Troubled Past Doesn't Keep Girls From Graduation

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Several girls now have a high school diploma, which they earned behind the fences of a local correctional facility.

The Governor's wife, Mary Perdue, delivered a special message to graduates at the Macon Youth Development Campus Wednesday.

The Macon YDC is the state's only all-female correctional facility for girls up to age 18.  While most of their peers earn a diploma in a high school, these girls choose an education in a challenging learning environment.

"I'm just proud of myself," said 18-year old Maria Calderon. 

High school diploma in hand,  she's ready to start a new life.  Maria has been working towards this goal for two years at the Macon Youth Development Campus after being locked up for aggravated assault.

"I was 16 at the time.  I can tell I've matured.  I take life seriously now... I just want more for myself."

Maria and six other girls now have their high school diploma or GED.

Commissioner Albert Murray over the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice said, "We see it as being our job to invest in the young people we have in our custody so that they can be citizens that Georgia will be proud of and I believe they will."

First Lady Mary Perdue talked about the importance of achieving goals and choosing a mentor.

"They've been through some difficult times in their lives and when they have this kind of an accomplishment, getting their diplomas or GED, I think it's important for us to acknowledge that and congratulate them and let them know we support them and we have faith in their futures," she said.

Whether it's going to college or joining the military like Shontajah Small plans to do...

"I got a long ways to go and I want to be somebody," Small said.

...Every girl now has a goal she's working towards.

"What I plan on doing with myself is owning my own organization for kids who are troubled.  Kids that have been down the same road I have," Victoria Montgomery said.

Whatever they aspire to do, family and friends are behind them the entire way.

"The turmoil she has had in her life at such a young age and then to see her walk across that stage meant so much to me," Maria's mother, Veronica Calderon, said.

Maria said she plans "to go to Armstrong Atlanta University in Savannah and I plan to become a registered nurse."

One of Maria's biggest inspirations is her one year old son John.  She hopes one day he will also realize the importance of an education; and that no matter what hardships you face, you can always strive for something better.

Even after receiving a diploma or GED, the girls have to finish their sentence at the Youth Development Campus.  One graduate even came back to receive her diploma in person, after already being released.