Celebrating Resilience: Four Graduates Honored at Codington County Treatment Court

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Codington County Treatment Court on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, celebrated the graduation of its 65th through 68th participants. The ceremony, held during the court’s regular Session, highlighted the transformative journeys of Ashley Fentiman, Aaron Orris, Shantelle Hart, and Harmony Likens.

Presided over by the Honorable Carmen Means, the ceremony emphasized the program’s focus on accountability, recovery, and the powerful motivation provided by parenthood.

A Standard of Excellence

The ceremony began with special recognition for Ashley Fentiman, who graduated with the rare distinction of wearing both gold and purple cords. The gold cord signifies completing the entire program without a single formal sanction. In contrast, the purple cord represents a perfect record of negative drug screenings throughout her time in the program.

Fentiman, who celebrated 966 days of sobriety, shared her gratitude for the program. “I have finally become more reliable and calm,” she said. “I have passion and hope, but more importantly, I’m sober and do not feel like I am missing out on anything anymore.” Her partner, Nathan Howard, noted that her evolution from addiction to a thriving mother and professional has been “striking.”

Overcoming the “Monster of Addiction”

Aaron Orris was introduced by his partner, Alex Remley, who described his journey from a “wild card” fighting an uphill battle to a committed father and professional. Orris reached a milestone of 500 sober days and completed 100 hours of community service by helping improve the city of Clark through construction and shingling projects.

“I figured I would give it a shot if it meant not having to go to prison again,” Orris admitted. “Once I got the hang of it and started getting some sobriety under my belt, things started to get easier.”

Finding Confidence and Community

Shantelle Hart was celebrated for her 421 days of sobriety and her newfound professional success. Her son, Cole Roland, expressed his pride in her determination. Hart noted that the program taught her she is “never alone in this world of addiction” and helped her regain the trust of her loved ones.

Harmony Likens, the program’s 68th graduate, was introduced by her sister, Tiara Eckman. Likens spoke candidly about entering the program with fear and shame.

“Drug court treatment didn’t just help me stop using, it helped me start living,” Likens said. She highlighted the importance of being a role model for her three-year-old son, Maverick, stating that her sobriety is now “about showing up for the future.”

A Team Effort

Court Services Officer Paula Group introduced the treatment team, which includes representatives from the State’s Attorney’s Office, Human Service Agency, Watertown Police Department, and the Codington County Sheriff’s Office.

“This graduation doesn’t mean life will suddenly be perfect,” Likens reminded her fellow graduates. “But today proves we are capable of facing challenges sober, accountable, and supported.”