Cal City Prison Holds First College Graduation Ceremony

Eight men became the first graduates of Cerro Coso's Prison Education Program at the California City Correctional Facility on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Inmates donned traditional caps and gowns and various colored stoles before a welcomed assembly of family, inmates, custody staff, educators, and administrators. Mr. Johnny Lavender gave the student address and Dr. Lincoln Johnson served as the CDCR guest speaker. All eight graduates received Associate degrees, and three are Phi Theta Kappa members along with 14 other inmates. The California City House Band, featuring Ms. Tiffany Argumedo, provided the music for the event. The first eight to graduate from the College's Prison Education Program included Andrew Ariaga, John Classick, Van Do, Adam Gordon, Lorenzo Gunn IV, Cristin Jimenez, Johnny Lavender, Frank Rivera, and Adam Ullah.