California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco saw 144 students graduate education programs offered through Vista Del Rio Adult School.
During the April 3 ceremony, students earned 12 high school diplomas, 70 general education development (GED) diplomas, and 62 career technical education (CTE) certifications.
CTE completion certificates included electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), auto mechanics, plumbing, and computer related technology.
The graduation featured a presentation of colors by an Honor Guard comprising veterans from each of the major armed forces, original songs from local musicians, and inspirational speeches.
Speakers included:
- Warden Glen Pratt
- Associate Warden Hector Lopez
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor Art Anaya
- graduates David Cook and Fahad Nazir
- and Nina Thomas, Associate Superintendent, Office of Correctional Education.
The most inspirational moments occurred when a handheld microphone was passed to family members in attendance, who were invited to share which graduate they were showing support.
The look of pride on each graduate who stood when recognized by their family member and seeing all of the men move their tassels was encouraging.
Dr. Thomas noted in her speech the significance of such a large number of adult school students recognized in a single school year as a reflection of CRC’s dedication to CDCR’s mission of rehabilitation. It also represented the commitment to ensure all incarcerated persons have access to high quality rehabilitative programs.
Submitted by the Division of Rehabilitative Programs
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
CTF marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026 with a series of events held April 20-24.…
Watch: Franco finds Second Chance via mentor program
Maria Franco, formerly incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, was serving a 34-to-life sentence when she began…
Watch: At MCRP, Bernal finds Second Chance
Incarcerated at 19 years old, Steven Bernal doubted change was possible for him as he faced decades in prison. “I…
Undersecretary observes VR program at CMC
CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson visited California Men’s Colony (CMC) to observe the Creative Acts Virtual Reality (VR) Program. Johnson observed…
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…
CMC hosts annual Day for Atonement
California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo hosted its annual Day for Atonement event in the Protestant Chapel on…