Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

More than 20 receive GEDs, One granted early release

FORSYTH, Ga. – On May 17, 2018, a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) graduation ceremony was held at Burruss Correctional Training Center (CTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. More than 20 offenders received GED’s and one offender was granted parole by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

One of two Valedictorians at the ceremony, Luis Severino, said that earning his GED was a major achievement, and he attributes his success to God first and then, his family. “My family was the driving force behind me, giving me the strength to push forward,” said Severino. Salutatorian, Christopher Goble, said that they all had people along the way to help out in providing ways of understanding things.

“Studies have shown that offenders who receive education while incarcerated are less likely to return to prison,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “Our goal is to educate our offenders, to give them a skill and help them re-enter society as successful, productive members.”

Keynote speaker Rick Jacobs, Director of Clemency for Pardons and Parole, shared a message entitled “How to set ourselves up for success.” After recognizing families who were present and applauding their support, Jacobs also recognized GDC’s educational staff for their dedication to teaching. He encouraged graduates to recognize their potential.

One of the more than 20 graduates, Sherard Dillard, was granted early release by the Pardons and Parole Board. Dillard served 16 months of an 18-month sentence for a drug-related conviction in Clayton County. He was expecting to complete his sentence in two months.

Golden Apple Awards for supporting individuals who strive for educational improvement in the mission and vision of education programs in GDC were presented by Valedictorian Luis Severino to Burruss CTC’s Lead Teacher and Sergeant.

Last fiscal year, GDC surpassed its previous record of GED completions with more than 2,400 earned and expects to exceed the current fiscal year goal of 3,000. In addition to the GED program, offenders have the opportunity to complete vocational and on-the-job training programs, including advanced welding, plumbing, horticulture, and several other programs.

For more information about GDC’s education and vocation programs, visit our website via this link: https://gdc.georgia.gov/organization/about-gdc/divisions-and-org-chart/inmate-services-division/education.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.