More than 400 inmates have earned their GEDs while incarcerated at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
 
Eleven more inmates graduated from the program during a ceremony Thursday at the detention center.
 
Sheriff Robert F. Arnold knew some of the graduates from working in the detention center. Without a GED, Arnold noted many inmates who sought jobs after their release might have the door slammed in their face.
 
Earning a GED gives inmates an opportunity to improve their lives and not return to the center at 940 New Salem Highway, the sheriff said.
 
Inmate Cathy Marable, who earned the highest score, gave the graduation speech. She told inmates she strived to get her GED “but drugs became a stumbling block in my life and hindered any chance to further my education.”
 
“I knew that I had to do something different if I wanted to break this cycle. I had to get in school so that I could get my GED because that is the only way I will succeed in whatever I set out to accomplish in my life,” Marable said. Tonight, I stand boldly unafraid to face society because the Lord has given me hind feet to climb all mountains so that I can go to higher places in life.
 
Administrative Chief Deputy Joe Russell said the graduates made a good decision to get a GED.
 
“Education is the No. 1 thing that can’t be taken away from you,” Russell said.

Rutherford County Adult Education teacher Rodney Hayes said the inmates who earned their GEDs said good decisions will result in good consequences. He urged graduates to face challenges.
 
“You need to pursue those dreams,” Hayes said.
 
Lt. Chris Deal, who supervises educational programs, said inmates may use the GED to achieve success in life.
 
“Shoot for the moon and even though you might miss, you will land among the stars,” Deal said.