Family, friends and staff members of the Brown County Juvenile Alcohol and Other Drugs (JAOD) Court gathered on Tuesday to celebrate a graduate of their program. 17-year-old R.S. has successfully completed his treatment and was applauded for his accomplishment.
“I want to congratulate [R.S.] for his completion,” said Judge John Rodenberg. “You’re on the right course – your trajectory is right.”
R.S. began his treatment program with JAOD in January of 2009.
After 133 hours of treatment at the New Ulm Medical Center and many meetings with case workers and the court, R.S. is now considered ready to move on.
David Gilman, one of the counselors who worked with R.S. throughout his treatment, had many positive things to share. He mentioned that R.S. has become a responsible, honest, law abiding, caring person.
Most of all, Gilman was proud that R.S. is now sober. “It’s the foundation of all the good things you’re experiencing right now,” he encouraged. “You’ve come a long way in the past year.”
A probation officer who worked with R.S. throughout his treatment, Jane Schmid was also quite proud of this accomplishment.
“[R.S.] doesn’t have the weight on his shoulders like he used to,” she said. “I’m proud of the person you’ve become.”
Another person who was overcome with joy over R.S.’ turnaround was, of course, his mother. “You know how proud I am of you,” she encouraged. “You’ve done a lot.”
Jeff Hohensee, a police officer who runs the area’s Drug Task Force, also made a special appearance at the graduation.
“I see you as someone who, for the first time in his life, has taken responsibility for his actions,” he said.
To wrap up the ceremony, R.S. shared a few brief words. He emphasized how much the drug court has helped him overcome his addiction.
“It’s been a long, long journey,” he said.
