Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Graduation at Iowa State Penitentiary

Jason Parrott
/
Tri States Public Radio

Ten inmates in the Iowa State Penitentiary can now call themselves high school graduates following a ceremony Dec. 19.

Assistant Warden Mark Roberts served as Master of Ceremonies for the event in the prison's visitation room.  He told the men that this is an opportunity of which they need to take advantage.

"Congratulations on what you have done because it is no small feat," said Roberts, "so continue on that road.  I encourage you to get where you need to go.  Be with the family members who are out there to support you and the multitude of people you have."

Shamaur Sims celebrated his graduation with a family member who supports him, his mother, Ronnica Henderson.  Henderson traveled from Chicago to Fort Madison to see her son graduate.

"I've pushed him for the last few years to go ahead and get his high school diploma," said Henderson.  "I told him education is important right now."
 

The graduates shift their tassels, making things official.

Sims understands what completing his high school equivalency diploma can do for him.

"It's very important," said Sims.  "I know this is something I am going to need in order to get places in life and do a lot of things."

Sims said he did not graduate from high school because he was locked up at age 16.  He said he did not have an opportunity to complete his diploma until he started serving a 25-year sentence in 2012 for robbery.

But now that it is done, Sims said he is looking at college, studying engineering perhaps.  This admission brought a big smile to his mother's face.

"Because that was one of the other conversations," said Henderson.  "He has other brothers and sisters who are all going to college now.  They are encouraging him to go to college at the same time, once he finishes this."

The graduation ceremony was the result of a partnership between the prison and Southeastern Community College.  It had a little bit of everything:  keynote speaker, caps & gowns, signs of celebration, and even cake and punch.

What it also had was words of encouragement from prison staff and of gratitude from the graduates.

Jose Jaramillo's speech during the ceremony epitomized that.  He looked out upon his mother, father and sister while addressing the crowd of about 50.

"I didn't get to graduate with my class when I was out, so I am very grateful I got to in here.  I would like to thank anyone who has showed me any knowledge about anything and I would like to thank my family for showing support during my time here.  Thank you."

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.