On June 24, 2016, The GEO Group’s Moore Haven Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (MHCRF) held their first semi-annual graduation ceremony in the Visitation Park. Twice a year, there is a celebration for all the students who have earned their GEDs though the MHCRF academics department. In addition, we also recognize those students who have completed vocational classes.
For this graduation, MHCRF had a group of nine students who earned their GED, nine graduates who completed the Commercial Driver’s Licensing class, and seventeen graduates from our barbering program. Our education department does its best to prepare inmates to reenter society through engaging instruction and rehabilitation.
The barbering program, taught by Ms. Turner, is rigorous and thorough. It consists of a 1,200-hour course and is the only barbering program in the State of Florida’s Department of Corrections that provides the opportunity for its participants to acquire state licensing.
The Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) program, taught by Mr. Ealey, equips its students with the prerequisite information needed to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License. The option is also available for them to garner their Fork Lift Operators Certification. Furthermore, Moore Haven’s CDL program has simulators which help to cultivate the skills necessary for employment.
The leadership provided by our Program Manager, Mr. Eric Martin, has helped nine students at Moore Haven achieve their GED. His team of academic Instructors, including Mrs. Baysah, Mr. Turgeon, and Mr. Justice, diligently provide their students with the necessary knowledge and understanding to further their education.
Usually, we invite an outside speaker to encourage the men along their journeys in higher learning, but this year we did things a little differently. Recently we gained a new Warden, Mr. Gary English, originally from GEO’s Blackwater Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, and we thought it was only right to have him as our keynote speaker. Therefore, the inmates could hear the Warden talk about the importance of education and thus be motivated along their path of higher learning.
