Five incarcerate individuals from the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) participated in a high school graduation ceremony on Nov. 9, but they represented a much larger group of individuals throughout the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). 
These individuals have worked hard over the last year to finish something that, in some cases, they started many years ago.
A total of 20 individuals were noted as part of this Fall 2017 graduating class (18 of them high school graduates) and not a quitter among them. Their commonality 
was not giving up on their high school education just because they were incarcerated.
In addition to graduating, Isaac Saldana received the Woodman of the World American History Award.
“I know that our past affects our present, and that to be informed and aware of our government and policies will make me a better citizen," Saldana said in his acceptance speech. "In my future, I want to attend college, so having a foundation in US History and Government will help me to be a successful student. I want to pursue a career in the trades so knowing how rules and regulations are decided will be important to my career as well.”
Saldana's sentiments just go to show all that he has been learning -- both in the classroom and throughout the facility. 
Congratulations, graduates!