Where we are going is better than we are have been. We should be better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better nephews. We set bigger dreams, we set bigger goals. When we believe, then nothing is impossible.”

Windy Meadows Graduate

Both the Technical Diploma and the Associate Degree are very challenging programs. The Windy Meadows Students really did a great job staying focused, putting in the time and effort needed to be successful. Our faculty continue to tell me that the students are some of the most hard working and engaged students they get to teach.”

Schauna Rasmussen, Dean of Early College and Workforce Strategy at Madison College

The Windy Meadow School in the Stanley Correctional Institution held a graduation ceremony for thirty-seven graduates on October 20th. The graduates received their GED, High School Equivalency Diploma, Custodial or Welding degree, or graduated from Madison College. The Stanley Correctional Institution offers the inmates, who the Department of Corrections refers to as PIOCs or “persons in our care,” college and vocational programs that are all certified through the Chippewa Valley Technical College and Madison Area Technical College and include, Welding, Microsoft Office Associate, Computer Aided Drafting Operator, and a Certified Production Technician course. Since 2021, the Stanley Correctional Institution and Windy Meadows School has been a partner site of Madison College where students participate in the Small Business Entrepreneurship Technical Diploma and/or Associate Degree utilizing Pell dollars from federal financial aid. Schauna Rasmussen, Dean of Early College and Workforce Strategy at Madison College is proud of the Windy Meadows graduates.

 “Both the Technical Diploma and the Associate Degree are very challenging programs. The Windy Meadows Students really did a great job staying focused, putting in the time and effort needed to be successful. Our faculty continue to tell me that the students are some of the most hard working and engaged students they get to teach,” she said.

Twenty-five of the thirty-seven inmates graduated from the PAWS program, a vocational program where they earn a certification as a dog trainer through the Chippewa Valley Technical College. The PAWS program began at the Stanley Correctional Institution in 2016 with the design to train service dogs for people with diverse medical conditions.

The event held in the visiting area was well attended by family members, educational staff and those who have supported the PIOCs on their journey to success. The event consisted of a Presentation of Colors from the Color Guard of the SCI Veteran’s Wing, six speeches, and a musical performance by seven PIOCs.

SCI Education Director Gerald Van Ert remarked on the challenges and hurdles that the prison has faced to get to where they are today. As Van Ert welcomed the families, friends, and honored guests, he addressed the graduates. “We are proud of your accomplishments,” he told them and added that he is especially proud of the PAWS program. He commented, “I have a special place in my heart for them. The work you do goes all over the community in so many ways.”

Warden Chris Buesgen, Senator Jesse James, and State Representative Karen Hurd all spoke at the full event and shared their hopes for the graduates’ futures.

Warden Chris Buesgen asked for a round of applause for the staff as he drew attention to their hard work. “They have done a remarkable job,” he stated. He looked to the PIOCs and spoke on the challenges they have faced over the last few years. “You will face many more, but this is just the beginning. Continue to take adversity head on.”

Senator James stated that while he personally knew many of the PIOCs, they may think that he always “has it all together,” but he doesn’t.

 “At one point in my life I could be where you are at,” mentioned Senator James as he described his own battle with drugs, crime, and alcohol. He continued, “I’ve been afforded opportunities just like you all are. When you take advantage of the opportunities afforded you, it will make you a better person.”

He said that he never forgets where he came from or what he’s been through and he told the graduates, “Once you get to walk out of that fence for the last time, you get to be with your families.” He added that they can then become valuable community members.

“Well done. We recognize you,” State Representative Hurd expressed her well wishes to the graduates. She continued to share that she looks forward to the day that the graduates take the skills that they have learned and use them to succeed.

 “You are part of Wisconsin’s future,” she said as she looked over the graduating classes. “Thank you. Well done and congratulations.”

Two of the graduating PIOCs addressed their fellow classmates to share how the entire experience has changed their lives for the better. Neither graduate made light of their past mistakes but rather commented on how their past doesn’t need to determine their future. “Today proves that we are better than our circumstances,” the general education graduate said. He remarked that they need to rise from their past and embrace their new life ahead.

“Where we are going is better than we are have been. We should be better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better nephews.” He added, “We set bigger dreams, we set bigger goals. When we believe, then nothing is impossible.”

The second speaker for vocational courses discussed his thoughts on the power of a name and how it dictates how others view you.

“A name is how we are known.” He shared that it is his belief that a reputation is everything and while a reputation can go before someone, it can also linger long after someone is gone. “Maybe we will be seen as something different,” he hoped.

He questioned his classmates, “We have boundless potential. How do we show them there is far more we are capable of?”

He answered, “We let those who doubt us see our success.” After the speeches, the graduates proudly stood and received their diplomas to the applause of the crowd, along with well-wishes from the educators and staff who supported them in their determination to accomplish their academic goals. At the end of the ceremony seven PIOCs showcased an impressive musical performance to commemorate the emotion of the journey the graduates had taken and their hard work. Smiles lined every face as graduates, family members, and educational supporters celebrated with refreshments and offered their congratulations.