The Escambia County Corrections Department proudly recognized four Jail GED Program graduates with a ceremony Friday, Feb. 9 at the Escambia County Jail, celebrating their dedication to achieving educational goals. This marked the second formal graduation ceremony hosted by Escambia County to recognize individuals housed at the jail who receive their GED diplomas in only four months.
Christopher Taylor, 17, Saffron Young, 36, Krystel Theologis, 28, and Deltras Johnson, 35, earned their GED diplomas through the program while incarcerated.
At the ceremony, Escambia County Corrections Director Tammy Jarvis commended the graduates for their accomplishment and encouraged them to work toward their goals.
"Graduates, congratulations on what you’ve accomplished," Jarvis said. "You’ve done this under some very trying situations. Continue to utilize your time while you’re here for something positive and to keep moving forward. Whatever got you here, put that in your rear view mirror. Change is possible. This shows that you are committed to change it shows you are committed to improve and change your life— continue on that path."
Each of the graduates expressed a specific goal they plan to purse once they are released this year.
- Taylor plans to enroll in George Stone Technical Center's Aviation Airframe Mechanics Program.
- Young wants to further continue her education through additional schooling locally.
- Theologis plans to enroll in a local cosmetology program.
- Johnson is interested in both the carpentry program at George Stone Technical Center and the business program at Virginia College and will decide between the two later this year.
Other ceremony attendees included Maj. Greg Nash, Officer in Charge of Security 1st Lt. Jason Walker, Program Coordinator Donna Wilson, Instructors Rayshell Fairley and Charles Hall, and drop off prevention instructor Bradley Naggetz, along with graduates' family members.
The Escambia County Corrections Department has offered a GED program for many years, becoming a certified testing center through the Florida Department of Education in 2014.
Christopher Taylor, Deltras Johnson, Krystel Theologis, and Saffron Young graduated with their GED diploma Friday at the Escambia County Jail.
Christopher Taylor, center, graduated with his GED diploma Friday at the Escambia County Jail. Pictured with (left to right) Instructor Bradley Naggetz and Program Coordinator Donna Wilson.
Deltras Johnson, center, graduated with his GED diploma Friday at the Escambia County Jail. Pictured with (left to right) Instructor Charles Hall and Program Coordinator Donna Wilson.
Saffron Young, center, graduated with her GED diploma Friday at the Escambia County Jail. Pictured with (left to right) Instructor Rayshell Fairley and Program Coordinator Donna Wilson.
Krystel Theologis, center, graduated with her GED diploma Friday at the Escambia County Jail. Pictured with (left to right) Instructor Rayshell Fairley and Program Coordinator Donna Wilson.
Jail Programs Division Supervisor Lt. Jason Walker speaks to graduates at a GED graduation ceremony Friday, Feb. 9 at the Escambia County Jail. 
