SCI Waymart's Education Department sponsored an essay contest in order to promote writing skills and reflection during this challenging time. The contest's theme was, "COVID in Corrections: Unexpected Peace in a Pandemic."
The essays needed to contain specifics about how participation in programming, employment, and/or education during incarceration would enable the writer to promote peace in his community as a reentrant. All were invited to participate. Prizes of commissary credit were awarded to the winners.
Twenty-two inmates from 16 housing units participated. Entries were judged by the guidance counselor, librarian, RLA teacher, business teacher and principal. Many of the essays complimented the Waymart staff for promoting safety and calmness during this uncertain time. One of the winning essays noted that COVID actually increased the bond between him and his loved ones as each party could understand how each other were feeling from COVID restrictions.
Many others noted that having no COVID cases amongst the inmates here provided a great sense of comfort to loved ones at home. Entrants that were CPS workers attributed the skills learned during their training to their ability to establish internal peace and promote it on their housing units and eventually in their outside communities.
Another contest will be held before the end of the year.