Recovery Court Celebrates First Benton County Graduates

The main courtroom inside Carroll County Courthouse became a venue for celebration, Friday, July 18, when the 24th Judicial District's Recovery Court honored its two most recent graduates.

Jefferson Mills and Nicole Compton of Benton County with Circuit Court Judge Brent Bradberry at their Recovery Court graduation. Photo by Jesse Joseph

Jefferson Mills and Nicole Compton became the program's first graduates from Benton County , having completed the months-long program aimed at helping participants overcome substance abuse and rebuild their lives.

“It wasn’t easy,” Mills expressed. “But it was worth it. The guidelines changed my life.”

Supporters applauded as Circuit Court Judge Brent Bradberry presented each graduate with a plaque commemorating their success.

“These are happy times,” Judge Bradberry told the group. “This is the moment we work toward, where accountability, effort, and support come together to help someone get their life back.”

For Mills, the journey included staying drug-free, maintaining steady employment as a painter, and learning to live with intention.

“I’m very grateful this program was put in place,” Mills said. “It put my life where it needed to be.”

He wasn’t alone in the courtroom. His wife Tamatha and aunt Judith Parra were in attendance.

Judge Bradberry addressed them during his remarks at the bench.

“There’s no way [Jefferson] could’ve made it without your support,” the judge told them.

Compton’s path included what she described as “some rough patches,” but she said the experience gave her a new way of living.

Her husband, Jeremy McKnight, attended in support of her accomplishment.

“I'm glad I had the opportunity to [go through Recovery Court] instead of the alternative,” she said.

Recovery Court Program Directors Israel Melton (far left) and Josh Adkins (far right) with graduates Jefferson Mills and Nicole Compton . Photo by Jesse Joseph

Both graduates shared their advice for others who may enter the program.

“Hang in there,” said Compton.

Mills added, “[Don't ever] think you can’t do it, [because] you can.”

Josh Adkins, Director of Recovery Court, said he’s proud of the growth both participants showed, not just in sobriety, but in their personal lives.

“You’ve got the foundation now to actually go live a better life,” he told them.

Israel Melton, who is Director of the program in the northern counties within the 24th Judicial District, echoed that sentiment.

“They’re productive members of Benton County now,” Melton said. “And I guarantee the whole community is proud of them.”

Though Mills and Compton’s time in the program has ended, Judge Bradberry encouraged them to stay involved, whether by attending sessions or mentoring new participants.

“We’re going to let you go,” he said, “but we still need leaders.”

For Mills, graduation was more than an end—it was a first.

“I finally completed something,” he said. “But I’m going to continue.”

Recovery Court Celebrates First Benton County Graduates

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Recovery Court Celebrates First Benton County Graduates

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