Inmates At S.C.C. Receive Diplomas
Jamestown, CA — 68 Sierra Conservation Center inmates received their G.E.D. diplomas at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the prison.
The valedictorian was 30-year-old Gilberto Lopez who is serving time for manslaughter and gang participation. He says he later learned that the gang life is not for him.
“If there are any young kids who are thinking about joining gangs, it is not the way to go,” says Lopez. “It either leads to here (prison) or the grave.”
Lopez says his main motivation in working to become valedictorian is that he hopes to someday gain custody of his daughter who is currently in foster care. Lopez could be released from prison in another year.
Family members were allowed to attend today’s graduation ceremony. It is an annual event. Motivational speakers that took part included Ray Robinson, a former S.C.C. inmate and Sam Huddleston.
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
