Recovering Addicts Graduate From ABCD Ostiguy High School, An Added Step To Sobriety

BOSTON (CBS) -- A very unique group of students received a hand shake and heartfelt congratulation from Governor Charlie Baker on Friday.

"You are extraordinary," Governor Baker said.

All six graduates are from the Action For Boston Community Development or ABCD, and all of them have come a very long way.

"Hello  I am an addict recovery from the disease of addition and my name is  Melvin," graduate Melvin Matos said.

They're addiction recovery students and members of the ABCD William Ostiguy High School who have overcome their individual battles against substance abuse.

"We struggle and we fight but through all that we don't pick up," Melvin said.

The governor says in his continued efforts to tackle the statewide opioid crises its important to honor these students for their honesty and  bravery.

"I think what they have accomplished is hugely significant and they've been through something and fought their way out of that," Governor Baker said.

The governor say 1500 people in the state died last year to opioid cases. These students say this program saves kid's lives and helps bring families back together.

"I will stay clean and we need this. Graduates we made it but it's not over yet," Melvin said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports