SARASOTA - It was a different kind of graduation ceremony Friday at the Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota.

About half a dozen graduates of Sarasota's DUI and Drug Court were honored for completing the county's intensive outpatient and alcohol treatment programs.

Program Director George Johnson says the successful candidates have much to be proud of.

The ceremony was held in celebration of National Drug Court Month.

The nation's first Drug Court was established in Miami in 1989.