Juvenile Justice Commission
Holds High School Commencement Ceremony

MONROE TOWNSHIP - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) today held its annual high school commencement ceremony at the New Jersey Training School (NJTS) in Monroe Township. The Honorable Torkwase SeKou, Superior Court Judge, Essex County, the keynote speaker, and Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, Juvenile Justice Commission, presented 54 graduates with their high school diplomas or General Equivalency Degrees (GED). An additional 48 students received their diplomas or GEDs over the course of the year and have since left the JJC's care.

The graduates have met the graduation requirements of the New Jersey Department of Education. The JJC coordinates each student's curricula with his or her home school to allow the student to receive a diploma from his or her local education authority. Students receiving their diplomas come from NJTS, Juvenile Medium Security Facility (JMSF), Life Skills and Leadership Academy, the Female Secure and Intake Facility, and several of the JJC's 22 residential community homes and day programs located throughout the State.

"The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission has a challenging job - to turn around the lives of troubled young people and give them the tools they need to succeed. A diploma demonstrates that these young men and women have applied themselves to their studies and successfully met the requirements to receive their degrees. This achievement provides them with a sense of accomplishment and self-worth that will help them succeed throughout their lives," said Executive Director Beyer. "Education is the foundation of the Juvenile Justice Commission - it is our highest priority. We know that a high school diploma will open more doors for young people than almost anything else that we can give them. By realizing each youth’s individual potential, we can change his or her future."

Juveniles are placed with the JJC by the courts. Students are evaluated upon entry to the JJC and are placed in academic classes according to their abilities in each area. The JJC also coordinates with sending school districts to ensure that students are keeping up with the curriculum being taught in their sending districts. For those returning back to school from the JJC, this coordination makes the transition easier and ensures that students return to their home schools at the same place as their classmates.

In addition to the core curriculum, JJC students are instructed in gang awareness, respect and dignity, and various vocational programs and physical education.

The JJC employs more than 400 teachers, school psychologists, nutritionists, vocational teachers and support staff. These professionals provide state-of-the-art instruction to students in JJC programs, juvenile county detention centers, and community-based programs throughout the state.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com