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DENTON – The springtime breeze wafting through the windows of Courtroom 1 seemed to symbolize the theme of the hour-long ceremony taking place inside as three graduates celebrated the successful completion of an arduous journey – and a fresh start.
Mindy Delano, Joseph Lewis Jr. and Harvard Tracy III are the latest alumni of the Circuit Court for Caroline County Adult Drug Treatment Court, also known as Problem Solving Court. They received award certificates, medallions and bouquets during a 4 p.m. ceremony Friday, May 15, 2026, in the Circuit Court for Caroline County in Denton.
Circuit Court for Caroline County Administrative Judge Heather L. Price presided at the Class of 2026 ceremony that attracted about 75 people. The keynote speaker was Richard “Gray” Barton, Director of the Maryland Office of Problem-Solving Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts.
Members of the Problem-Solving Court team attended the ceremony, and 15 were recognized in the printed program. Also on hand were Caroline County State’s Attorney Sloane Franklin, Sheriff Donald Baker, Chief Deputy Captain Rodney Helmer, County Administrator Katheleen Freeman, County Attorney Stewart Barroll, Greensboro Police Chief Lenox Trams, judiciary and law enforcement officials and staff, Problem-Solving Court alumni, family members and friends.
Price said the presence of county officials was “very important, because I think it reflects the community's role in justice and recovery, and it offers an opportunity for all of us to deepen our understanding and strengthen our partnerships.”
Price explained the purpose of the special court. “Problem-Solving Court represents a unique and a different approach from the traditional criminal docket, unlike the typical court docket that focuses primarily on adjudication and punishment,” she said. “The Problem-Solving Court docket addresses the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, such as substance use disorders and mental health challenges and social instabilities. … It's a therapeutic team-based model that prioritizes healing, accountability and long-term success.”
Price introduced Barton, saying he “is widely respected for his dedication to transforming lives and strengthening communities through these courts.”
Barton began his remarks by crediting others for the success of the state’s Problem-Solving Courts.
“One of the things I'm most proud about is I didn't start any of this, but they all started on the local level,” he said. “They were all created there, and they are all sustained … on the local level. So I do appreciate that over the 24 years of being in this role, and another 12 years before that as a treatment provider, probation officer, and a local Problem-Solving Court coordinator. I can tell you very honestly that every single graduation is special, and every single graduate is very special.”
Barton acknowledged that the Problem-Solving Court is popularly called a “second-chance” program, “this may be your 12th, 20th , 200th (chance) maybe.”
“There's something very important about that, because recovery and accountability and rebuilding a life are rarely a straight line,” he said. “Most people stumble, most people fall, most people have moments where others stop believing in them, and sometimes where they stop believing in themselves. But what matters the most is not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up.”
“You showed up, you took accountability, you pushed through difficult days when quitting would have been easier, you kept moving forward when progress felt slow,” Barton said. “That is not weakness. That is strength.”
Barton affirmed the graduates had not so much reached the finish line, but built a firmer foundation for future chapters of their lives.
“To our graduates, I hope you are proud of yourselves today. You have earned this moment, not because you're perfect. You've earned it because you refused to give up. And sometimes the real power of second chances is not the number of chances that one receives, it is the moment they finally decide to take that chance seriously and build something better,” Barton said.
Price acknowledged that “graduating from the Problem-Solving Court is no small achievement.” The three graduates participated in over 700 drug tests, over 700 treatment sessions and over 100 hours of community service. “Today we honor those graduates who have met his challenges head-on and succeeded in reaching today's important milestone.”
Price introduced Mindy Delano, while Attorney Dana Boston introduced Lewis and Tracy, providing brief, inspiring biographical sketches, and describing the progress each made in achieving their goals. The graduates thanked their mentors for their guidance and support. Team members and attendees affirmed them with enthusiastic applause.
Price addressed the graduates with closing remarks. “Today is not only a celebration of completion, but also a gateway to fresh possibilities. You have demonstrated courage, commitment and resiliency on your journey, and as you return to the community, know that you carry not only the skills and support you gained here, but also the hope and belief of all of us.”
Price thanked each member of the team and congratulated team member and Sheriff’s Deputy Gordon Geesey, who recently retired. “Some of your out-of-box ideas and thoughtful approaches have enriched our program, and you helped bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community that we all serve, so thank you, Deputy Geesey,” she said.
Problem Solving Court Coordinator Michelle Bethke presented Price with a Governor’s Citation for moving the county’s program forward for the last four years.
After the ceremony a reception was held in the jury room adjoining the courtroom.
