Tabor Correctional Institution made the highest score in the 2023/2024 North Carolina Department of Adult Correction HiSET and Vocational Challenge for the south-central region with a 233% increase in pass rate. Ranked third highest increase in North Carolina, these incarcerated students earned their high school equivalency diploma through the Transitional Studies program at Southeastern Community College.  

“This remarkable accomplishment highlights the exceptional efforts of our team and the positive impact of our educational programs on the lives of those in our care,” said Larry Everette, Transitional Studies Recruiter/HSE Chief Examiner. “Their efforts have not only brought pride to our region but have also set a high standard for correctional education statewide.” 

Everette explained that the challenge was set up to motivate and boost the HiSET pass rate for inmates earning their high school equivalency diploma. He said that Columbus Correctional Institution earned an honorable mention award in the challenge with 105% increase in pass rate.  

“We’ve already set our goal for Tabor Correctional to reach number one for our region and reach number one for our state,” Everette said. “For winning the challenge, the inmates will get a catered dinner and goody bags.” 

Everette said the inmates described him as “the one who holds their lives in their hands.” Everette’s job is to process their high school equivalency test, report their test scores and serve as the official administrator of the test. He said the best part of the job is seeing the inmates’ reaction to a passing score – some of tears, blank stares of shock or large grins of happiness. 

Director of Transitional Studies Veronica Powell said that earning a high school equivalency diploma may lessen an inmate’s sentence in prison. She said that earning the diploma is a valuable tool for inmates as they re-enter society with credentials to start working. 

“For Transitional Studies to be working with individuals in prison is phenomenal,” Powell said. “It lets them reach some goals that they couldn’t reach before, and our instructors are wonderful. We have veteran instructors who know how to talk to these students, encourage and motivate them.” 

At February’s TCI graduation ceremony, Powell observed graduates congratulating their instructors and Everette for their dedication to helping them pass the HiSET. She hopes to see that again on Sept. 16 at the next TCI graduation ceremony.