SCI Pine Grove held its inmate graduation ceremonies on July 31. The guest speaker was Derrick Johnson, who was released from Pine Grove on April 15, 2018. Johnson is a 51-year-old Philadelphia native, and a once multi-state offender who is now a property owner, landlord and executive chef.
A total of 28 inmates graduated with a variety of diplomas and certifications: seven inmates graduated with a GED; 14 inmates graduated with a Commonwealth Secondary Diploma; one inmate graduated with a Barber's License; one inmate graduated with a Building & Custodial Maintenance Degree; four inmates graduated with Carpentry Degrees; and one inmate graduated with a HVAC Degree.
Johnson's bio in his own words: "Derrick Johnson, a 51-year-old Philadelphia native is no stranger to the legal system. A multi-state offender with arrests and incarcerations in PA, NJ, and Maryland, was once of the mindset like many. What is that mindset? – That my color and record wouldn't allow me to go far in life and obtain anything tangible through legal means! That was my Achilles heel, an impediment placed in my own life that far outweighed the truth! Being a product from goods schools, and a good family wasn't enough to keep me from the allure of the streets. My crimes were not committed because of being financially deprived, I broke the law because it was made to seem like the in thing to do. I have come a long way since then, and have decided to use my powers of influence towards the good. Since my release from Pine Grove 4/2018, I have become a property owner, landlord, an Executive Chef, and a found of a program currently under review by the city of Johnstown. All of this achieved in a year. Can't wait to see what the following year brings. If you could feel my determination, and drive, you would be on pins and needles waiting to see what I would achieve next. All I can say is stay tuned, I am just warming up. Who would've ever thought that doing good would be so easy and fun."