Noah Johnson Daily Press Delta County District Court Judge Steven Parks speaks at a graduation ceremony for Delta County’s Drug/Sobriety Court on Wednesday. Graduates were Kimberley Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjogren.

ESCANABA — The Delta County Circuit Court was packed on Wednesday night, but not for any ordinary court proceedings.

Instead, three individuals were celebrated as they graduated from the Delta County Drug/Sobriety Court.

“This is my favorite thing that I get to do,” said 94th District Court Judge Steven C. Parks.

Graduating were Kimberly Geisenhaver, Sascha Hirzel and Katie Sjogren.

39 individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 2016.

The evening began with Parks’ opening remarks before Drug Court Case Manager Jeana LaCarte introduced the graduates.

Parks took time to recognize not only the graduates but also everyone on the drug court team who makes what they do possible.

“I might be the figurehead for it, but you couldn’t do this without so many supporting people,” he said.

LaCarte introduced each graduate by providing details of the journeys that led to their graduation.

“This is a very special day for these three ladies,” LaCarte said.

LaCarte started by introducing Geisenhaver, who was brought to the program on the charge of operating while intoxicated – second offense.

She was almost discharged from the program, according to LaCarte. However, Geisenhaver approached Parks and told him that she would prove everyone wrong and would show them that she could and would complete drug court.

“She sure did prove a lot of us wrong, and I am so glad that she did,” LaCarte said.

Now, Geisenhaver is clean and connecting with her family again.

“Just a few years ago, her son would not even trust Kim to watch her dogs, and now he is trusting her to watch his children. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Kim grow in so many ways throughout her time in the program,” LaCarte said.

Next, she introduced Hirzel, who was brought to the program on the charge of operating while intoxicated.

LaCarte explained that Hirzel was given legal advice that the program is very rigorous, and she may want to consider serving the 45-day jail term.

“However, she was determined to conquer her addiction and thought that this program was exactly what she needed to help her do so. So, she did sign up for Drug and Sobriety Court. By doing so, Sascha committed to well over 450 days, that is 10 times her original sentence.

As of Wednesday night, Hirzel celebrated 511 days of continued sobriety.

Hirzel completed the program without receiving any sanctions, something only few can accomplish, according to LaCarte.

“She is forever volunteering in the recovery community and remains fully committed to continuing to do just that,” she said.

Finally, she introduced Sjogren, who was brought to the program back in 2018 but was ultimately discharged from the program and served her jail sentence for possession of a controlled substance analog charge.

Over 600 days ago, Sjogren was back in Drug and Sobriety Court for possession/use of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. If Sjorgen were to be discharged from the court again, she would serve 10 months in jail with credit for 18 days already served.

“Thankfully, this time around, Katie was ready to surrender to the rules and requirements,” LaCarte explained.

Now, Sjogren is a program graduate and is actively repairing her relationship with her daughter.

“Katie has always been a very strong-willed person. The only difference now is that she’s finally standing strong in her recovery,” LaCarte said.

Geisenhaver, Hirzel and Sjorgen all provided testimonials of their journey. Each was very emotional as all three graduates gave visceral and tear-jerking testimonies about not only their addiction but also their personal lives.

Each shared their stories, describing loss, abuse, tragedy, and, eventually, hope.

Following the testimonies, guest speaker Lori Ziolkowski, Director of Face Addiction Now (FAN), provided the graduates with advice and words of wisdom.

“My gosh, I am in awe of the strength and resiliency of you women, and this is why we do the work that we do,” Ziolkowski said.

She compared addiction to being lost in the woods and even gave each graduate a gift bag containing things they would need to survive should they get lost. The bag included a map, a flashlight, a compass with the graduates’ names engraved on it, and snacks.

Finally, Ziolkowski asked guests in the audience to participate in an exercise. She asked the crowd to stand up if they would be there for Geisenhaver if she were lost in the woods; everyone present stood up. Ziolkowski then asked the audience the same question about Hirzel and Sjogren, and again, every person in the room stood up.

“You are not alone; you’re not alone,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates receiving their certificates and remarks from Parks.

He said that since starting the program, he has found himself getting choked up at the ceremonies. He says he sees them not as defendants or criminals but as people.

“I hope you’ll hang on to this night for a very long time. Because this is your renewal, this is a chance again,” he said.

Parks echoed Ziolkowski, saying they are never alone.

“Always bear in mind that no matter what life throws at you, whether it’s something great or whether it’s something not so great, You always have friends here in this world who care about you. And we want to help you because your success is our success. We’re in this together.”