Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series focusing on the Ray County Drug Court program, which offers an alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use. Part one explores the court’s history, funding structure and treatment philosophy, as well as the collaborative team behind its success. The second in the series will share personal reflections and recovery stories from the 38th graduating class. The path to recovery is never easy, but for four individuals who crossed the finish line of the Ray County Treatment Court, the end of one journey marked the beginning of another. “Today marks the 38th graduating class of the Ray County drug court program,” said Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin L. Walden. “This program began in January of 2005 and this group today is the 38th graduating class. With these four graduates, we’re now up to 196 graduates of this program.” Walden welcomed a crowd of friends, family and supporters during the…