By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – Three women who found themselves behind bars in the Cass County Jail decided to put their time to good use. Thursday the three all were presented diplomas from Cassopolis Public Schools.
"It was a great opportunity, a way to better ourselves," said Shawn Jenkins of Van Buren County.
She joked with the officers who came in to join the celebration, which included a birthday cake as she turned 35 today.
In the work program, she cleans the administrative offices.
She said she appreciated the support the administration offered.
"Ninety-nine percent have drug and alcohol problems and no education," said Capt. Richard Affriseo.
"They are here for a purpose – not just wasting time," he added.
Elizabeth Edwards of Dowagiac previously received her GED after dropping out of high school when she was pregnant at 17.
Three kids later, she said she knew a diploma will be more beneficial when she is released, but she didn't have the time until now.
When her children knew she was studying and working toward graduating, "Their grades improved," she said. She inspired them to do better.
She was so proud of her certificate and excited to show it to her family. "It took 13 years to achieve," she added. She "stayed up many nights doing homework. Four months to do two years of high school."
Kristi Wares of Cassopolis said without being in this program, "I never would have finished," even though it was one of her goals. "I succeeded in that goal. This is a step up," she said.
She also left school in her senior year when she was pregnant. "I have two kids. I want to be a positive role model. It is better for myself, my kids and my family," she said.
They praised their teacher, Helene Hoover, who said the three women had given her a huge pile of papers to grade, with all their hard work.
"They worked especially hard. They encouraged each other," Hoover added.
Now with her as a full-time teacher, there are usually about 30 inmates participating at a time. The program began in 1988, as a part-time program, said Rhonda Schadler, director of the adult education program for the Cassopolis Public Schools.
Ryan Reynolds of Edwardsburg was also invited to participate in the snacks and congratulations, as he had finished his GED, beginning at Red Brick School.
"I'm glad I took the time to get it taken care of," Reynolds said.
If they have been released, the new graduates are also eligible to attend the adult education actual graduation in the spring. They all showed an interest in taking college level courses.