Goldsboro, N.C. — Wayne Community College (WCC) held a moving graduation ceremony on Thursday at Neuse Correctional Institution to celebrate incarcerated individuals who have completed educational programs offered through the college. The event marked the achievement of several men who earned High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas and Human Resources Development (HRD) certificates.
In a room transformed into a place of pride and celebration within the prison, 11 individuals received HRD certificates, and six earned their HSE diplomas. The HSE graduates donned traditional caps and gowns, turning their tassels and tossing their caps into the air to cheers from family members and fellow inmates.
Andrew Rose, WCC’s HRD instructor, presented certificates and diplomas to the graduates and praised their dedication. “They worked hard every day and stayed committed to bettering themselves,” Rose said.
For graduate Tomas Mercado-Rivera, the milestone was deeply personal. “I know my family is proud of me,” he said tearfully. With his children already educated and a grandchild now in school, completing his high school education was a lifelong goal finally realized.
The HSE students studied for up to three years, attending classes five days a week. Their curriculum included math and reading placement tests, HiSET practice exams, and comprehensive preparation for the official tests required to earn a diploma.
The HRD program, conducted over four months with classes three days per week, focused on job readiness and life skills. Students learned how to craft resumes, complete job applications, prepare for interviews, use technology, and manage personal finances.
WCC Director of Transitional Programs Harold Warren delivered a powerful address, likening the graduates’ journey to that of the mythological phoenix rising from the ashes. “You may have walked through fire, but today, you rise,” he said. “Your past does not define you. You are standing at the edge of a new beginning.”
Sherri Hill, student academic specialist with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, also praised the graduates for their resilience. “You put in the time, effort, and heart. That speaks to who you are,” she told them. “You now carry something no one can take from you: knowledge, skill, and self-respect.”
The ceremony highlighted the transformative power of education, even behind prison walls, and underscored WCC’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for all learners.
About Wayne Community College
Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution serving around 10,000 individuals annually. With over 150 college credit programs, WCC offers accessible, high-quality education to support workforce development and meet the educational and cultural needs of the community.
