As Interlink’s President/CEO Wayne Creighton opened Interlink’s thirty-first graduation with an emotional prayer of thanks and love, the mood was set for all.

Twenty-two soon-to-be graduates of Harmony House proudly walked through the door of the banquet hall and was met  with applause from their friends and family, ready to meet life’s challenges as new men, free from the bondage of addiction. Interlink’s Color Guard presented the colors flawlessly with sharp precision and accuracy, which led into Denise Reed singing the National Anthem, filling the crowd with a sense of patriotic pride that could be felt throughout the entire room.

A video presentation was viewed, showing past graduating classes along with pictures of the current class’s activities.

The evening’s guest speaker, Joe Niekirk, gave a brief history of his early days of addiction and the insanity that ensued. At the age of 33 Joe found himself hopelessly addicted to crack cocaine and after Several attempts at sobriety he turned his life over to God.  Since then he has committed his life to serving the Recovery Community.  He served as founding director of Chad’s Hope a 50 bed facility located in Clay County, KY. He has also consulted with the founding of the Oasis Recovery Center located in Somerset, Ky. Currently he is acting Executive Director at Interlink’s new Alternative Recovery Center (ARC) located in Campbellsville, Ky. Joe is married and the father of two sons, Joseph 29 United States Air Force, Jacob 24.  Mr. Neikirk is a 1978 graduate of the University of Kentucky with BA in Business Administration.  He holds a Masters and Thm. from Asbury Seminary.  He is also a licensed state certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. (CADC)

Harmony House Ambassador Kenny Y. sang a riviting song that had the entire house clapping for more.

John H., Harmony House’s Ambassador speaker, gave a moving testimonial of the death of his wife and son and how his life spiraled out of control. From owning a home to living homeless in the woods. He went on to say that the bonds he forged while at Harmony House and the tools of recovery he acquired has helped him remain clean and sober. He has since began his own business hand-crafting canes and walking staffs that showcase an individuals life accomplishments in a unique way.

The Eagle Award, an award chosen by the graduates themselves to give to one of the men of their class who showed kindness and support throughout, was a gentlemen named Fred J., who then gave a speech of thanks to the award. Also receiving the Bill W. award for his distinguished service to Harmony House clients was Fred G.

The Primary Counselors took the podium to announce each graduate, noting a few of their challenging moments as well as citing goals and objectives they each had accomplished. Several of the graduates gave a brief testimonial of how Harmony House, the counselors and their peers have helped them and what is in store for them next.

Wayne Creighton ended the graduation with a magnificent speech of encouragement and hope for the graduates; stating as he began to choke up from the sheer emotion, “my philosophy, of being clean and sober for over 20 years, is if you’re not willing to give away what you have, then you’re not going to get to keep it”. Mr. Creighton requested a moment of silence to recognize those still suffering from addictons. The last prayer of the evening followed, a prayer of blessing and protection. Then, among much applause, Mr. Creighton presented the thirty-first graduating class to the audience.

The graduation ceremony was followed by cake and light refreshments.