DJJ Awards Youth with 23 High School, 18 GED Diplomas

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Preparatory Academy held a graduation ceremony for youth on Tuesday, May 20, in Macon, Ga. Students were awarded 23 high school diplomas, 18 GED diplomas, and 16 Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC). Class leaders included the valedictorian from the Atlanta Youth Development Campus (YDC), the salutatorian from the Elbert Shaw Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), and the student with the highest GED score from the Rockdale RYDC. 

“I am thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our youth,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “I hope they are inspired to keep moving forward on a path to higher education and career-readiness. This is one step on a journey towards reaching their full potential.”  

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin served as the commencement speaker and shared words of wisdom and inspiration with the graduating youth. 

“Remind yourself that it is your future that matters,” said Justice Colvin. “What is behind you is not nearly as important as what is ahead. Strive to be a person with values, and success will come. You are destined for greatness.” 

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 Barbering Fundamentals, Nursery/Greenhouse Tech, Prep Cook, and Microsoft Computer certifications.

“DJJ educators are dedicated to providing higher education and career opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Letunya Walker, DJJ Deputy Superintendent of Schools. “Graduates have now joined the Connections Graduate Program, which is designed to prepare graduates to be confident and knowledgeable as they prepare to accomplish their education and career goals.” 

DJJ also recognized seven youth who completed the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, a life coaching program that provides advocacy and support planning. 

DJJ facilities with graduates included Aaron Cohn, Augusta, Bob Richards, Crisp, DeKalb, Elbert Shaw, Gainesville, Macon, Martha K. Glaze, Metro, Rockdale, Savannah, and Terrell RYDCs, Atlanta, Augusta, Eastman, Macon, and Milledgeville YDCs, and the Bibb, Chatham, and Muscogee County Education Transition Centers. 

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.