Ironwood State Prison leadership and staff donated four bikes to a local school while also attending their end-of-year assembly.
The June 7 assembly saw multiple Ironwood employees attending.
The prison’s honorary adopted school, Felix J. Appleby Elementary, was thankful for the donation. Ironwood State Prison donates four bikes every year as part of an incentive program. Students with perfect attendance or who have no office referrals, are then entered into the drawing. Eligible students can be in any grade level, from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade.
Prison leadership and staff included:
- Ironwood State Prison Warden Neil McDowell
- Chief Deputy Warden (A) Andre Green
- Facility Captain Yolanda Rojas
- Correctional Counselor III Jacquelyn Hernandez, Division of Rehabilitative Programs
- Community Resources Manager Carey Ochs
- and Administrative Assistant/Public Information Officer Chelsi Whalen.
Also attending were ISP Employees’ Association (EA) members:
- President Candelaria Sanchez
- Vice-President Franchesca Short
- Secretary Michelle Cota
- as well as Board Members Gabriella Rascon and Alyssa Gonzalez.
To purchase the bicycles, the employees’ association holds fundraisers throughout the year.
They also work closely with the school’s Dropout Prevention Liaison to offer these types of incentives for students. Additionally, the partnership promotes a positive relationship between law enforcement and community youth.
“This would not be possible without the amazing staff at ISP. We are truly appreciative and proud to be a part of the ISP family,” said prison organizers.
Submitted by Lt. Chelsi Whalen