Sheriff Sean Casey and members of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office recognized inmates that have earned various educational certificates during a luncheon ceremony Aug. 24 at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center.

Inmates were recognized for several things including earning their GED, results of a writing contest, earning professional traffic flagger and OSHA certifications, and participating in financial fitness, conflict resolution and anger management classes.

“Today is about honoring all of our residents who have graduated from various educational and reentry and job skill programs that are held here,” said Sheriff Casey. “The reason we do these programs is to ensure that when people leave the facility they can go out and be successful members of our community.”

Councilmember Sarah Bagley was the guest speaker at the event with Casey providing closing remarks. A reception followed the presentation of certificates to 50 individuals.

“Unfortunately, I am locked up but while I am here I want to learn as much as I can,” said Wayne Ward, who received two certificates – one in occupational safety health administration and one in flagging. “These are certificates that can be used nationwide. I wanted to take advantage and be open to learning something while I am here.”

Presenting certificates were Jane Collins of HEARD Creative Writing Contest, Robert Kinzey of the Society for Financial Education & Professional Development, and Elizabeth Jones Valderrama of Offender Aid & Restoration.

“The residents of the Alexandria Detention Center that are here today have demonstrated the ability to remain positive and to invest in themselves to take advantage of what this facility is offering them,” said Bagley. “I want them to know that we see it and we appreciate it and that they should keep going in those efforts.”

Bobby Smith Jr. received certificates in anger management, finance fitness and conflict resolution.

“Conflict resolution will help me a lot in my communications with family and friends,” Smith said. “Sometimes communication is the breakdown that ends up causing conflict so I need to put more tools in my toolbox for that.”

Smith added, “I am the head of household and money management is very important and something that is not taught enough so I took the opportunity when it was presented to me. And anger management has taught me to find the root of my decision making and how to scale my emotions – all basic life skills.”

Held on the 60th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the program for the event featured a quote from the famous speech: “I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.”

Ward summed up his thoughts on others in his situation. “Be honest with yourself and work on the things that got you in here. You can’t forget what got you here. People want to blame others but you have to be mindful of what put you here and work on that.”