GRADUATION FOR 15 INMATES AT HĀLAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY WHO EARNED GED/HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMAS
HONOLULU — The Hālawa Correctional Facility (HCF) hosted a graduation ceremony Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at the facility’s Learning Center. Fifteen inmates earned their General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency diploma while in custody at the facility.
Donned in a black graduation cap and gown, Dravin Akui proudly said, “Today was big for me. It was good. It was amazing.”
“I put a lot of work and effort into this,” said Akui, 23, adding that earning his GED has motivated him to continue his education. “This makes me feel really good. It really does. It makes me feel like I can do so much good in my life.”
More than 30 people including graduates, their loved ones and honored guests attended the graduation. The event theme was “Success Against All Odds.”
Friday’s graduation is the facility’s second GED/High School Equivalency graduation. The first was in September 2023 where 10 inmates earned their diplomas while in custody. Students are required to have a passing score of 145 in four exams in each of the following subjects — reading/language arts, math, science and social studies — to earn their high school equivalency diploma.
DCR’s partners from the Department of Education’s McKinley Community School for Adults – Moanalua Campus participated in the ceremony where Vice Principal Lance Jyo and Principal Helen Sanpei issued diplomas to the graduates.
Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, Deputy Director Melanie Martin of the DCR Administration Division, HCF Warden Shannon Cluney, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at Chaminade University Janet Davidson, Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg, and Oversight Coordinator Christin Johnson of the Hawai‘i Correctional System Oversight Commission were among the honored guests who attended the ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.
DCR and HCF leaders thanked the correctional facility’s Acting Education Supervisor Marly Jane “MJ” Nakamura who runs the HCF Learning Center, as well as education program staff for teaching, guiding and motivating students.
During the ceremony, Deputy Director Muñoz addressed the graduates: “Today is more than just receiving your diploma. It’s about recognizing your potential. Knowing that whatever you decide to put your mind to, whatever goals you lay out for yourself are achievable.”
HCF Warden Shannon Cluney said, “An education opens doors to so many things, from employment opportunities to college, the opportunities are limitless.”
“Congratulations to all of you. I look forward to your next accomplishment and great things out of each and every one of you,” Cluney added.
During the ceremony, DCR Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato said, “Our graduates today are a testament to hard work, resilience and determination. Earning your GED is no small feat and it requires dedication, patience and beliefs in your potential. You have proven to yourselves and to all of us that you have the strength and the commitment to accomplish your goals.”
Photos and videos of Friday’s graduation are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1yZkBkygzMbvIeN_6kg1kWuB8bnUwJHRj.
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Media Contact:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov