BRUCE VOLTZ, one of the commencement speakers during Larch Corrections Center’s graduation ceremony, is shown with his parents Jackie and Robert Vodjansky. Photo by Steve Kadel
LARCH CORRECTIONS CENTER could be mistaken for an attractive community college campus, except for the razor wire. Photo by Steve Kadel
William Sheldon found himself backed into a corner a few years ago.
He had no education.
He had no money.
He had children to support.
So Sheldon began selling meth, and eventually was arrested for delivery and sent to prison. Now, the former Kitsap County resident believes that was a good thing.
“Prison saved my life,” he said during an interview last week. “It got me clean. Dope ruined my life and my children’s lives. Hearing my daughter cry on the phone is something I never want to hear again.”
Sheldon, 29, talked about his past life on a day when his future seemed bright. He was among 183 Larch Correction Center inmates who donned blue robes June 20 to accept graduation certificates for educational programs they completed through Clark College.
Larch, located 15 miles east of Battle Ground, is a finishing school of sorts for Washington State Department of Corrections inmates with four years or less to serve before being released. Education is one of the components Larch offers to prepare them for another chance at real life.
“The last four years, we’re all about re-entry,” Larch spokeswoman Danette Gadberry said.
Inmates can take adult basic education classes focusing on reading, writing, math and GED test preparation. Or they can tackle vocational classes such as automotive service and brake repair, a small business basics program, or computer courses.
The automotive program prepares graduates for entry level employment. The small business courses are a pathway for those who want to continue business studies, and up to 25 credits can be earned.
Officials hope to add programs in welding, building maintenance and waste management in the future.
Sheldon, who has enjoyed working on cars since he was a young boy, is proud of what he’s accomplished in prison and is looking ahead to taking an auto mechanics course soon. His goal is to get an auto mechanics degree and open a shop of his own after being released.
“I’m doing right for myself and my family,” he said. “This is one of the best educational programs in the prison system.”
In the past, Sheldon would have been an unlikely candidate to become a commencement speaker. But he filled that role during graduation ceremonies last week, telling other inmates how much he appreciated the opportunities for education and the support of Larch inmates who have become his friends.
Bruce Voltz, 33, also spoke during commencement. He was incarcerated for delivery of a controlled substance, but made good use of his time by completing both the automotive and business programs.
Voltz compiled a 3.9 grade-point-average, earning scholastic honors an a letter of congratulations by the Clark College vice president. Voltz’s mother and father, Jackie and Robert Vodjansky, were in the audience to hear their son make the first speech of his life.
“Like many of the men here I have made a mistake or two, but since I’ve been at Larch, God has really opened my eyes to see that I can do so much more with my life,” he said. “I’m proud to say that I am no longer who I was and I am on my way to who I want to be – someone who can encourage others not only in words but with my actions.”
Former Woodland Public Schools teacher Steve Smith, now a GED instructor at Larch, said Voltz is sincere about his life change.
“He has displayed constantly his desire to be helpful, courteous and apply to his life what he’s learned here,” Smith said. “He was in my class and he worked diligently.”
James Kinney, of Longview, is another inmate who attended Larch’s religious programs. Offenders have the chance each week to attend Protestant, Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Buddhist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter-day Saints, Native American, Muslim services or prison fellowship. Larch has a staff chaplain, although many of the services are provided by community volunteers.
Kinney, who was convicted of making domestic violence threats, is scheduled for release in six months. He said church activities have helped him recover from meth use.
“Church and celebrating recovery is where I’m going to put my time,” Kinney said. “And being with my kids.”
