Stanley Correctional Institution graduates see education as key to their future
By Joanne Curry
A ceremony and lunch in the Stanley Correctional Institution visiting
room celebrated the achievement of two GED (general equivalency diploma)
recipients, 13 HSED (high school equivalency diploma) recipients, and
18 technical college vocational graduates. Forty offenders have completed
education programs since the June graduation ceremony, but some graduates
have been transferred to other institutions and were unable to attend
the October (2005) ceremony. Teachers at the institution are members
of WEAC Council #1.
 |
| Heriberto Gonzalez says he is proud of his Chippewa Valley Technical
College diploma. |
Sixteen friends and family members of graduates attended and smiled
proudly as the graduates accepted their certificates.
Mr. Richard Taylor, the new deputy warden, was attended part of the
ceremony before leaving to attend a prior commitment. The keynote speaker
was Joe Hegge, vice president of education at Chippewa Valley Technical
College. Hegge built on the famous quotation the graduates had chosen
for the program: "The best way to predict your future is to create
it."
The quote is by Stephen Covey, who developed the book and lecture series
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Hegge pointed
out that Covey is also known for the quote "Sharpen your own saw,"
which means each person should take responsibility for his or her own
education, career, and path in life.
Hegge reminded the graduates of the importance of continuing their
education beyond their current level. He cited statistics about upcoming
changes in the job market as approximately 76 million American baby
boomers retire in the next 20 years, creating a critical need for well-educated
workers to replace them. Only 48 million younger workers will be available
to replace these workers. This fact predicts a great job market for
the graduates who will be returning to the community over the next few
years.
Beyond the prospects for better employment are also prospects for better
lives. The graduate speakers, Heriberto Gonzalez and Lionel Carruthers,
were two strong students selected by the education staff for their willingness
to work hard, overcome challenges, and communicate with humor and good
will.
Gonzalez said he is proud of his Chippewa Valley Technical College
diploma in custodial services because it helps him show the young people
he knows that much can be accomplished in the sometimes harsh environment
of prison. He mentioned that in the environment in which he grew up,
people rarely graduated from high school.
Carruthers said, "I have used my time in prison to rebuild my
life. I feel like this diploma has given me my life back. I used to
think of life as a game of chance. Every day was a day of getting as
much money as I could. Here at Stanley I took a parenting class where
I learned how to be a better father. My mother passed away last year.
I promised her and my kids that I would change my life. Education is
the key to my future and to my dreams of becoming a productive adult."
Posted November 18, 2005
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