Recent graduates from Aloha House residential substance abuse treatment program participated in a graduation ceremony held September 12th at Paia Community Center.

Graduates’ friends and family members joined the festivities to honor their loved ones’ accomplishments as graduates celebrated their successful completion of the program.  The ceremony recognized the 131 participants who completed the program between December 10, 2018 and July 10, 2019.

Retired Second Circuit Court Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza served as key note speaker. He left the graduates with two words to remember to ensure their success: “Practice and hope. Practice the things they taught you, and never give up hope,” said Judge Cardoza.

Maui Fernandez, a 1999 graduate of the program, also addressed the group, strongly encouraging them in their continued efforts to remain sober.  “Remember the steps they talk about in treatment. I still do those steps today to stay sober. And if I can do it, you can do it.”

The event included the presentation of graduation certificates to those in attendance and a dinner prepared by the Aloha House Residential Campus kitchen staff.