On December 22, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training (BJCOT) Class #223 graduation ceremony was held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. BJCOT is a 240-hour basic training program designed to provide basic skills training in security practices, and procedures necessary to function in a juvenile facility setting. To complete the BJCOT program, a trainee must meet established standards on written examinations which evaluate cognitive knowledge, as well as performance-oriented examinations. The graduates’ class motto was “We came, we conquered, we strive to succeed, we are the class of 2-2-3.” The graduation ceremony began with the DJJ Honor Guard Presentation of the Colors followed by the National Anthem. John Pirkle from Sandersville RYDC gave the Invocation; Tony Dunn from Metro RYDC welcomed guests to the ceremony; DJJ Director of Planning and Preparedness Scott Cagle gave the Greeting; and Jazzmin Bethea from Atlanta YDC introduced the graduation speaker, Jimmie Hooks, Director of Atlanta YDC. Hooks delivered an inspiring speech and thanked the graduates for their hard work and dedication to the agency. Public Safety Training Instructor Annie Sams presented the Class Awards. Jessica Rutledge (Gainesville RYDC) earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award; The Look Sharp Award went to Taylor Payne (Milledgeville YDC); Taylor Payne (Milledgeville YDC) and Talia Williams (Metro RYDC) received the Physical Fitness Award; The One Team Spirit Award was given to Jill Bell (Wilkes RYDC); and the Leadership Award was given to Wilbert Kennedy, Jr. (Metro RYDC) and Taylor Payne (Milledgeville YDC). Taylor Payne was recognized as a Class Leader. Deborah Griffin (Augusta RYDC), Wilbert Kennedy, Jr. (Metro RYDC) and Talia Williams (Metro RYDC) were honored as Section Leaders. On behalf of the agency, Commissioner Avery D. Niles honored fallen officer, Dalton Rogers, a JOC at Eastman YDC. During the ceremony, Commissioner Niles expressed his condolences to Rogers’ family and presented them with his badge and shirt in honor of his service and dedication. Cordero Foster, Security Management Response Team II, presented the graduation certificates. DeBaja Coleman administered the Oath of Office and Jonathan Williams (Atlanta YDC) was elected to give the Class Comments. Commissioner Niles delivered the Closing Comments and congratulated the officers on their success. Danny Horne from Chaplaincy Services delivered the Benediction.