Iosco RESA Adult Education, in partnership with Cheboygan Co. Jail, is proud to announce the graduation of our latest HiSET high school equivalency graduate, Clinton Ormsbee. Jail Administrator Brenda Beckwith says this was the first graduation held in the jail in over 10 years. Mr. Ormsbee’s success was celebrated on March 11, 2025 and attended by Cheboygan Co. Sheriff, Todd Ross; Undersheriff, Kelsey Kennedy; Jail Administrator, Lt. Brenda Beckwith; Deputy, R. Brown; Corrections Cpl., M. Meldrum; and several other corrections staff. Education staff in attendance were Director of IRESA Adult Ed; Whitney Dettmer; IRESA Adult Ed Teacher, Nathan Kennedy, and IRESA Adult Ed Special Initiatives Coordinator, Mandi McDonald.
IRESA Adult Ed. Teacher Nathan Kennedy attests that Mr. Ormsbee's educational success can be attributed to his self-motivation, organization, and adaptability. Mr. Kennedy said, “Balancing his studies with daily work commitments, Clinton attended every class period and completed all assignments in a timely manner. Never hesitating to ask questions, Clinton took on challenging curriculum with a critical and self-reflective approach -- traits essential for the successful adult learner. Clinton's persistent engagement and effective study habits allowed him to pass each of his exams on the first attempt, accomplishing a string of short term goals on his way to graduation. Because of Clinton's strong sense of self-direction and self-motivation, his future success in education and employment is all but assured.”
Mr. Ormsbee expressed optimism about his release and how graduation would lead on to a career. When asked what he would like to do next, he said, “I’d like to study welding.” Mr. Ormsbee also expressed thanks to his teacher and the jail administration and staff for their support during the learning process and for the graduation recognition, which was celebrated together with a cake, cap, gown, and photos.
IRESA Adult Education serves Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, and Ogemaw Counties, and is working hard to create opportunities and improve education for all area students, with the majority of students studying at their 11 public locations. IRESA looks forward to continuing this partnership with Cheboygan Co. Jail to support more inmate graduates and the potential to expand program offerings to incarcerated and civilian students alike.
If you or someone you know needs a high school diploma or GED, some refresher work in math or literacy skills, or would like to find out more about upcoming training programs, please contact the Cheboygan/Presque Isle Counties IRESA Adult Education Teacher, Nathan Kennedy at (231) 597-7251, or our main IRESA Adult Ed line at (989) 305-8063. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website at https://www.ioscoresa.net/page/adult-education.