John Liggett - Pennsylvania Adult Basic and Literacy Education Outstanding Student of the Year 2007

John Liggitt’s journey to the successful completion of a GED began not long after he entered Washington Co. Correctional Facility. It was apparent from the beginning that John was extremely bright, full of potential, and possessed a strong desire to be successful in the completion of a GED.

Attending an Adult Education class in a correctional facility presents many challenges. Class time is directly impacted for a variety of reasons. To be successful a student must possess discipline, tenacity, and a strong work ethic. Much of the work must be completed on the housing unit. Many of the students do not have the tools to set goals and work toward them. This was not the case with John.

John attended class faithfully and worked diligently to improve his skills. He embraced the learning process like no other student. He asked for extra homework and always completed all of his assignments. He worked hardest on his essay strategies producing some of the most thoughtful, touching essays his instructor had ever read.

As his educational experience progressed John began to develop self-confidence, which he was lacking when he began the program. He began to recognize many of the mistakes he had made in the past and accepted responsibility for his abhorrent behavior and poor judgment. He wanted to make a positive change in his life and attainment of the GED was the first step. He became a vocal advocate for the program on the housing unit, encouraging his peers to attend, even if they had a high school diploma.

John successfully completed the program in December of 2006 but continued to attend until his release in January of 2007. He has investigated several vocational technical programs and is also looking in to the possibility of attending college. John broke through the cycle of hopelessness often encountered in the prison system and will be an inspiration to those who are still working to create a productive future.

"I have made some good and bad decisions in my life. One of the best decisions I made was to enroll in Adult Education classes at WCCF. The opportunity to pursue and get my GED has helped improved my life in many ways."