PHOTOS: Graduating from jail to a freedom mindset

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PHOTOS: Graduating from jail to a freedom mindset

Athens-Clarke County Jail has embarked this year on a bold experiment aimed at making it less likely inmates will return after they’re set free. A select group of inmates graduate from the Re-Entry Success Program in June.

Darryl Fitch gets ready to change into a suit before a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Program graduates, including Donovan Mallard (foreground), enter for their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Darryl Fitch, reflected in a jail mirror, ties a necktie before a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Darryl Fitch (foreground) and Quadree Banks get ready for a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Kirby Kesler gets ready for a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Shane Sims (right), founder of Principles over Passion, helps graduate Kirby Kesler with tying a necktie as Deputy Gloria Pender (left) looks on before a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Kirby Kesler (center) talks with other program graduates as they prepare for their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Cornelius Peterson prepares for a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Cameron Stockton (right) helps Eldreco Craft with tying a necktie before their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Deputy Gloria Pender (left) and Donovan Mallard help Cornelius Peterson with tying a necktie before their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Athens-Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams congratulates Greg Mouzayck (left) before a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Cornelius Peterson practices his speech as other graduates Jaime Hargrove (left) and Cedric Burton look on before their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Graduates Cameron Stockton (from left), Kemorion Brown (GED graduate) and Eldreco Craft speak to their friends and family members via inmate phone system before their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Deputy Gloria Pender (background) takes a picture as Shane Sims (right), founder of Principles over Passion, helps graduate Kirby Kesler with a necktie before their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Kirby Kesler (left) receives his certificate from Lt. Gary Davenport during a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Program graduates Cameron Stockton speaks as Greg Mouzayck stands next him during their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Kevin Moon reacts as Athens-Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams (not pictured) speaks during the graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Patrick Wilkins (front left) and Eldreco Craft (front right) react as Athens-Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams (not pictured) speaks during their graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Program graduates, including Cameron Stockton (center), pray during a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Athens-Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams speaks during a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Kirby Kesler is congratulated by class instructors and volunteers after receiving his certificate during a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Darryl Fitch gets ready to change into a suit before a graduation ceremony for the Re-Entry Success Program at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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