Isothermal News

Nineteen inmates graduate with GEDs

SPINDALE (May 20, 2010) – Nineteen inmates at the Rutherford Correctional Center reached a milestone Thursday night when they received their GEDs from Isothermal Community College.

The program allows the inmates to complete their high school studies while detained. The aim is to provide a constructive educational experience for the inmates in hope that they will continue on a positive path when released.

The 2010 GED graduates from the Rutherford Correctional Center received their diplomas in a ceremony Thursday. This year’s graduates include Jesse R. Swafford (front, left to right), Gregory A. Campbell, Thomas M. Greene, Rodney Furr, Dane Plott, James D. Hale, Brandon J. Carson and Karleff M. Caldwell; Jeffery A. Smith (second row, left to right), Roger F. Shelton, George D. Turner, Michael J. Johnson Sr., Aaron M. Roberts, Derrick D. Harris, Milton S. Clark Jr. and Diavion Washington; and Kevin D. Smith (back row, left to right), Johnny B. Clark and Shika Sillah. 

“You only are given one life, spend it wisely,” said Rev. Billy Honeycutt, the director of missions at the Green River Baptist Association who spoke to the graduates at the ceremony in the Rutherford Correctional Center Chapel. Honeycutt also urged the graduates to continue their educations.

The 2010 graduates were Jesse R. Swafford, Gregory A. Campbell, Thomas M. Greene, Rodney Furr, Dane Plott, James D. Hale, Brandon J. Carson, Karleff M. Caldwell, Jeffery A. Smith, Roger F. Shelton, George D. Turner, Michael J. Johnson Sr., Aaron M. Roberts, Derrick D. Harris, Milton S. Clark Jr., Diavion Washington; and Kevin D. Smith, Johnny B. Clark and Shika Sillah. David Nunez graduated, but did not take part in the ceremony.

Thad Harrill, the college’s vice-president of Community and Workforce Education and Institutional Advancement, welcomed the students to the ceremony.

“We’re so proud of you and the dedication you have displayed in reaching this goal,” he said.

Amy Cooke, coordinator of the Adult High School/GED program, presented the candidates to Donna Hood, Isothermal’s dean of Continuing Education, who awarded the diplomas.

Judy Gordon, Basic Skills coordinator, led the small audience of family members in singing “America the Beautiful.” Music was provided by pianist Teresa Honeycutt. A reception with light refreshments for the graduating inmates and their families followed the ceremony.

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Mike Gavin
Director of Marketing and Community Relations
Isothermal Community College

828-286-3636, ext. 206