First Ripley Co. inmate receives high school equivalency diploma

Program began back in October

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – The Ripley County Jail celebrated its first ever high school equivalency graduate last week.

Leia Woody is the first student to earn her GED through the program which began in October.

The program allows inmates at the jail to gain their high school equivalency through a partnership with River Valley Resources. 

Students attend class each week working toward proficiency in all core subjects until they’re ready to complete the HiSET. 

Woody received college ready-scores and will continue working with her teacher at River Valley Resources in preparation to attend college upon her release.

“Leia is an incredibly hard worker. She always comes to class eager to learn and she has such a light-hearted and uplifting demeanor. She keeps her classmates motivated and I appreciate the commitment to her studies outside of class, too. She’ll be an asset in any career field,” said Kati Elliott who serves as a corrections instructor with River Valley Resources. 

Here are more photos from the graduation ceremony: