MONROE TOWNSHIP - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) held its annual high school commencement ceremony today at the New Jersey Training School (NJTS) in Monroe Township. Kevin M. Brown, Executive Director of the JJC, Tremaine Harrison, Director of Education, and Kevin Jespersen, Executive Assistant Attorney General presented the graduates with their high school diplomas or High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSED). In addition to 50 students participating in the commencement ceremony, 16 students received their diplomas or HSEDs earlier and have since been released from JJC supervision or did not participate in the ceremony.
Each graduate has met the high school graduation requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education. The JJC coordinates each student’s curricula with his or her home school district to allow each student to receive a diploma from his or her local education authority. Students receiving their degrees today are assigned to the NJTS, Juvenile Medium Security Facility (JMSF), the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility, and several of the JJC’s residential community homes located throughout the state. The JJC’s school year includes five marking periods which concludes in the fall.
“These graduates have worked hard to earn their high school diplomas - many who otherwise might have given up on school,” said Attorney General Christopher Porrino. “In addition, to their academic classes, these students engage in anger management, substance abuse counseling, and career readiness programs, but perhaps nothing speaks as loudly to demonstrate their ability to succeed as a diploma or an equivalency degree. A diploma is a piece of paper that everyone understands.”
“At the Juvenile Justice Commission, we strive to prepare each resident to return home to their communities with the tools he or she needs to succeed,” said Executive Director Brown. “Their diplomas will open many doors for these graduates and whether they choose to pursue higher education or join the work force, they have already proven that they can be successful.”
Rosy Arroyo, co-chair of the New Jersey Association of County Youth Services Commission Administrators representing Camden County, along with Shelby Voorhees, Ocean County Youth Services Commission Administrator, presented six graduates with awards recognizing their success in the following areas: Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, World Language, and HiSET Score. Each recipient received $25.00 and a certificate of recognition awarded by the association.
The Office of Education provides a comprehensive educational program specific to each youth, while promoting opportunities for positive growth and development. The goal of the JJC educational program is to prepare students for continued learning and workforce preparation by offering a wide range of challenging academic and career-technical experiences that meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. In addition to academics, the Office of Education provides career and technical programs of study that prepare students for high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations. The JJC offers a variety of programs including: applied horticulture sciences, culinary arts with ServSafe certification, plumbing and pipefitting, and computer applications with various certifications.
For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com.
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