On Oct. 26, SCI Waymart celebrated educational achievements of both academic and vocational students. The graduates received tremendous support from Central Office as Bureau of Reentry Director Daniel McIntyre and Education Chief Terri Fazio offered encouraging words and fascinating statistics on how recidivism drastically decreases as one's educational level increases. Supt. Mark Wahl and Principal Michelle Lipko challenged the graduates to be kind, work hard, learn from their mistakes, and strive to be lifelong learners. ABE Teacher Ms. Andrews read a poem while the Deacon Matt Lorent and Rabbi Joseph Kolakowski gave the invocation and benediction. Teachers were acknowledged by student speakers as being patient and motivational, and student speakers also recognized the importance of prioritizing one's education.
Some family and friends of the graduates traveled hours to witness their loved ones receive a diploma! Special guests included Inside Out students and their professor from Keystone College. Certified Peer Specialists, housing unit tutors, teacher aides, and library workers attended to show their support and were recognized as being instrumental in student progress. Restaurant Trades students made delicious homemade pizza and cookies that were enjoyed by all after the ceremony.
This graduation ceremony gave witness to the fact that when students with various backgrounds and mental health levels receive multi-tiered support and when staff collaborates, there is no limit to learning.
While 51 were recognized, only 22 were in attendance, with the five who earned Commonwealth Secondary Diplomas wearing black gowns and the other 17 who earned vocational certificates wore yellow. Vocational graduates earned certifications in ServSafe, Culinary Arts, Retail Commercial Baking, Carpentry, Constructions Sites Safety Orientation and Business Information Processing.