WAUPUN, Wis. — Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI) hosted a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, September 10, for 17 persons in our care who earned their high school equivalency diploma (HSED) or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy and WCI Deputy Warden Alisha Kraus joined nearly 50 friends and family to honor the graduates for reaching this milestone in their educational journey.
“I think there’s a difference between today’s ceremony and the kind of graduations that take place at schools and in arenas in the community, and that’s the number of challenges you have all faced,” said Secretary Hoy. “The investments that you’re making in yourselves and your future will pay dividends, and we will continue to support you however we can.”
WCI’s ceremony was its first in-person graduation since December 2024, when 13 individuals were recognized for earning their HSED. Adult basic education is offered at most DOC facilities, and through July of this year 325 persons in our care across all adult facilities had earned their GED or HSED.
Ten of Wednesday’s graduates are scheduled to be released before 2030. Educational programming is critical to providing persons in our care with the necessary skills to successfully transition back into the community. More information on DOC’s enrollment and completions in adult education programming can be found on the DOC’s interactive dashboard.
In addition to the 17 individuals who earned their HSED on Wednesday, two others earned their certifications in Office Software Applications from Moraine Park Technical College. Certificates are awarded after students complete 13 credits of college coursework.
Four other students were recognized for being a member of the Moraine Park Technical College Honor Society for their achievements during the previous semester.
“This graduation, this milestone, speaks to each one of you rising above your circumstances, swimming against the current, and really working to change the narrative of your lives,” said Kraus. “Your participation in and the amount of effort you have put into whatever educational accomplishments you are celebrating today speaks to your resilience, perseverance, and character.”
Following the guest speakers, the graduates were invited to formally receive their diplomas. Each smiled and waved to their loved ones in the crowd or posed for photos. After the ceremony, they enjoyed cookies and cake with their guests.
“Our efforts to help persons in our care successfully re-enter the community begin the day they come to us,” said Secretary Hoy. “What these individuals have earned here is a major milestone in their rehabilitation, and it’s something that will never be taken away. Our graduates and their families should be incredibly proud of this remarkable accomplishment.”
