PENDLETON Eleven drug addicts will stand before a judge again soon, but this time around, they will find only praise.

The seven men and four women will graduate from Umatilla County Drug Court at 2 p.m. Monday at the Red Lion. The public is invited.

About nine months ago, the graduates started one of the most challenging journeys of their lives. The court provided structure and rules to live by.

Participants navigate four stages of treatment and responsibility. They attend rehab, undergo regular drug testing, touch base with the judge each week and meet with savvy drug counselors who keep them honest. Umatilla County started the program in 2006. This latest class will join 88 previous graduates.

Speaking at the ceremony will be Richard Jenson, a former drug addict who found methamphetamine while working on a fishing boat in Alaskas Bering Sea. Jensons life spiraled into the toilet as he spent years in and out of prison. Jenson will talk about detaching himself from drugs and how he managed to join a college wrestling team at age 36 and battle his way to the national championships.

The graduates will celebrate with cake after the ceremony.