77 inmates graduate from Mississippi Rehabilitation

10SUNFLOWER COUNTY, Miss. (VDN) — 77 inmates graduated from the Mississippi Rehabilitation Initiative at the Mississippi State Penitentiary on April 14, marking one of the program’s largest ceremonies.

Among the graduates was Cedric Everette, 41, who recently completed the Reentry Academy and delivered the welcome remarks. Everette, who is scheduled for release later this year, said the program helped change his outlook.

“Reentry Academy opened up my eyes to new possibilities and experiences in my life,” Everette said. “I wake up every morning willing and ready to engage in new forms of education and everyday skill behaviors I can use in my everyday life. From my personal perspective, this academy shapes and molds you as a man to go back into society as a better man. My mother, family members, and close friends already have seen a change in me.”

In addition to the 77 Reentry Academy graduates, five inmates also earned their High School Equivalency Diplomas through the HiSET program during the Unit 25 ceremony.

Parolee TeRun Moore served as the guest speaker, encouraging graduates to trust God and build a personal relationship with Him as they prepare to reenter society.

Unit 25 Interim Warden LaQuitta Meeks, Superintendent Sequcia Wren, Deputy Commissioner Kelley Christopher and Chaplain Reginald Watts attended the ceremony, which was held in the Unit 30 Chapel.