'Her triumph at such a young age and in the face of such adversity was truly awe inspiring. 'That scared, quiet 13 year old who sat in my office all those years ago didn't allow her trauma to define her life or the life of her son,' Hawkins said. After surviving that childhood trauma with the help of her loving and determined mother, Hawkins said, she went on to graduate from high school and college and is now leading a successful life. As a result of being raped, the young girl became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy when she was just 13 years old. The case of a young woman, who was the victim of rape as a child, was assigned to him. Hawkins also shared the story of his time as a prosecutor with the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office special victims. 'You may not realize how your success inspires us all.' 'Watching you all enjoy this success today, overcome those demons, and turn you lives around for the better, I think Judge Edwards would agree, this is the most fulfilling part of our jobs,' Hawkins told the graduates. I've gained a whole new family in the recovery world.

I work at Whirlpool, take care of my sick mother, and I am welcomed, loved, and wanted by my family and many friends. Today, I celebrate over a year clean and sober. 'Prior to drug court, I used daily, stole for a living, and was completely shunned by my family. 'My life today is a complete opposite to when I first began drug court,' Brooks said during her graduation speech.

Edwards honored them Friday during a ceremony held at Marion First Church of the Nazarene.īoth Brooks and Harper spoke about how the drug court program has affected their lives for the better. are the latest graduates of the Marion County Common Pleas Court’s F.I.R.S.T. Two more Marion County residents shared their stories of successfully becoming clean and sober thanks to a local drug court program.Ĭhristie Brooks and William Harper Jr. Harper shared how the drug court program helped him become sober. during a ceremony held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Warren T.

My bondage and freedom