By Mike Garrett, June 11 2014
As many students graduated across the county in May and June, the Honorable Anthony Capizzi congratulated youth during a different kind of commencement. On May 15, 2014, Montgomery County Juvenile Court celebrated the journey to sobriety of 15 youth along with their families. Judge Capizzi indicated that for some youth and families, the journey was lengthy with many obstacles; for others, the goal of completing Drug Court was swift and certain. Regardless of the path traveled by youth to their graduation date, Judge Capizzi, the Drug Court case managers and counselors never gave up on them. More importantly, the youth and families never gave up on themselves. Two families gave testimonials that Montgomery County Juvenile Drug Court not only facilitated their children’s sobriety but also directly impacted or led to the parents’ sobriety at the same time.
Singer/community activist Vaughn Anthony Stephens was the guest speaker for graduation. Vaughn Anthony has traveled the world singing background for his brother, John Legend. He has also performed solo and collaborated with stars such as Rick Ross, Robin Thicke, Ghostface, Estelle and many others. Currently Vaughn Anthony is launching his own non-profit corporation, the “Be About it Movement,” in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Vaughn Anthony provided an inspirational and encouraging message for youth to remain disciplined and focused on their sobriety.
As a special surprise for graduation, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor sent representatives to recognize the accomplishments of Montgomery County’s Drug Court youth. Assistant Senior Policy Advisors Angie Lee and Lisa Hayes presented all graduating youth with Certificates of Achievement signed by Governor Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Taylor. A special recognition was also presented to Judge Anthony Capizzi for his commitment to Drug Court and the youth of Montgomery County. The Resolution presented to Judge Capizzi from Governor Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Taylor recognizes his unwavering support of the Drug Court program.
The Montgomery County Juvenile Drug Court, led by Judge Anthony Capizzi, the Drug Court case managers and staff, and the families and friends of the youth in the program are commended for their work to make their community a safer place to live, work and raise a family.
Mike Garrett began his career with the Court 14 years ago as a Youth Leader in Detention Services. Throughout his tenure with the Court, Mike has served as a Youth Leader, Receiving Specialist, Court Service Officer, and a Traditional Probation Officer. He was promoted to a specialized Probation Officer with the Juvenile Cognitive Alternative Rehabilitation Effort supervising felony offenders and was later promoted to Probation Services Supervisor with the Resource Planning Program. Mike is extremely passionate about working with families, volunteers and the community. Mike received training from the University of Cincinnati on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 2008. He has over five years experience delivering and implementing CBT strategies into case management. Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a Master’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is happily married to his wife of ten years and has two daughters.
Updated: February 08 2018