Georgia DJJ Awards 28 Diplomas and 12 Certificates of Credit During Winter Commencement Ceremony

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Preparatory Academy held a graduation ceremony for youth on Tuesday, December 17, in Macon, Ga. Students were awarded seven high school diplomas, 21 GED diplomas, and 12 Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC). Class leaders included the valedictorian from the Macon Youth Development Campus (YDC), the salutatorian from the Chatham County Education Transition Center (ETC), and the student with the highest GED score from the Bibb County ETC. 

“I am overjoyed to celebrate such an important milestone for our youth,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “Our graduates have bright futures ahead of them. I hope the next chapter of their lives is filled with a purpose to achieve their goals and help other young people who may find themselves in their position.”

Commencement speaker Jamie “The Motivator” Hayes spent time in the juvenile justice system and recognizes the importance of being a light to youth who are where he once was as a teenager.  Hayes is now an author, speaker, fitness trainer, and coach. He imparted his keys to success upon graduates, including discipline, visualization, and great character. 

“Twenty years ago, I never would have thought that little old me who went through juvenile would be standing in front of them talking about my journey,” said Hayes. “If they take on discipline and apply it to their life, they will be here one day talking to others as well. I hope I planted a seed.”

DJJ partners with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to prepare students for a range of careers, including technical training through the Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program. CTAE students earned certifications in Barbering Fundamentals, Horticulture, Salon and Spa Support Specialist, Nursery/Greenhouse Tech, and Prep Cook.

“DJJ educators work diligently to ensure students graduate and pursue high education or career-readiness opportunities,” said Dr. Letunya Walker, DJJ Deputy Superintendent of Schools. “Our graduates are now part of our Connections Graduate Program designed to prepare graduates for opportunities that require them to be intelligent, skilled, and critical thinkers. I am grateful that we have an awesome team that sees the value of education and motivates students.”

DJJ facilities with graduates included Atlanta, Eastman, Macon, and Milledgeville YDCs, Aaron Cohn, Cadwell, Gainesville, Martha K. Glaze, Metro, Rockdale, Savannah, and Waycross RYDCs and the Bibb, Chatham and Muscogee counties ETCs. 

DJJ is the 181st school district in Georgia. Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is the middle and high school, and Pathway to Success is the GED program within the school system. GPA and Pathway to Success are located at 28 campuses within DJJ’s RYDCs, YDCs, and ETCs across Georgia. DJJ operates GPA with a curriculum that meets the education standards set forth by the Georgia Department of Education for all public schools.

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The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves the state's justice-involved youth up to 21 years of age. The Department's mission is to transform young lives by providing evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision, strengthening youth and families' well-being, and fostering safe communities.