Pubdate: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 Source: Natchez Democrat, The (MS) Copyright: 2010 Natchez Newspapers Inc. Contact: http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2205 Note: Note: 150 word count limit on LTEs Note: by the Democrat Editorial Board, The Natchez Democrat AREA MUST CELEBRATE VICTORIES Any history buff knows that winning a war first means being victorious in the smaller battles. And when you look at America's war on drugs, well, there are battles everywhere. In Adams County, though, we celebrated seven victories this week. The newest graduating class of the Adams County Youth Drug Court received diplomas Wednesday, with minimal community fanfare. These teenagers have completed months of clean drug tests, good grades and good behavior. They've been under close scrutiny and messing up meant answering to the judge. But now they are free, free to live life the right way. The struggles aren't over; they never will be, but these teens have learned how to overcome their struggles. Our community should celebrate. The youth drug court -- and an adult counterpart -- has been changing lives in Adams County for years. The teams who lead the programs truly care about the participants and in turn they help the participants care about the community. Seven battles were won this week, and perhaps if we want to celebrate victory in war we may all simply have to care more and more about each individual battle. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D