MP Correctional Facility inmates earn high school diploma equivalency

The Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility celebrated inmates who earned a high school diploma equivalency with a traditional graduation ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 25.

Fourteen incarcerated individuals marched down the aisle to the traditional graduation song 'Pomp and Circumstance,” while family members beamed with pride during a graduation ceremony for inmates who completed the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Fifteen returning citizens were also recognized for completing the HiSET but were not present at the ceremony.

'At my sentencing, I heard there goes my future,” inmate Lavan Brandt Jr. said during the ceremony. 'I viewed the HiSET as a way to turn a negative situation into a positive opportunity. The teachers here have restored my faith in myself.”

The HiSET is designed to reflect the top 60 percent of what high school graduates would learn in high school. To earn the HiSET, students take classes, score well on a free practice test, take an official practice test and then pass the final HiSET test.

The HiSET covers five subjects. The average score on the HiSET is 45. The correctional facility's graduating class last week averaged a score of 78, said Kerry Murray, education coordinator at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility.

The highest cumulative score for one incarcerated individual was 96, Murray said.

Warden Jay Nelson opened the ceremony Thursday with words of congratulations. 'This is a good day,” Nelson said. 'A diploma is more than proof of completion. It's a symbol of hard work and perseverance. Be proud of your accomplishments as we are of you.”

Inmates who complete their high school diploma equivalency are less likely to return to prison, HiSET instructor Sarah Raymond said. Their children are more likely to complete their high school education, they are healthier, and they are less likely to get into trouble.

'Graduates, regardless of your past, this is an opportunity to thrive in your future and your families future,” Raymond said.

Lead HiSET instructor and life skills coach Jolene Cox had each student in her class at one time or another. There were moments the instructors wanted to 'kick your butt when you wanted to quit,” Cox said to the graduates. 'This is one step forward in a glorious life for you.”

Before Southeastern Community College president Dr. Michael Ash awarded HiSET certificates, he said that graduation is always an exciting time for him and congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments.

'You made some bad choices, but you've rectified those now,” Ash said, advising them to prepare for their release from prison, so they're ready for the next step in their education or career.

'I encourage you from the bottom of my heart to take that next step. You have endured probably one of the most difficult aspects of education. Keep pressing forward,” Ash said.

Each inmate had the chance to say a few words at the ceremony. Many inmates recognized the regret they have in dropping out of high school but stood proud of themselves for their accomplishments today.

Derek Kacher dropped out of high school at 16 years old. While he described a successful career, he said he always seemed to hit a brick wall.

'People can only get so far in life without a diploma,” Kacher said. 'It feels good completing something no one can take away.”

'Growing up, I didn't think education was important,” Sebastian Perales said. 'Now I know the importance of school and what it can do for you. The teachers pushed and believed in me even when I didn't.”

John Peterson Jr. plans on getting a coaching license to coach kids in high school and pursuing a welding degree now that he has his HiSET diploma.

Takoda Henderson said he thought his life was over when he came to prison. Now, he plans to further his education and get a degree in culinary arts.

Austin Stanbro said through the HiSET program, he proved to himself that he is bright enough to do anything he sets his mind to. 'I don't need to set limits for myself,” Stanbro said.

'I thought coming to prison would be an all-bad experience. Earning my HiSET is the first great accomplishment in my life,” Jesse Sparks said.