TASC Awards

Recognizing excellence within the Texas Specialty Court community.

Texas Association of Specialty Courts (TASC) builds and strengthens Texas specialty courts through collaboration, advocacy and education. The nonprofit organization was founded to:

Increase local and statewide political, media and community awareness of the existence and success of drug courts.
Support legislation authorizing funding for the operation of drug courts.
Provide support for jurisdictions wanting to establish drug courts.

The Board currently consists of eight (8) Executive Committee members and twelve (12) Directors. Board members are sworn in each year during our annual training conference.

The conference attracts criminal justice professionals associated with the specialty court field from all over the State of Texas that are interested in serious issues facing the community in the fields of mental health, social work, counseling, community corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, substance abuse and other related fields. The purpose of the conference is to serve as an avenue of networking, resources and training to create a forum for dialogue on current issues and to provide professional input in an organized manner to the Texas Legislature.

During the conference, TASC recognizes individuals and programs excelling in the Texas specialty court field with five (5) legacy awards.

Judge John C. Creuzot Award for Judicial Vision and Leadership

“For Courage, Vision and Conviction in the Justice System”

Judge Creuzot is a pioneer of drug courts in Texas playing a significant role in changing the courts of criminal justice in Texas. Judge Creuzot recognized the need to steer the Texas criminal justice system in a different direction by giving repeat drug offenders an opportunity to change in the face of great opposition. Ignoring criticism and a new nickname, “let'em go Creuzot,” Judge Creuzot demonstrated courage, vision, and conviction to the belief that drug courts were and evidence-based practice worthy of establishing in Texas.

Established in 2010, the Creuzot Award honors a Judge who demonstrates visionary leadership and courage used to further the ideal and concept of problem-solving courts.

Past recipients:

2024 – Judge Kelli Johnson

2023 – Judge Yolanda Huff

2022 – Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez

2021 – Judge Peter Sakai

2020 – Judge Robert Anchondo

2019 – Judge Ernie Glenn

2018 – Judge Oscar Jesus Hale, Jr.

2017 – Judge Rayburn "Rim" Nall

2016 – Judge Brent A. Carr

2015 – Judge Robert Francis

2014 – Judge Timothy L. Wright

2013 – Judge Paul White

2011 – Judge Al Alonzo

2010 – Hon. John C. Creuzot

Judge Ruben G. Reyes Outstanding Specialty Court Team Award

“For Effective Teamwork & Utilizing Best Practice Standards to Save Souls”

Judge Reyes is known for his passion and enthusiasm for specialty courts. To Judge Reyes, specialty courts are not only about saving lives but about saving souls. Anyone who ever heard one of Judge Reyes' presentations is familiar with his saying: Good intentions are not enough. The desire to help those addicted mandates the use of best practice standards – because the work of saving souls is too important.

And while the Judge may be the face of the specialty court, the Judge knows they must surround themselves with a great team. In fact, the specialty court idea is built on the team concept. An ineffective team results in an ineffective specialty court. Each team member contributes to the success of the specialty court.

This award, established in 2017, recognizes an outstanding specialty court team who epitomizes the idea that good intentions are not enough and reflects Judge Reyes' examples of passion and expertise.

Past recipients:

2024 – Bexar County Reflejo Court

2023 – Dallas County DIVERT Court

2022 – Midland County Adult Felony Drug Court

2021 – Tarrant County Mental Health Diversion Program

2020 – Bexar County Felony Drug Court (Judge Ernie Glenn)

2019 – Williamson County DWI/Drug Court Program

2018 – Bexar County Adult Drug Court (Judge Stolhandske's Court)

2017 – Hon. Ruben G. Reyes

Mary Covington Outstanding Specialty Court Team Member Award

“Demonstrating Passion for the Specialty Court Team, Client and Recovery”

This award was established in 2017 in honor of Mary Covington, a dedicated Specialty Court team member for 14 years. She has served as coordinator of several Specialty Court programs in Harris County and is a past president of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts. She is known for her passion of putting the client first and believes in recovery with her heart and soul. She promotes a positive attitude among her team and the clients.

Nominees for this award should go above and beyond to encourage a positive environment for the team and the court as a whole. They are seen as a support for clients while helping them truly believe that sobriety and recovery is obtainable for all.

Past recipients:

2024 – Jessica Lopez

2023 – Georgia Kimmey

2022 – Tania Vargas

2021 – Amy Montero

2020 – Sylvia Araiza

2019 – Veda Wright

2018 – Laura Peveto

2017 – Mary Covington

The Joel Bennett Recovery Award

“For Outstanding Commitment to Helping Those in the Recovery Community”

This award was established in 2010 to honor Judge Joel Bennett of Austin, Texas. In 2010, Judge Bennett was recognized by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as the longest active serving drug court Judge in the nation. Judge Bennett is committed to helping people obtain a clean and sober lifestyle.

The Joel Bennett Recovery Award is given to an individual who demonstrates devotion to recovery by living a life of sobriety and/or helping others to obtain such a life. The award recognizes the discipline and courage to lead a substance abuse free life and honors those who assist individuals in regaining control of their life such that they achieve their full potential as human beings. Award recipients may be a graduate of a problem-solving court program, a Case Manager, Probation Officer or a Counselor.

Past recipients:

2024 – Jessica Yeager

2023 – Faithe Bowen

2022 – Paterra Warren

2021 – RaDonna Clark

2020 – Javier Rene Soto

2019 – Keith H. Liles

2018 – Tiffany Rhymes

2017 – Courtney Young

2016 – Pam Leary

2015 – Carolyn Harmon

2014 – Michaelynn Baudoin

2013 – Roberto Ruiz

2011 – Leticia Medina

2010 – Joel Bennett

Rusty Ladd Scholarship Award

The Texas Association of Drug Court Professionals Board of Directors approved this award in 2011 to honor Judge Rusty Ladd. This award recognizes an individual on a drug court team committed to the many values possessed by Judge Ladd.

Judge Ladd was a well-respected jurist who demonstrated a unique and magnetic personality as he served his profession, community and others. The Rusty Ladd Scholarship Award will be bestowed to an individual on a drug court team who manifests like characteristics of Judge Ladd.

In awarding this scholarship, TASC recognizes an individual who exhibits the initiative to do charitable work, the courage and heart to reach out to others, and who imparts in people the hope that change is possible for a better life.

Past recipients:

2024 – Keith Liles

2023 – Ashlea White

2022 – Sara Michelle Barnett

2021 – Candace Ligon

2020 – Brad Clark

2019 – Justin Alexander

2018 – Trina Willis

2017 – Amy Brown

2016 – Linus Okahia

2015 – Eloy Fernandez

2014 – Mark Faust

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