From GEDs to bachelor's degrees, young people at Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities across Washington state were celebrated for reaching educational milestones that will help them in future education and employment.
This week, Green Hill staff joined families and educators to celebrate six young people who earned their Associates of Arts and two young men earning their Bachelor of Applied Science in Management from Centralia College.
“Education is more than books; it is gaining the tools for your future,” said one college graduate from Green Hill. “Your past does not decide where you go, and people change so let’s celebrate who we become.”
During the ceremony, family, staff, and young people alike cheered on the graduates and shed some tears during the speeches. The ceremony had interpreters to make sure all in attendance could participate in the momentous occasion. Family members who needed Spanish language interpretation were given headsets to receive the translation. One grandfather traveled from Mexico to watch his grandson receive a diploma.
“Ten years ago, a degree was not on my mind,” said one graduate. “I have been doing the work and now I am the first grandchild to get a college degree.”
This year, at least 10 young people passed the GED across JR facilities, including Echo Glen.
A few young people at community facilities also earned their high school diplomas and able to attend graduation ceremonies with their peers including one young man who spoke at his graduation.
Green Hill School also recently celebrated three young men who completed the required 1,000 hours and 200 haircuts to graduate from the Evergreen Beauty College. One young man also passed his state board exams to become a licensed barber in the future.