Inmates of the Neuse Correctional Institution received diplomas and certifications from Wayne Community College in a graduation ceremony held at the prison.
The individuals honored during the ceremony earned either High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas or Human Resources Development (HRD) certificates.
WCC Transitional Programs Instructor David McKeel handed the HSE diplomas to the four graduates, who were dressed in traditional caps and gowns for the ceremony. WCC HRD Instructor Andrew Rose gave out certificates to 14 individuals who completed the HRD certificate program.
The HSE graduates have been working toward earning their high school diplomas for three years, attending class at the institution Monday through Friday.
Their course of study included placement tests in math and reading and HiSET practice tests on the learned material, preparing them to pass the official exams required to earn their diploma.
Individuals who completed HRD certificates took courses three days a week over the span of four months. They worked on employability skills, such as how to fill out resumes and job applications and prepare for interviews, and also learned technology skills, such as keyboarding and computer basics.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Greg Singleton, commended the graduates for their accomplishments. As a reentry advocate, he congratulated the graduates for pursuing credentials that will lead to increased employment opportunities upon their release.
Singleton said the graduates were proving to be “overcomers” of past choices.
“Today is a good day and a showcase of accomplishments,” Singleton said.
WCC Director of Transitional Programs for College and Career Lynn Rabhan spoke during the ceremony about the dedicated effort of the graduates to pursue educational opportunities while incarcerated.
“These students have completed a major goal in their lives,” Rabhan said.
