What is overwhelming about these ceremonies is the wave of pride and love that swells across the room when guests are invited to congratulate the students. Chairs are hastily pushed aside as families and offenders rush to hug, touch, and praise the accomplishment that brings them together: the attainment of a GED, the successful completion of a course of study. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and children are reunited in "contact visits" of cake and conversation, personal victory, and the beginnings of a successful future.

More than 5,000 WSD students earned GED certificates during the 1998-99 school year (a 28 percent increase over the previous year).—Ed.

A proud mother hugs her GED graduate after cermonies at the Ramsey III Unit.

Commencement speaker Rep. Pat Haggerty and Principal Carlos Hernandez congratulate graduates at the Sanchez State Jail.

Graduation guests at the Johnston Unit include Chaplain Jim Beach, Warden Joe Smith, WSD Assistant Superintendent Gerald Bennett and U.S. Congressman Max Sandlin.

A graduate meets his family after commencement at the Ramsey III Unit.

Rep. Wayne Christian addresses Goodman Unit graduates

Counselor Gail Swik is shown with (left) valedictorian Dawn T. and salutatorian Cassandra M. at the Henley Unit.

CTE graduate Herman S. is the first Allred Unit student to complete both the construction carpentry course and the National Center for Construction Education and Research Certification test. He is shown with instructor Bobby Michell.

Special guest Rep. Dora Olivo is shown with (left) Jester III Warden Fred Becker and Central Unit Warden Thomas Medart

Telford Unit Principal Johnnie Dormier presents a diploma to valedictorian Aaron P.