‘Proof that education liberates’ – SCC confers diplomas and certificates at Columbus Correctional graduation

In partnership with Columbus Correctional Institution, Southeastern Community College held commencement exercises for nine high school equivalency diploma and 13 commercial cleaning certificate graduates on Jan. 30 in the Visitation Building at CCI.    

Opening the ceremony with welcoming remarks, SCC’s Associate Dean of Transitional Studies and Prison Education Veronica Powell told the audience that education was “not just about books” but about opening doors, building confidence, reclaiming purpose and proving that someone’s past does not define their future. She said that earning the HiSET diploma shows courage to start, courage to persist and courage to finish  

“Today, we are here to recognize determination, resilience, power and choosing growth in circumstances that make that choice far from easy,” Powell said. “This achievement represents far more than passing a high school equivalency test (HiSET) represents hard work, self-discipline and a belief that you are worth investing in.” 

Powell recognized the instructors, case managers and staff who supported each offender’s journey into education. She said their work and commitment created pathways to opportunity and transformation. Powell congratulated the graduates for demonstrating proof that change is real, growth is possible and learning never stops.  

To qualify for completion, each offender must pass exams in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts reading and language arts writing.  The exam is administered by Larry Everette, a Transitional Studies Recruiter and HSE Examiner at SCC.  

The ceremony continued with several guest speakers and words of encouragement from support staff, instructors and a student.  

“Life has a way of applying pressure,” said Ivy Kearney, CEO of New Beginnings – A Way of L.I.F.E. “Sometimes, that pressure feels like it will break us, but today is proof that the pressure didn’t break you. It shaped you.” 

The student speaker explained that he attempted his high school equivalency diploma three times at other colleges before enrolling in the Transitional Studies program at SCC. He said that “just because we are doing time does not mean we can’t do something worthwhile with our time.” He told his classmates that choice to improve and moving forward were their only options after obtaining their diploma.  

“Today is not just a ceremony,” said Kendra Brown, an SCC Transitional Studies instructor. “Today is a declaration – a declaration that growth is possible, that learning is powerful in every setting and that no walls, bars or past mistakes can imprison the human mind when it chooses to learn. You all sitting here today is proof that education liberates.” 

Basic Skills instructor Horace Hammonds told the graduates that achievement is possible and not to let their life circumstances hold them back. He encouraged the graduates to further their education and not let this graduation ceremony be the end of their journey. 

“It is my honor to stand before you as your education consultant for the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and witness the strength, determination and courage each of you has shown in reaching this milestone,” Sherri E. Hill said during her commencement address. “You put in the time, effort and heart, and you refused to let your past define your future. Education is more than just books and tests.” 

Dawn Guinyard, the Correctional Case Manager Supervisor at Columbus Correctional Institution, said the prison and offenders “celebrated another milestone in breaking barriers.” She explained that earning a HiSET credential provides significant benefits for incarcerated people. It helps build confidence, enhances their ability to support their families and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. Guinyard said that collaborating with SCC plays a vital role in strengthening the community and developing a skilled workforce. 

“We are proud that, despite their current circumstances, these offenders are committed to self-improvement—pursuing education and vocational skills to prepare for a successful reintegration and a brighter future beyond incarceration,” Guinyard said. 

SCC’s Prison Education Coordinator Raymond Long said that earning a high school equivalency diploma is a critical step toward personal growth, employment and successful reintegration into society. The success of these graduates is a direct reflection of the “outstanding work” of SCC’s Transitional Studies instructors and Columbus Correctional’s program and custody staff. He said that SCC’s instructors “consistently go above and beyond” to support student success and create meaningful educational opportunities within the prison setting. 

“I am proud of what we as a whole have accomplished in building this program into what it is now,” Long said. “I am proud of the offenders and what they have accomplished as well. It’s not easy to do what they do behind those prison walls. Their determination and pride were evident, and it was a powerful reminder of how prison education can transform lives.” 

Interested in earning your high school equivalency diploma at SCC? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6279 or visit A-building on campus to connect with a student advisor.