By Mary Clarkin
The Hutchinson News
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Chocolate cake, a framed diploma, a smiling teacher and a proud father – all awaited the graduate when he entered the room for a surprise gathering Wednesday afternoon inside the Reno County Correctional Facility.
The new jail constructed at 1800 S. Severance St. marked its first anniversary in August, and Jacob Elzey, 25, became the first inmate to earn a high school diploma through general educational development tests.
“I’m trying to benefit out of this and grow,” Elzey had said in an interview with The News. “I’m definitely ready to change my life.”
Demolition of the old-style Reno County jail began this week inside the Reno County Law Enforcement Center adjacent to the courthouse. That jail was considered outdated and cramped, and lacked space for special programs. The new structure was designed with classrooms and other spaces for programs.
Elzey participates in an ongoing peer support program. “I pretty much need it,” said the former drug abuser.
He received a certificate for taking an anger management class and is going to take a life skills class. This summer, he became a trusty. That brings added responsibilities and enables him to earn a couple of dollars a day.
When it came to paying the GED cost, Elzey had some money in his account at the jail. Was he willing to spend it for this?
“There was no hesitation,” said Michael Hill Jr., program director at the Reno County Correctional Facility.
Donations helped, too. Staff members contributed $5 to participate in a dress-down day, with the proceeds going to the GED cause. Sgt. Daniel Wornkey has a stern reputation, but he was the first one to give $5.
“You’ve got a lot of support,” Sheriff Randy Henderson told the new graduate.
Henderson also directed a message to the five other inmates invited to the celebration because of their GED program involvement.
“And to the rest of you guys, it’s possible,” he said.
Young dropout
Elzey spent part of his growing-up years in foster care. He went to Hutchinson High School his freshman year and that was it, he said.
He got into drugs and “that really messed me up,” he said. He rebelled against his father and resented the places where he was sent, he said.
His first appearances in Reno County juvenile court came in 2008 and 2009, on drug and theft charges. More charges followed in 2011, 2012 and in 2013. Twice in 2015, he was arrested on various charges including drugs and theft and criminal damage to property. A plea agreement has been reached in the 2015 cases. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9 in Reno County District Court.
He’s single but has children. He faces the sentencing prospect of up to 59 months and is prepared for state prison, although he hopes the sentence will be reduced.
“I’m very nervous about what will happen,” he said. “Whatever happens, I’ll be able to get past it. No matter what happens, it will make me a better person.”
“If I got this in a month and a half, I could do anything,” he said of the GED.
Studying
Elzey earned the GED through an adult basic education program associated with Hutchinson Community College. The college’s Melody Nisly goes to the jail two afternoons a week to conduct classes.
This was not Elzey’s first stab at getting a GED while in the Reno County jail.
“He really moved forward when he took ownership of and responsibility for his progress,” according to Nisly.
He studied with another inmate and had a GED book to help, too.
To take the online tests on language arts, math, science and social sciences, Elzey was escorted to the campus. He no longer fit into his old street clothes, but was given non-prison clothes to wear. His wrists were in handcuffs that were shielded from view as he was taken to the site.
Reno County Correctional Facility Capt. Shawn McClay and Hill told him he had passed all four tests. Elzey is viewed as an example for other inmates. But a former inmate offers an example, too.
That inmate took the GED tests earlier and passed three of the four exams. The failing score was only a few points shy of passing. Subsequently, the grading system was adjusted. That meant the inmate actually had passed all the exams. By the time the scoring was changed, however, the inmate had been discharged.
He didn’t stay on the straight and narrow, and law enforcement officers don’t know his location. He doesn’t know he qualified for his GED.
“Blessed”
“We’re definitely blessed to have this jail,” Elzey said. “I think that this saved my life.”
“You’ve changed drastically,” Henderson said.
With sentencing looming, Elzey isn’t making plans. He thinks he wants to further his education and he’s inspired by program director Hill.
“I would like to talk to young adults and influence them to want to change their lives,” Elzey said. He realizes he will be leaving a place where people have expectations for him to succeed.
The hardest thing can be asking for help, Hill said. “There’s going to be plenty of people who want to help you,” Hill reminded.
For now, the framed diploma is going home with the graduate’s father.
“Good job,” said Terry Elzey as he hugged his son.
After his son left, the older Elzey thanked Nisly and Henderson and jail officials.
“It’s nice to see that something is happening here. That’s so cool,” Terry Elzey said.