18 men and women graduated from the 12th District Drug Court

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – Bright futures lie ahead for the men and women who graduated from Forrest and Perry County Drug Court this year.

“I hope to become a peer support counselor,” said graduate Sybil Newsome.

The program is designed to give people battling addiction the chance to get sober and become a better version of themselves.

Brenna Rowell is currently studying business administration and has regained custody of her children.

Rowell said getting to graduation day wasn't easy.

“It was scary and stressful because you had to be there early every day to do drug tests, and if you didn't have a car or a family car to support you, that could make things difficult,” Rowell said.

For Brody Varnell, the cleanliness and fresh start came with many blessings, even a few small ones.

“Drug court restored my relationships with my mother and grandparents,” Varnell said. “I found a wife, had another baby, and had another baby on the way.”

Newsome credits her faith with helping her overcome 20 years of addiction.

She encourages others to seek help when they need it.

“Find someone to help you,” Newsome said. “Go and talk to the churches. Find someone who meets your needs and surrender to God.”

The graduates agree that recovery is not a one-step process, but that you have to want it yourself.

“My kids want it for them,” graduate Michael McRee said. “You can’t take care of someone else if you can’t take care of yourself.

That’s why I take care of myself first so I can do the right thing for them.”

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