by Rachel Petty
L to R: Judge Michael Collins; graduates Kari Carter and David Hickman; and Mike Weaver, who attended the graduation and presented the graduates with a celebratory proclamation on behalf of State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver.
David Hickman and Kari Carter both celebrated their graduation from the Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court program last Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, the General Sessions Courtroom was packed with members of the Recovery Court team, friends and family of the graduates, and community supporters who were there to celebrate the accomplishments of David and Kari.
Judge Michael Collins presided over the ceremony and expressed his appreciation for the graduates’ hard work and dedication to the program.
Both graduates were then given the chance to address the crowd and share their stories of recovery.
As a result of his participation in the Misdemeanor Recovery Court program, David Hickman has been clean and sober for 845 days! He has attended 239 self help meetings and has had 253 clean drug screenings. David also chairs self help meetings here in Smith County.
Similarly, Kari has been clean and sober for 790 days! She has attended 345 self help meetings and has had 224 clean drug screenings.
Congratulations, David and Kari!
Attendees of the graduation enjoyed a meal together after the ceremony.
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.
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