LAWRENCE COUNTY – Thursday morning was a day of celebration, as four more individuals graduated from the Lawrence County Superior Court II Problem Solving Court.
The graduates Danny Pfleider, Austen Hardwick, Michael Osborne, and Kristie Deckard, have worked extremely hard to get to this moment, which is something they should be incredibly proud of.
Superior Court II Judge Bob Cline expressed how awesome the four graduates are and the efforts they made to better themselves and those around them.
Michael Osborne 
Austen Hardwick
“It’s like the first time you see an elephant. This is what best describes, today, these four people are living the best part of their lives, now,” said Judge Cline. “Awesomeness, this is how I can best describe being here today. Thank you to the families who are here to support these awesome individuals today, who are truly an inspiration.”
The program takes about three years to complete for those who enter the Lawrence County’s Drug Problem Solving Court. Many in the program deal with setbacks along the way, but with determination and willingness, those who put their mind to it can make it through as these individuals did.
“I started using drugs at 11 before working my way back to have a normal life,” said Danny Pfleider. “I started my family, and had a good job, but I was still using drugs. As an addict, one time is too many, and 1,000 times is never enough. I tried to fake my way through the program, but it didn’t work, and now I try to give back as much as I can to help others get through it. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Kristie Deckard began to hate the person she was when she used drugs, but through the program, she has higher aspirations than ever before.
“I started using at 13, and it took a lot out of me,” Deckard said. “I was getting high to numb the pain, but it only caused me more heartache. I started hating the person I had become, yet I still used and I didn’t know where to find help. With problem solving court I found my way out, I got my GED, I became employed and I have a home. I now believe in myself and have the tools to live a happy life, which I hope to use and become a recovery coach for others.”
The Drug Problem Solving Court continues to help those who enter the court system with an opportunity to improve their lives. These four individuals were able to take advantage of this opportunity to better themselves and the others around them.
