Pubdate: Sun, 09 Sep 2007
Source: Benton County Daily Record (AR)
Copyright: 2007 Community Publishers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.recordtimes.com/dailyrecord/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1087
Author: Tracy M. Neal

PROGRAM COMPLETED

BENTONVILLE -- Tammy Murray is proud of two of her  latest
achievements. She completed drug court and  earned the respect of her
children.

" I lost my self respect, " Murray said minutes after  being
recognized as a graduate of the Benton County  Drug-Treatment Court. "
I have my self respect back,  but I got the respect of my kids. "

Murray is one of the 14 drug court graduates that were  recognized
Friday night during a program at the  Bentonville Church of Christ's
activity room.

Her seven children now have a mother who is drug free.

" I've only did two things perfectly in my life: drug  court and
childbirth being the other, " Murray said.

Murray is grateful for her children's support in  helping her complete
the program. Their encouragement  is a major reason for her success in
the program.

" I feel like this time I did something I can be proud  of, " Murray
said.

Murray said she knows her children are proud of her.  One of them is a
high school student and is able to  stand up in the middle of the high
school and say, " My  mama is graduating from drug court. "

" Thank you, " a tearful Murray said as see looked  toward a table
where her children were sitting. " I  love you. "

Murray said she was grateful for the impact that the  drug court
program and staff members had on her life.

" They not only gave me my life back, but they gave my  kids their
mama back, " Murray said.

Murray is also grateful for a friend -- Wayne Woodside  -- who she
described as her guardian angel for 17  years.

While working the program and making amends for the  past mistakes,
Murray said she went to Woodside and  told him about the many times
she stole and lied to him  when she was using drugs.

His reply to her was simply it was OK, Murray said.

Circuit Judge Jay Finch said he saw how many mothers  and fathers were
losing their children because of  drugs, so Finch thought drug court
would be a way to  address the problem. Finch presides over juvenile
matters and drug court for Benton County.

Finch said he wants to use Murray as a beacon for  others in similar
situations.

Murray was not the only graduate to deliver an  emotional punch about
how the drug court had influenced  their lives for the better.

Kevin Hickman said he hit rock bottom two years ago  when he was
arrested and came to the realization that  he could spend years in
prison.

Two years later, Hickman is a drug court graduate with  a good job and
an upcoming marriage next month.

Hickman described himself as a drug addict for 25
years.

He recounted how he always wanted his father to be  proud of him. With
his success in drug court, Hickman  said his father wrote him a letter
and told him he was  proud of him. His father also had written that
Hickman's mother, who is deceased, would also have been  proud of him.

" Keep striving to graduation, " Hickman told current  participants in
drug court.

Patrick Tyra, another drug court graduate, has been  clean and sober
for two years. He now believes he's a  better father, son and person.

" You all gave me my life back, " Tyra said. " My  parents thank you.
My son thanks you. "

Tyra said he is grateful for the support from his
parents.

" You are the reason I live, " Tyra said as he looked  toward his son.
" You are my inspiration. I love you. "

Tim Riley, who is with U. S. Congressman John Boozman's  office, was
the guest speaker for the program.

Riley encouraged the graduates to use the skills they  learned in drug
court to continue to lead productive  lives.

Besides Murray, Hickman and Tyra, the other graduates  from October
2006 through September 2007 are Pearl  Browning, Rebbeca Rogge, Robin
Dildy, Vickie Holmes,  Misty Wilson, Kevin King, Marty Hart, Tina
Long, Amanda  Guerian, Mike Hresko and Montana Key.

There are about 75 current participants in the drug  court.

The numbers may double in the near future. A second  probation officer
has been added to the court and a  second counselor will also be added.

More participants will be added to the court when the  second
counselor is added, Finch said.
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