On Monday, May 12, 28 men and women graduated from Salt Lake Community College’s prison education program during a ceremony at the Utah State Correctional Facility.
Among these individuals, the degrees earned include Associate of Science Degrees in Anthropology, Business, Criminal Justice, General Studies, and Computer Science and Information Systems.
During her address, student speaker Maureen Wall encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to “do the hard thing.” She also had praise for the staff and instructors of the program.
“It’s because of people like you that we are able to correct our direction in life,” she added.
Student Speaker Philip Leishman spoke about dropping out of school in 9th grade on the second day of classes, calling it “the opening act to an all-too-common teen tragedy.” With his mom’s encouragement, he has used his time incarcerated to get his GED, a high school diploma and now a college degree.
“Even in what must be one of the darkest chapters in our lives, we have experienced a glorious illumination,” he told his fellow graduates. “This is a moment of triumph for all of us.”
Utah State Rep. Melissa Ballard addressed the group, noting that one of the first pieces of legislation she was behind was to permit those incarcerated to have opportunities for education as soon as possible.
“Education is the differentiator,” she noted. “You have the opportunity to continue to influence those who are here, in your family, your friends, and also the opportunity to determine what that means for you.”
Congratulations to those who earned their degree.