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Nine inmates graduate after a major accomplishment
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Nine inmates were celebrated for a major career accomplishment.
The Waiawa Correctional Facility hosted a graduation ceremony and luncheon for nine inmates who received Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary Arts certificates on June 6.
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The graduates completed a six-month Culinary Arts Program, a college-level program where students learn the fundamentals of culinary arts, time management, teamwork and other practical skills.
'The purpose of the program is to provide knowledge, a pathway for a solid career in the restaurant industry,' Waiawa Correctional Facility Education Supervisor Kerry Iwashita said.
For the graduates who want to further their education, the 14 credits earned from the Culinary Arts Program will appear in their University of Hawaiʻi transcripts.
'Sometimes it takes a jarring experience in life for somebody to take life more seriously. When you guys offer opportunities like culinary arts to people in incarceration, you supply us with the strength, hope and determination we need to stay out of prison and make something of ourselves,' graduate Ronald Graham said.
The graduates prepared a mix of savory and sweet dishes for attendees at the luncheon including:
Somen Taco Salad
Giardiniera Salad
BBQ Kalua Pork Quesadillas
Spam Raisu
Lo Mai Gai
Beef Moussaka
Stuffed Eggplant
Honey Walnut Chicken
Plum Glazed Chicken and Spinach/Mushroom Roulade
Cream Cheese Tiramisu
Watergate Salad
Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones
'Pineapple Sorbet' Plantation Berry Iced TeaThe Culinary Arts Program is also offered at the Women's Community Correctional Center.
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