“They have overcome massive obstacles and are using their talents to better their lives. At Chippewa Valley Technical College we’re extremely proud of them. There are a lot of folks that want to see them succeed”

Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President of Chippewa Valley Technical College

Windy Meadows School of the Stanley Correctional Institution held two graduation ceremonies on Friday, April 14^th to celebrate the success of their upcoming graduates.  The first was for those obtaining their GED or High School Equivalency Diploma and the second was for those graduating from college and vocational programs, including Microsoft Office Associate, Welding, Computer Aided Drafting, and a Certified Production Technician course. With Chippewa Valley Technical College certifying the vocational programs, Gerald Van Ert, SCI Education Director, commented his appreciation that the Stanley Correctional Institution was able to maintain classrooms and keep the school open throughout the year to benefit the inmates, at a time when so many other schools struggle.

The excitement in the visiting room of the Stanley Correctional Institution was visible as the families, staff and attendees anxiously waited for the ceremony to begin. After the presentation of colors, Gerald Van Ert addressed the graduates, families, office staff, building security and education staff in attendance. “I like to define courage as stepping out of your comfort zone. I look at these gentlemen, I look at that comfort zone. You overcame your perceived hurdles and your perceived limits.” He continued, “Courage and achievement are two things this class has had.” Referring to himself and the staff, he added, “We all believed in you.”

Inmate speaker, Michael Brookins spoke in his speech of the hurdles and challenges himself and the other inmates faced on their educational journey to graduation. He addressed his fellow graduates from the heart. “I’m glad to see that you didn’t waste your time here.” He then went on to thank his mother for believing in him. “For my mother, for never giving up on me, this is for you.”

Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President of Chippewa Valley Technical College and the first female President of Chippewa Valley Technical College, was in attendance at the morning ceremony to show her support of the graduates.  Speaking of the graduates, she began, “They have overcome massive obstacles and are using their talents to better their lives. At Chippewa Valley Technical College we’re extremely proud of them. There are a lot of folks that want to see them succeed,” she remarked.

In the afternoon ceremony, family members beamed with pride, joy and a few cheers as the graduates from the vocational programs entered walking in the processional. Dr. Leslie Petty, Dean of the School of Academic Advancement at Madison College, where some of the graduates obtained their degrees, gave a moving speech to the attendees, detailing her own fortitude in her career. She said, “Education was the key that would take me on the path to endless opportunities. It was the knowledge and skills I gained that made the difference.” Referencing the inmates’ personal struggles, she continued, “The struggle in life brought you to where you are today. You have the power to make a difference, not only in your life but in those around you today. You have taken an important step to a brighter future.  I encourage you to pursue your personal growth. You’re defined by the choices you make today and everyday going forward.” She cited education and the support of loved ones as a large component of success. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have. Education transforms our lives,” she explained. “Without the support of your loved ones, you would not be here today.”

Jack Jordan, a graduate on the Dean’s List and National Honor Society, addressed his graduating class, explaining that the choices they made affected their present but does not have to define their future. “Choices do have consequences,” he said, getting emotional. “We have a choice. Now comes the turning point. We can choose to remake, rebuild, and reset our lives.  We can choose not to be defined by our circumstances. We have the power of choice.” Jordan added, “Through the hard work and support of others, I’ve been able to accomplish much.” He spoke of his fellow graduates, “I’m proud of these men and proud to be among them.”

Martell Rogers, another graduating inmate speaker, also addressed the room despite a struggle with a wayward tassel. Quoting Philippians 2:3,4 he began, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Thanking his teachers, he went on, “There are some who don’t believe in redemption for those in our circumstances. We have the power to be what we want based on what we do, how we act, how we respond. Every choice counts. Who we are cannot be determined by our past.  Who we are can only be found in our moral compass and the values we stand on today. We are capable of kindness.” He continued,” If we want to change the minds of others, we have to start with our own self-awareness. I encourage you to challenge yourself and take one step at a time. Dare to be the positive influence.”

Megan Anger, Guidance Counselor, and Van Ert then presented the graduates while the staff congratulated them. As the inmates shook the hands of the education staff, the pride in their accomplishment was apparent. You could feel their relief as they switched their tassels signifying their graduation and their hope of the future.