Blue caps and gowns filled the room as the latest GEO Reentry Services graduation ceremony got underway at the Coeur d’Alene Connection and Intervention Station. Graduates like Martin Rice-Lambott and Jimmy Polson carefully adjusted their tassels, confirming the tradition—right side before, left side after—by searching on a phone. Small moments like these marked the significance of the day.
About twenty graduates sat with their families, listening as Douglas Miller from GEO Reentry Services spoke about the commitment it takes to not only work toward sobriety, but to build healthier lives. “Going through probation is not easy. Going through this program is not easy,” Miller said, acknowledging the challenges each graduate had faced.
The program, nearly nine months long, demands more than just time. With intensive treatment, cognitive behavioral treatment, and a focus on reshaping beliefs and decisions, the path to graduation isn’t simple. Each graduate completed rigorous requirements—staying clean, passing tests, and either finding employment or enrolling in school. “They do a lot to cross the finish line with their sobriety,” said area manager Evette Navedo, her pride unmistakable.
Elizabeth Lee’s name stood out for her commitment, both to herself and to supporting others. “I had a chance to recover my dignity and show that I can do this,” Lee said. Fresh from a job interview, she spoke of her excitement about new goals and the satisfaction of staying sober. Her words drew warm applause from the room.
208 Recovery North was honored for its partnership with the program, with Tess Reasor accepting the award. Reasor’s own recovery journey lent weight to her encouragement: “This is a turning point in your life. We want to be that safety net for you. This is a huge milestone; you all deserve a wonderful life.”
The journey wasn’t without unique hurdles. Kendra Larrabee-Davis welcomed a new baby while in the program, and Gabriel Vanditto, known for his ever-present smile, returned to the group just two weeks after a serious fall that left him with multiple broken bones. “This has changed my life completely,” Vanditto shared, a sentiment echoed by many.
Bryan Stern spoke on behalf of the graduates, reflecting on how probation once felt like just another obstacle in a difficult life. Shame and anger were replaced by purpose, as Stern and others discovered the importance of internal change and the power of building a support system. “The real change had to happen internally,” Stern said.
As the ceremony ended and tassels were moved to the left, the room was filled with a sense of accomplishment. The milestone was more than a graduation—it was a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that real change is possible.