Congresswoman addresses graduates

May 2004

U. S. Rep. Darlene Hooley, D-Oregon, addresses officials, graduates and family members at a drug court graduation ceremony in Salem in April.

U.S. Rep. Darlene Hooley of Oregon was the featured speaker at a drug court graduation in Marion County Circuit Court in April. At least 100 people packed the Salem courtroom to honor 17 graduates, all of whom had spent at least a year under drug court supervision. Hooley told the graduates that the ceremony marked a beginning, as well as an end. "Today, you are free to live without drugs," she said. "It took a tremendous amount of courage to get to this place."

In addition to their own hard work, she said, their success was due to the dedication of the court, law enforcement, treatment and social services personnel who participated in their journey.

"I expect you to give something back to the community, once you have your life back on track," she said.

Among those attending the ceremony were Bob Nikkel, DHS administrator for mental health and addiction services (OMHAS), Stan Mazur-Hart, special projects manager and Karen Wheeler, alcohol and drug policy manager, both of OMHAS.

— Gary Whitehouse, DHS Communication Office, (503) 945-6934; email gary.whitehouse@state.or.us

Back to top