Recent media reports have highlighted the on-going struggle for high school students to reach established academic targets. While much of the news is full of negative examples, I would like to highlight a positive example.
There is a small but impressive group of St. Mary’s county high school students who completed their requirements and received their high school diplomas. These individuals have not only achieved academically, but they have also overcome personal struggles as well. They are participants in the St. Mary’s County Juvenile Drug Court.
By the very nature of the program’s name, you can assume that each student has struggled with drug issues that brought them into the juvenile justice system. The Drug Court program provides a structured environment where these youth can be stabilized, counseled, and encouraged so they can continue with their education while avoiding the use of intoxicating substances and criminal involvement.
I am proud to announce that six drug court participants were recognized at a recent Drug Court hearing by Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, along with presiding juvenile and Drug Court Judge Michael Stamm. Though their struggles may continue, these graduate’s efforts, along with the support of the entire Drug Court Team and school system, should be an inspiration for our community as these successes demonstrate the positive outcome we can enjoy with the appropriate effort. Drug Courts not only save us money and reduce crime, the ancillary rewards like a high school diploma will benefit the individual and our county for a lifetime.
The St. Mary’s County Juvenile Drug Court Program was established in 2004. It is recognized statewide for its accomplishments and has hosted visiting drug court teams just getting started as well as established programs looking for insight into what works. The results of two independent professional studies indicate that program graduates demonstrate reduced recidivism, substance abuse and cost to our community. The following agencies are members of the Drug Court Team, and their efforts cannot be overemphasized: Department of Juvenile Services, St. Mary’s County School System, Walden Sierra, the Office of the State’s Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender and the Sheriff’s Office.
