Chaffey Celebrates 12th Commencement at California Institution for Women
Misti Mangone experienced mixed feelings as she watched her fellow inmates at the California Institution for Women come and go from their Chaffey College classes. She didn’t think she was cut out for college, having failed at her first attempt while behind bars.
But after giving it another try with Chaffey, she not only passed her classes, she graduated with honors.
“I just found out this morning that I’m valedictorian,” she said. “Having that validation is something I never thought I’d feel.”
Mangone was one of five women receiving degrees and certificates at Chaffey College’s 12th CIW Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 5.
“Today we are celebrating something powerful,” said California Department of Corrections Deputy Warden Daisy Tamayo. “What we are celebrating is your commitment, resilience and your willingness to rewrite your story.”
Chaffey College Student Government President/Trustee Matthew Caddell challenged the graduates to continue to break stereotypes and shatter expectations. Caddell, a member of the Rising Scholars program himself, shared his story of succeeding in college despite having a challenging past.
“The world tells people like us that we don’t make it here. That students with our backgrounds, our stories, our scars – don’t end up on college campuses. That we don’t become leaders or scholars or advocates or graduates. But we are living proof that the world is wrong,” he said.
The ceremony drew a full audience of fellow inmates, as well as family and friends. Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon applauded the crowd for their unwavering support of the students.
He also acknowledged the sacrifice and struggle the graduates had to endure to make it to commencement.
“Many of you earned this achievement while carrying burdens that most people will never see – separation from family, the weight of past decisions, the challenge of rebuilding confidence, and the courage it takes to believe in your own future again. That makes this accomplishment even more extraordinary,” he said.
