The five graduates each reached milestone achievements in the Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) program.

The graduates filed into the room to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance” and Sheriff Erik Smith welcomed the family members and friends of the graduates.

The IGNITE program began in January at the jail. The five graduates earned a number of certificates through the program, as well as through the Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency adult education program.

Kevan Bennett earned certificates in HVAC, career planning, enduring skills, master plan, HVAC intermediate, solar, and electrical basics. He also attended anger management, crossroads, workforce development, nutrition, parenting, and financial education. Bennett is enrolled in the Alpena Community College Integrated Education and Training (IET) program, and will be receiving his residential builder’s license.

News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Justin Slater shares his story at the IGNITE graduation ceremony on Thursday at the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.

Haley Betterly received certificates in master plan, career planning, employability skills, enduring skills, career plumbing. She attended anger management, crossroads, workforce development, nutrition, parenting, and financial education. Betterly also received her GED while at the jail.

Autumn Burton is receiving certificates in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining center production technician, CNC lathe production technician. She attended anger management, crossroads, workforce development, nutrition, parenting, and financial education.

Jaimie Morey received her GED. She has been enrolled in anger management, crossroads, workforce development, nutrition, parenting, and financial education.

Justin Slater earned certificates in enduring skills, HVAC fundamentals, HVAC intermediate, master plan, electrical basics, plumbing intermediate, employability skills, and solar. He has attended anger management, crossroads, workforce development, nutrition, parenting, and financial education. He is also in the ACC IET residential builders course.

“I am just so excited to have this graduation happen today because it’s our first one within the jail with families,” said Whitney Dettmer, director of adult education at Iosco RESA.

This is also the first time that inmates at the jail have done coursework through Alpena Community College, she said.

Orijin Enterprise Sales Leader Tony Stefanovski was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Orijin is the brand of tablets used for inmates to take adult education classes.

Stefanovski talked about being formerly incarcerated himself, and how great it is to see the opportunities for education that the inmates have.

“Just keep taking those steps in the right direction, and I promise you, life gets better,” he said.

Graduates Betterly and Slater shared their success stories.

“Before my sentencing in October, life was at an all-time low,” Betterly said. “I was truly beaten and broken at the hands of addiction. I was at rock bottom. Being incarcerated was a blessing in disguise, and it’s weird to say, but the most joy that I’ve experienced in the past five years has been while I’ve been here the past eight months. I smile and I laugh again and I’ve allowed myself to start healing.”

The IGNITE program has helped her become a graduate, and upon release, Betterly said she is ready to take on the world and not hide from it anymore.

Slater also shared his story. He came to the jail as a person struggling with addiction. IGNITE has given him the opportunity to commit to his rehabilitation.

“I realize this time I have more confidence in my sobriety than I ever have,” he said.

Slater teared up as he thanked his wife for all the support she has given him.

“You’ve been my rock, my biggest cheerleader through everything,” he said.

Bennett and Slater shared that they often stayed up late together studying. The two fistbumped, celebrating their achievements through adversity.

Jail Administrator Sgt. Christina Bednarski said that she was skeptical of the IGNITE program at first, but the success of the graduates has proved her wrong.

“You guys are examples of it going right from the get-go,” she said.

“Hopefully I won’t have to see you guys here anymore,” she said. “That’s my goal. See you guys in Walmart, not in our intake area.”

“Continue to prove me wrong because I like that, a little bit,” she concluded.

The graduates happily threw their caps into the air and celebrated with cake and time with their families.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.