WSP‑RC holds education graduation for 43 students

January 23, 2026

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) held an education graduation ceremony for Valley Rose Adult School students. In all, 43 incarcerated people earned GEDs, associate, or bachelor’s degrees during the Jan. 15 event.

Some of those attending included Region III Associate Superintendent Troy Tenhet, Region III Regional Health Care Executive Michael Whittaker, along with other WSP-RC executive and administrative staff.

M. Albarran, acting principal of WSP-RC’s school, said the ceremony consisted of 39 GED graduates and four college graduates earned their associate of arts degree. One student also earned his bachelor’s degree from Adams State University.

Graduation marks rehabilitation milestone

“It’s very important to celebrate the incarcerated persons who have earned their GED or college degree. It’s a huge milestone and another step in the right direction for the incarcerated persons graduating,” Albarran said.

Acting Warden Williams, WSP-RC, speaks at the graduation ceremony. — *Acting Warden A. Williams offers words of encouragement to the graduates.*

School staff, along with custody and administration, collaborated on this graduation. Acting Warden A. Williams was an enthusiastic supporter for this event. She wanted to ensure that incarcerated persons were celebrated for their hard work, so staff saw her vision through.

Several family members also attended the graduation ceremony, some traveling from as far as Iowa and Texas. This family support shows how important it was to celebrate the students.

The GEDs and college degrees are examples of the hard work and dedication from the graduates.

Education graduation ceremony with an incarcerated student speaking at WSP-RC. — *D. Riley, who earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees, speaks to his fellow graduates at WSP-RC.*

D. Riley, who earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees, spoke during the celebration. He welcomed those present, thanking everyone who made it possible. Riley also offered words of encouragement to the other graduates to keep pushing forward to prepare for when they reintegrate into society. Warden Williams, along with other staff, also spoke, congratulating the graduates and offering their own words of encouragement.

Submitted by Lt. F. Contreras