by Rachel Petty
Graduates Colby Lane and Holly Burton and Judge Micheal Collins
The General Sessions Courtroom was packed on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, as members of the community gathered to celebrate the graduation of Holly Burton and Colby Lane from Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court.
Judge Michael Collins presided over the ceremony. In his opening remarks, Judge Collins thanked those in attendance for showing love and support for the graduates and the Recovery Court program.
He also spoke about the goals of the Recovery Court program, particularly the way that the Recovery Court team strives to build lasting, real, life-changing relationships with the participants.
“It’s important because people’s lives are at stake,” Judge Collins said.
After Judge Collins spoke, Holly and Colby were given the opportunity to address the crowd.
Both Holly and Colby shared their stories and described their journeys toward recovery. Both graduates expressed that they would not be where they are today without the support of the Recovery Court Team.
Holly described the Recovery Court program as a “fellowship of people trying to get clean.” She said that the personal aspect of the program has especially helped her succeed. Holly ended her speech with a performance of “I’ve Had the Time of my Life,” as she thanked and hugged members of the team.
When Colby spoke, he emphasized how faith has played a big part in his recovery. “Slowly but surely, I started to watch my life change,” he said. “God keeps calling me down this path.”
Both Holly’s and Colby’s speeches contained an inspiring message: “Recovery is real.”
As a result of her participation in the Recovery Court Program, Holly has been clean and sober for 611 days with no sanctions. She has attended 345 self-help meetings and has had 207 clean drug screens.
Colby has been clean and sober for 587 days with no sanctions. He has attended 456 self-help meetings and has had 228 clean drug screens. Colby currently teaches a Wednesday night class for Maranatha Extended in Gainesboro, Tennessee.
Holly and Colby have both recently taken jobs where they are able to assist with recovery efforts in the Smith County community. Holly is serving as Director of The Emmanuel House, and Colby is working with the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition.
The two graduates have also agreed to help the Recovery Court team implement a post-graduation program that provides continued positive interaction and support for those who have completed the Recovery Court program.
Congratulations and best of luck, Holly and Colby!
After the ceremony, the graduates, other Recovery Court participants, and community members enjoyed a meal together.
The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court program was established in March 2015 through the efforts of Judge Michael Collins, the Fifteenth Judicial District Drug Court program, the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition, and the concerned citizens of Smith County. The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is committed to assisting with the intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of non-violent drug offenders who desire to change their lives and break the cycle of drug dependency.
The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is made possible by the Recovery Court team, which is made up of Judge Michael Collins; Jesse Peters – Recovery Court Coordinator; Darlene Cahill – Recovery Court Case Manager; many staff members from the Smith County Jail and Smith County Court system; staff from mental health facilities in the surrounding area; and a handful of committed volunteers.
Colby and Holly and the other Recovery Court participants
Colby and Holly and the members of the Recovery Court team
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