State Correctional Institution/Frackville inmates earn degrees, diplomas and more
Nov. 17—FRACKVILLE — More than 90 inmates at State Correctional Institution/Frackville were honored Wednesday for educational achievements.
Ronald Berger, principal of the prison education program, said students attended 120 hours of classroom work in classes that ran five days a week.
A grade of 60 or higher was required to graduate.
"There is nothing given to them; they have to earn it," he said.
Berger said that none of those graduating ever had that chance before being incarcerated, making the achievement significant.
"None of them ever had a graduation; this is a highlight for them and for our education department as well," he said.
The hope of the program is that when an inmate is released from prison, they leave with a new perspective on life and use their education for a fresh start.
"They will leave here, hopefully, with a new outlook on life and take their future into their own hands and succeed," Berger said.
Opening remarks were given by Superintendent Kathy Brittain and Thomas Sokaloski, deputy of facilities management.
"This is certainly a celebration," Brittain said of the graduates. "You deserve this day for your hard work and dedication."
Sitting in the gymnasium, graduates donned caps, gowns and tassels.
"You didn't sit here just doing your time, you made something of yourselves; this is your beginning," she said.
Sokaloski told the group that earning a degree or certificate gives them a higher chance of not falling back into crime once released.
"This builds a foundation for a chance for the future," he said. "Forty-three percent of you are less likely to come back."
The keynote speaker was Dr. Kevin E. Dolphin, founder of Breaking the Chainz Inc. counseling services.
Dolphin told the group he will soon turn 52 and has spent 26 years behind bars before turning his life around.
Dolphin said he received his diploma while serving time at State Correctional Institution/Smithfield and once sat in a seat like Wednesday's graduates.
"I have been in that seat," Dolphin said. "Let this be the beginning of a positive future going forward. Once you get out, don't come back. You control your destiny and no one else."
Brittain and Shawn Kephart, deputy superintendent of centralized services, presented certificates and awards to the graduates, who then participated in the traditional turning of the tassel before the ceremony closed with a benediction.
Berger said the large number of graduates included 2020, 2021 and 2022 students. Ceremonies were not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said students had the opportunity to earn a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma, similar to a public high school diploma, as well as a General Education Diploma.
College programs completed by some inmates included Lehigh Carbon Community College business management; the Blackstone Paralegal Program; and the Stratford Career Institute for both business management and drug and alcohol treatment.
Other graduates earned the Certified Washroom Technician title or completed the barber program, with one earning a barber's license.
Berger said some inmates also completed the Business Education Program while others finished courses in custodial maintenance, carpentry or the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
After the ceremony, prison staff provided light refreshments for the graduates and their family members who were able to attend.
