Saturday marked a momentous day for one Burke County family.
Four members of the same family plus the family’s caregiver received their high school diploma as part of the Burke County Rural Communities Diploma Program.
A 2022 car accident had left William Griffin paralyzed, and his dream of earning his diploma seemed unattainable, but a relative encouraged him to “do more for himself,” according to a news release.
On March 15, not only did Griffin receive his diploma, but his 75-year-old mother, Myrtis; 34-year-old niece, Felicia; her 51-year-old husband, Joe; and William Griffin’s 34-year-old caregiver, Courtney Livingston, all received theirs as well.
And William Griffin walked across the stage to receive his diploma.
The family is part of a class of 81 graduates, all of whom completed the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Rural Communities Diploma Program, one of three key goals of Burke IMPACT that seeks to decrease socio-economic disparities related to education, employment, and exposure to violence.
“IMPACT has been a beacon of positive change in our community,” said Sgt. Antonio Young, juvenile compliance officer with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office in the news release. “This graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Griffin family and all the graduates who have worked tirelessly to earn their diplomas and embark on a new chapter in their lives.”
The other two key IMPACT goals include utilizing the Crisis Assistance Helping Our on the Streets (CAHOOTS) program to increase the capacity of communities and law enforcement to address various systemic ills that lead to violent crime; and utilizing an evidence-based program, Cure Violence, to reduce gun crimes, gang affiliation and other behaviors that may lead to violent crime and illegal drug use.
“This project is one of three parts of a $1.3 million dollar grant the Buke County Sheriff’s Office received from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget aimed at reducing violence amongst our youth as a result of COVID. During that period, we experienced higher rates of violence. We believe through greater awareness and collaboration among youth and their families, we can help them achieve greater success through education, mental wellness and counseling services,” said Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams.
More than 200 people have graduated since the diploma program began in 2023.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is one of 25 community entities partnering with the Tiers Free Academy, which offers online homeschool programs for students K-12 to adults. Operating with law enforcement agencies and re-entry programs, the academy is open to all students in Georgia who do not have a high school diploma.
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