Jenny Lancour | Daily Press Delta County District Court Judge Steve Parks congratulates the first graduates of the county’s drug court following a ceremony in circuit court Tuesday. Pictured, from left, are April Dubord-Eskofski, Amara Nelson and Joseph Shinaver, who successfully completed a four-phase recovery program following strict state rules under court supervision while also undergoing random drug testing for more than 15 months.

ESCANABA — A very special and unique graduation took place at the Delta County Courthouse Tuesday, not in recognition of college graduates, high school seniors, or kindergartners, but in celebration of three addicts who successfully completed drug court.

“It worked!” commented retired Circuit Court Judge Stephen Davis who gave the commencement address in honor of the three 2018 Delta County Drug Court graduates — April Dubord-Eskofski, Amara Nelson and Joseph Shinaver.

All three graduates have been drug-free for longer than 15 months or more and completed a four-phase recovery program following strict state rules under court supervision while also undergoing random drug testing.

The three participants represent the first graduating class of the county’s drug court, which began nearly two years ago as a way to help addicts kick their drug habits rather than sentence them to time behind bars.

The specialized treatment court addresses the root of many crimes — drug addiction — so addicts can learn to live without drugs and not re-offend, thus stopping the chain of crimes that often accompanies drug abuse.

Davis, one of the organizers of the county’s drug court, said the treatment court was created to help find a way to prevent addictions that are ruining and taking lives. The drug court was formed because the regular court system was not working for addicts, he said.

Davis said he believed if one life could be saved, the program was worth the effort. He added he was extremely pleased to see not one but three graduates who are on the “long, long road” to a lifelong commitment towards continued sobriety.

“Whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward,” the retired judge advised Dubord-Eskofski, Nelson and Shinaver.

Delta County Administrator Philip Strom, who was instrumental in starting the drug court as the former county prosecutor, also praised and encouraged the three graduates.

He said there’s nothing more rewarding for him as a prosecutor, a community member, and a public servant who has witnessed sentencings throughout his career, than to hear the stories of how the graduation candidates turned their lives around and are being better community members.

“As long as we can move forward… we’ll be a much stronger community… and stronger Delta County,” Strom added, also encouraging the 11 other drug court participants to keep up the good work. He thanked them for making the county a better place.

Jeana LaCarte, county magistrate and drug court case manager, read written testimonials from Nelson and Shinaver as well as a statement from Dubord-Eskofski’s mother during Tuesday’s graduation ceremony in circuit court. (See related story.)

Nelson expressed her gratitude for the drug court team which she stated saved her life by not punishing her but by helping her recover from her addiction. She added she’s proud of herself for realizing her happiness and her children are her number one priority and not drugs.

LaCarte said, despite a relapse, Nelson got her drivers license back, purchased a car, became employed and regained custody of her two children.

Shinaver stated in his testimonial that he can now look at the court system differently for helping him stay clean, improve his family relationships, improve his health, and change his life for the better.

LaCarte praised Shinaver for beating his drug addiction on his own without treatment and being a hard-working employee while also being the father of 10 children.

Dubord-Eskofski’s mother thanked the drug court team for rescuing those, like her daughter, who are trapped by addictions.

LaCarte noted Dubord-Eskofski was the very first drug court participant who later hit a bump in the road then took a second chance at the program; she has since got her drivers license back, gained employment and improved her relationship with her children.

Delta County District Court Judge Steve Parks, who spearheaded the drug court program, presented diploma plaques to the graduates, also noting while they have learned how to improve their own lives, they have also taught him a lot through the process.

Parks said the drug court participants have taught him to understand addiction and how it highjacks the soul. In addition to withdrawals, recovering addicts are accountable to the court and may undergo residential treatment; they may feel lonely because they are not with their former friends. Addicts also “have a demon on their shoulder” talking about using drugs, said Parks.

“I’ve learned to respect them for what they’ve gone through,” added the judge.

Parks also noted, these addictive souls can be restored through a lot of work and perseverance that brings out the good that is in everyone, despite their encounters with law enforcement. As each soul is restored, the process creates a ripple effect that spreads to loved ones. Friendships are restored and apologies are made, all benefitting the community, he added.

Parks said the time and energy invested in the drug court participants is “absolutely worth it” and he feels blessed to see the remarkable changes and achievements they’ve made.

“I feel privileged and honored our paths have crossed. I look forward to seeing you happy and healthy and doing well,” he told the three graduates.

Parks also thanked those involved in the drug court process which he says works because of a team made up of court staff, attorneys, law enforcement, correction officers, wellness personnel, employers, businesses and other community entities which have supported the program.

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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net