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Allen Superior Court Celebrates 50th Drug Court Graduation

Rebecca Green/WBOI News

For the 50th time, Allen County Superior Court celebrated the graduates of its drug court program at McMillen Park Community Center Monday afternoon.

Allen is one of the roughly 55 circuit, superior, county, and city courts in the Hoosier state that have programs for individuals seeking recovery for drug or alcohol addiction. Typically, the drug court program serves as an alternative to jail time.

Judge Fran Gull oversees the program, and served as the master of ceremonies Monday. She says it doesn’t take a lot to get people on board.

“When they get to this point, they have fully embraced sobriety, they have fully embraced recovery, and they are ready for the next step in their lives,” said Gull.

There are a few rules in order to participate: no prior convictions for serious violent felony offenses or forcible felonies; no detainers, warrants, parole or probation violations elsewhere; and no firearms involved in the specific offense.

45 individuals graduated Monday with some held over from last year, as the ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19.

Justin Wiley was one of the graduates, and he sees tons of opportunity ahead.

“I got four kids and another baby on the way, I’m about to have four boys and one girl so I’m looking forward to being a better dad," Wiley said. "And in the future I want to start a nonprofit organization for misguided youth based on music therapy, and I plan on starting a studio so kids can have somewhere to get guidance so they don’t turn to the streets like I did.”

For Zoa Zents, she’s just ready to take things day-by-day.

“I’m looking forward to life on life’s terms, one day at a time, that’s how I have to live it,” Zents said.

The ceremony featured a musical performance and a speech from Rev. Bill McGill, before diplomas were passed out and some graduates made short speeches.

Gull says the 50th ceremony is a milestone that proves the drug court program is a success that isn’t going anywhere. She wants the graduates to know there’s more beyond the program and Monday’s celebration.

“There’s always hope, we learn that when we’re working the steps, we learn that when we’re in the program," said Gull. "They come in without hope and we hope that when they leave they have tremendous hope and share that with others.”

Zach joined 89.1 WBOI as a reporter and local host for All Things Considered, and hosted Morning Edition for the past few years. In 2022, he was promoted to Content Director.