Discipline and Commitment: Inmates Graduate with G.E.D. and Professional-Technical Certificates

BOISE, Idaho – On Thursday, March 26, inmates at the Idaho Correctional Center (ICC) marched into the assembly area to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" to receive their General Education Development certificates at the 2009 Spring Graduation. In addition to inmates who received their GEDs, inmates who had completed vocational/technical programs also received certification in carpentry, plumbing, commercial cleaning, software applications and Braille Transcriptionist Certification from the Library of Congress. The gathering included family members of the inmates, representatives from the Idaho Department of Correction, University of Idaho, Boise State University, and the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

"What a great day!" exclaimed ICC's Assistant Warden of Support, Joel V. Young. "We want to honor these individuals for their accomplishments." Mr. Young also introduced the guest speaker, Viliami Tuivai, the director of football operations at Boise State University.

"I grew up in Pomona California—a 'hood' town," explained Mr. Tuivai. "It is only because of parents and teachers like yours that I stand here today." He encouraged the graduates to "have the audacity to dream".

"When you choose to change your life, things get better. Develop the good old-fashioned American work ethic," entreated Mr. Tuivai. "Discipline, commitment, simple respect; treat others better than you would treat yourself. It's easy to blame someone else for your problems. Have a great attitude, regardless. When you start something, finish it."

"You can't live your life the way others see you," continued Mr. Tuivai, "but the way you see yourself. Character is defined as doing what you do as if others are watching. There are no gray areas—only right and wrong."

Mr. Tuivai concluded by saying, "People will tell you that you can't succeed. If you believe them, you won't succeed."

In addition to the guest speaker, one graduate from the academic program and one graduate from the vocational program gave a short address to their fellow graduates. "This ceremony is very important to us," stated Robert Carl, GED graduate. "We know that if we choose to continue learning, we can learn all around us."

Vocational graduate Robert Hymas said, "Education inspires us to success. An educator is an honorable position to hold in society, and they don't get enough credit."

After the graduates received their certificates, Shannon Cluney, deputy warden of operations for the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), addressed the graduates.

"When I began working in corrections as a correctional officer in 1987," stated Mr. Cluney, "it was just a job, not a career. Twenty-two years later, I had a change in focus and here I am. Today, Corrections has changed for the better. IDOC and ICC have made it their mission to provide offenders the opportunity to change. It is important that you successfully completed the coursework and you now have another tool in your toolbox. Where this milestone ranks in your life is up to you. Seize the moment and congratulate yourself for a job well done. Congratulations! You deserve it."

The 2009 Spring Graduation ceremony was closed by ICC Assistant Warden Joel Young, who thanked all of the ICC staff for their support and encouragement in helping the graduates reach this milestone. After asking the family members to stand, Mr. Young stated, "These family members are your support group. It takes a team to succeed."

The Idaho Correctional Center strives to offer programs to offenders that will provide them with the skills they will need when they return to the community. In addition, ICC strives to be a strong community partner, working closely with other community agencies to develop programs that will benefit both the facility and the community.

The Idaho Correctional Center is a 1525-bed medium security facility located south of Boise and operated by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). The facility opened in 2000 and is operated under contract with and oversight of the Idaho Department of Correction. CCA currently operates 64 facilities, including 42 that are company-owned, with a total design capacity of approximately 81,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.