The California Institution for Women (CIW) marked the academic and vocational education achievements of 49 incarcerated students.
On Friday, June 23, El Prado Adult School honored the graduating class of 2023. Out of the 49 graduates, 17 had previously paroled with high school equivalency or associate of arts degrees. The remaining students donned traditional black caps, gowns, and gold tassels for the ceremony.
Their smiles were shared and seen by the guests and staff alike, as this was the first commencement ceremony held since the pandemic without masks being required.
Graduates, guests, and staff received a welcome from Warden Jennifer Core.
She congratulated the graduates on their rehabilitative achievements. She also expressed appreciation to the guests who supported the graduates throughout their journeys.
The valedictory speaker shared her personal educational journey, saying consistency at CIW helped her reach her goals.
The consistency, she said, allowed the Valedictorian to focus on her education. Because of this, she received the highest GED score among the 2023 GED graduates.
Following the ceremony, the graduates, guests, and staff participated in a brief reception which included cake and punch made by the culinary department.
The El Prado Adult School later ended their day with an annual Education Celebration Assembly. There, 59 students received quarterly student awards.
The celebration provided an opportunity for academic teachers and Career Technical Education instructors to acknowledge the students who have demonstrated commitment to rehabilitation through education.
Each teacher was provided an opportunity to acknowledge select students for academic achievement, citizenship, and work ethic.
In a show of community and to conclude the day of rehabilitative celebration, school staff and students moved in unison to rhythms of a popular dance tune led by the Student Advisory Council.
By Lt. William Newborg, AA/PIO
California Institution for Women