GRADUATION CEREMONY AT WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR CULINARY ARTS AND GED PROGRAMS
HONOLULU — The Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) hosted a graduation ceremony Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, for three women who earned their GED from the Department of Education’s McKinley Community School for Adults – Moanalua Campus, and for six women who earned a certificate from the Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary Arts Program.
More than 30 people attended the event including the graduates’ family members and loved ones.
Klarissa Lopez, one of two student speakers from the Culinary Arts Program, delivered a speech, thanking WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta and staff for having programs available for women. “It not only betters us with education, but it betters us as individuals,” Lopez said.
WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta said, “I’m extremely proud of these women that graduated today. Our community partners and education staff play a vital role in the women’s achievements.”
Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said, “Programs such as these provide participants with education and skills that will assist them with a successful transition when they reenter the community.”
Johnson also thanked the chefs who have volunteered their time and talent, McKinley Community School for Adults for its commitment to education, and facility staff for their tireless dedication.
During the ceremony, Principal Helen Sanpei of the McKinley Community School for Adults issued diplomas to the three graduates. Students in the GED program must achieve a passing minimum score of 145 in each individual exam in the following subjects — Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies and Science — to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
Chef Lee Shinsato, flanked by fellow chefs, also issued certificates to six students in the college-level Culinary Arts Program. Students earn a certificate of competence where they learn the fundamentals of culinary arts and safety and sanitation procedures. Students also honed practical skills such as time management and teamwork.
If any of the students opt to further their education, 14 credits earned from the Culinary Arts program will appear on their University of Hawaiʻi transcripts.
Shinsato said the students succeeded in perfecting dishes. “That’s something that you guys should be really, really proud of,” Shinsato said as he addressed the graduates.
During the ceremony, WCCC Acting Education Supervisor Kahaʻe Maikai-Iakopo said, “This day is a testament to the hard work, determination and resilience each of our graduates has shown.”
“Each of these women is not just a graduate but a beacon of hope and empowerment for all. Their hard work symbolizes the transformative power of education and the culinary arts, where creativity meets discipline and where doors of opportunity are finally opened,” Maikai-Iakopo added.
The Culinary Arts graduates prepared and served the following delicious dishes for the graduation luncheon:
- Tossed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings
- Farfalle Veggie Pasta Salad
- Grilled Crudité Platter
- Mushroom Duxelle
- Blistered Tomato and Creamy Mac Nut Pesto
- Roasted Seafood Sensation
- Pimento Cheese and Bacon Jam
- Pressed Kalua Pork Street Tacos
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Miso Chicken Beurre Blanc Pizza
- Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
- Beef Moussaka
- Banana Foster Bread Pudding
- Lilikoi Chiffon Tarts
- Hokkaido Rasberry Cupcakes
- Plantation Iced Tea and Pineapple Mint Sorbet
Please visit the following link for photos and footage of the graduation ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/10UbAHIOOmI2aBWjGS_x1nWk7mrXpecCm.
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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